Chapter 146



Kallie texted Brent: “But then it dawned on me. I no longer have to run away. I’m alright now. Everything’s okay.”

Brent immediately picked up on the underlying distress in Kallie’s words and quickly responded, “Kallie, what’s going on? What happened?”

Kallie nearly broke down, but she managed to suppress her tears and typed with effort: “I’m fine, just exhausted and in need of some rest. I don’t want to be a burden, Mr. Hayes. I know you have a lot on your plate, so please, don’t spend your time worrying about me.”

After sending the text, Kallie shut off her phone. She curled up, her face hidden in her knees, engulfed by a sense of helplessness. Even her sobs were silent.

Kallie despised her own vulnerability but felt trapped, resolved not to involve anyone else in her troubles.

Now that the troublemakers were out of the picture, Jake experienced a small relief.

Edgar, noticing Jake’s recent concerns, suggested, “Mr. Reeves, the doctors have reported significant improvement in Kallie’s health. Perhaps a visit to the hospital might be good for both of you.”

Jake massaged his temples, his eyes closed, and he responded without hesitation, “She doesn’t want to see me at all. Why should I bother visiting her? Look, it’s been days. Has she even once asked to see me?”

In fact, Kallie had, just a few days ago.

Jake had carved out time to visit the hospital, only to end up being stood up for reasons unknown to him.

At times, Jake wondered if his leniency with Kallie made her believe he was always at her disposal.

Edgar cleared his throat, breaking the silence. “I think there might be a misunderstanding between you two. From Kallie’s perspective, it seems like she’s isolated in the hospital. The nurse mentioned she’s been staring out the window, looking quite despondent.”

Jake’s gaze turned icy as he looked at Edgar. “Others might be in the dark, but you know the real reason.”

Edgar fell silent. He was indeed aware of the truth.

Dean, along with Shirley and Melinda, had always harbored resentment toward Kallie.

Moreover, the enemies of the Reeves Group had suddenly become more coordinated, causing significant problems for Jake.

This time, with the incident involving the pregnant manager, Jake had narrowly escaped trouble. He might not be so lucky next time.

Mₒᵣₑ ᵤₚdₐₜₑₛ ᵢₙ gₐₗₙₒᵥₑₗₛ.𝒸ₒₘ Jake’s relationship with Kallie was tense, yet she remained his wife officially.

Edgar let out a sigh and suggested, “Perhaps you could speak with her just to let her know the challenges you’re facing.”

Jake took a sip of wine, his gaze clouded with emotions hard to decipher. “You just don’t understand. She holds a grudge against me. No matter my actions, she believes I intend to harm her. Trying to explain feels futile. Why waste my time?”

With those words, Jake took another sip of his wine.

At that moment, a desperate knock sounded at the door.

Jake looked at Edgar.

Edgar went to answer it.

Sarah, absent in the countryside for a considerable time, burst in. Tears streamed down her face as she nearly fell while attempting to embrace Jake.

However, before Sarah could reach Jake, Edgar steered her aside.

With a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, Edgar spoke. “Miss Miller, Mr. Reeves is quite worn out from handling business affairs. Perhaps it would be best to discuss this later. He really needs some rest.”

Sarah brushed Edgar’s hand away and sat down, her expression one of deep sorrow and complaint. “Jake, I truly realize my mistake now. I swear I won’t bother Kallie again. Just look at me—unscathed—and here I am, suffering. Isn’t this punishment enough? I promise I’ll behave and not bother Kallie anymore. Can you please forgive me?”

Sarah’s eyes, brimming with tears, begged for understanding. The hardships she had faced in the countryside had overwhelmed her. Having been coddled from childhood, she had never encountered such difficulties.

As Sarah journeyed back, her resentment toward Jake grew. She despised his harshness and indifference to her. She was frustrated that he still exploited her, letting everyone believe they were traveling together.

When acquaintances inquired about her time with Jake during her return, Sarah found it impossible to express her torment.

Yet, despite her grievances, every time she remembered Jake’s face, her anger faded. It dawned on her just how deeply she loved him. She realized that her resentment should be directed at Kallie, not Jake.

On her way back, she narrowly avoided a car accident, which seemed like more than just a coincidence.

At that time, fear had silenced Sarah.

The incident on the road had nearly been fatal, reinforcing her feelings for Jake.

As Jake took a few sips of his drink and cast a sidelong glance at Sarah, he posed a sudden question. “Tell me the truth. Did you really mean what you said earlier?”

Sarah looked down and responded, “Yes, I really did.”

Jake made a clicking sound with his tongue. “You know, after thinking about it, I realize it wasn’t entirely your fault. Kallie might have overreacted. She could’ve settled the matter privately with you, but instead, she escalated it, putting me in a bad spot.”

Sarah’s spirits lifted, and she sulked. “You can say that again! It’s like she did it just to make me look like the bad guy, always playing the victim. I was the one who ended up hurt. She received all the sympathy. If only I had known, I might have pushed her instead.”

The more Sarah vented, the more agitated she became until she caught Jake’s pointed look.

Sarah quickly clamped her lips shut and, with a look of distress, apologized, “Sorry, Jake, I shouldn’t have said that.”

Jake smiled icily, his cheeks flushed from the alcohol, enhancing the charm of his grin. He gently caressed Sarah’s cheek with his hand. “You’re right. It was definitely Kallie’s fault. Are you free tonight? I’d love to grab some drinks with you.”

Sarah’s face brightened with excitement, and she nodded vigorously. “I’m free! Where do you want to go? Here? The company has so many people around. Wouldn’t that be awkward?”

Her cheeks flushed as she spoke.

Jake’s eyes shifted from Sarah to Edgar. “Reserve a table for us. In thirty minutes, take Sarah there.”

Edgar nodded, giving Sarah a complex look before he left, which Sarah decided to ignore.

Bravely, Sarah latched onto Jake’s arm. “Jake, if we end up drinking too much, are you planning to go back tonight? Edgar mentioned you’ve been exhausted lately. You could stay at my place for a couple of days. I’ll cook for you.”

Jake’s smile remained, but a cold spark flickered in his eyes.

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