Chapter 148



Kallie zoomed in on the photos.

The pictures captured Jake and Sarah engaged in a romantic candlelit dinner.

They hadn’t opted for a secluded room. Instead, they selected a location beside the ocean. It appeared they were unconcerned about secrecy.

In the photos, Sarah was playfully feeding Jake, while Jake carefully peeled shrimp for her.

They exuded the aura of a real couple, radiating a love so profound it could spark envy in others.

Kallie wanted to explain to Brent that this was not the cause of her hesitation, yet she found herself fixated on Jake’s image in the photos for an extended period. She endeavored to memorize his features, aware she might never encounter him again.

Kallie resolved to leave. She planned to distance herself far from the Hayes family, to avoid causing any disturbances. Even if tragedy befell her unborn baby, she was prepared to face life on her own.

After making up her mind, Kallie sent a text to Brent. “I’ll come with you.”

Brent’s face lit up with a smile as he read the message.

Thirty minutes later, Kallie was safely seated in the car parked outside the hospital.

The moment Brent turned on the ignition, the situation seemed surreal to Kallie. She was finally free from her nightmare.

At the same time, Melinda received word that Jake had come to the hospital to visit Kallie.

Unable to sleep and filled with concern, Melinda hurried to the hospital.

Although she was aware that Kallie was pregnant, she kept this information to herself and even forced the primary doctor to persuade Kallie to consider an abortion, driven by a personal vendetta and other motives.

Melinda’s actions were partly for Dean’s sake. Shirley was visibly upset with Jake’s protective stance toward Kallie, resulting in Shirley paying more attention to Dean.

ｍ𝚘𝚛ｅ ｕ𝚙ｄ𝚊ｔｅｓ 𝚒ｎ ɢ𝚊ｌ𝚗𝚘ｖ𝚎ｌ𝚜.𝚌𝚘𝚖 Melinda’s unease grew after consulting with the primary doctor, who suggested that Kallie’s baby was likely a boy.

This revelation filled Melinda with dread. If Kallie bore the first son of the Reeves family, what would become of her own position?

By then, Shirley was bound to turn her attention back to Jake, and Dean, knowing Melinda could no longer have children, would likely seek a divorce.

Thus, Melinda felt Kallie’s baby became a liability that needed to be dealt with.

With these thoughts, a chill swept through Melinda’s gaze. She hastened to the primary doctor’s office and rapped sharply on the door.

The primary doctor was on the verge of leaving for the day when he encountered Melinda’s grim expression. His heart dropped. “What’s this about? I’ve told you, we need to proceed cautiously. Rushing this could raise suspicions.”

Melinda was losing her patience. “I can’t wait any longer. Jake visited her today, and there’s no telling what they discussed. If he discovers Kallie is pregnant, it’s over for us. We need to perform the abortion on Kallie now. I need this resolved so I can have some peace.”

The primary doctor was cornered and anxious. “You’re putting my life at risk. If Mr. Reeves finds out, there’s no way he’ll spare me.”

Unyielding, Melinda replied sharply, “I’ve secured your escape route. If you don’t follow my orders, you won’t be the only one facing danger.”

The primary doctor was overcome with regret. He lamented his decision to take on Kallie as a patient.

Many sought Kallie’s demise, and to complicate matters further, she was Jake’s wife.

With a resigned sigh, the primary doctor conceded, “I’ll take care of it immediately. However, I must caution you, carrying out an abortion at this hour will surely raise eyebrows. Mr. Reeves will know at once. Have you considered your explanation to him?”

Melinda responded with a nonchalant smile, “Why should I explain? It will be Kallie who must justify herself. She’s the one who signed the consent form. It’s her decision to terminate the pregnancy, not ours.”

Pausing, her eyes alight with a sinister sparkle, she added, “And there’s something else. Here’s a better plan. You can incapacitate her during the surgery. Don’t end her life—just ensure she never regains consciousness. She’s already unable to speak due to her damaged vocal cords. Why not render her completely silent forever?”

The primary doctor was horrified by Melinda’s cold-bloodedness. Yet, the more he pondered it, the more he felt the allure of her plan. His primary concern had become his own safety. Kallie’s life no longer held any value for him.

Hastily, the primary doctor and a nurse hurried toward Kallie’s ward.

Upon opening the door, they were greeted by an empty room.

Melinda, not yet realizing the gravity of the situation, furrowed her brow and questioned, “What’s happening here? Where is she? Was she moved to another room?”

The primary doctor, visibly shaken, his voice quivering, replied, “I didn’t move her. She’s escaped!”

Hearing this, Melinda nearly stumbled. In a swift motion, she spun around and slapped the primary doctor forcefully. “Incompetent fool! Go find her this instant!”

With a nod, the primary doctor, clutching his cheek, hurried away to review the security footage.

Soon, the news of Kallie’s mysterious disappearance reached Jake, leaving him dumbfounded. “What’s going on? How does an adult just vanish like that? Aren’t my people overseeing this hospital?”

Edgar, perspiring, explained with uncertainty, “She disappeared as if by magic, Mr. Reeves. Honestly, I don’t think your wife could have managed this alone. I fear…”

Edgar trailed off, but Jake grasped the gravity of the situation without needing further explanation.

Jake’s face hardened, transforming his handsome features into something cold and forbidding. “Are you telling me someone has taken her? Perhaps the work of one of my enemies?”

Edgar responded with a cautious nod, “That’s a possibility, although we’re still unsure who it might be.”

A grim expression settled over Jake as he massaged his temples, his eyes blazing with a dangerous light. “Get the message out. The person who took Kallie away has exactly one hour to return her, or I will stop at nothing to exact vengeance.”

Now, come with me to the hospital.”

Together, Jake and Edgar hurried to the hospital.

Upon their arrival, the primary doctor greeted them, indicating he had vital news to share.

However, as Jake and Edgar stepped into the room, they were surprised to find Melinda there.

Jake’s expression instantly soured, his displeasure evident.

“When did she arrive? Why wasn’t I informed?”

Catching the hint of anger and distrust in Jake’s gaze, Melinda managed an awkward smile and spoke with a touch of guilt. “Shirley hasn’t been feeling well, so I came to pick up her medication. That’s when I came upon the chaos. I made some inquiries and found out that Kallie had left.” Attempting to project innocence, Melinda added, “Jake, did something happen between you and Kallie? What made her leave?”

Jake sank into a chair, his expression darkening, exuding an air of authority. He avoided looking directly at Melinda as he spoke. “Is it any of your business what happens between Kallie and me? Or perhaps you’ve forgotten the reason I was here in the first place?”

As Melinda’s smile wavered, Jake’s patience wore thin. He gestured dismissively, “Please escort her out. I’m occupied and can’t spare the time for this.”

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