Chapter 170



As Sophia departed, she muttered under her breath, “My dad is really getting senile.”

Once Sophia had left, a wave of guilt washed over Kallie. She made a remorseful gesture, explaining that she should have come sooner but had been caught up in too many things and couldn’t make it.

Jerome responded with a gentle shake of his head, his voice filled with warmth, “I understand. You’ve always been good to me. You must have been terribly worried while I was sick!”

Explore captivating tales on galnovels . com Kallie smiled. She comforted him by saying that the doctor had been optimistic, assuring him that with proper rest, he’d have a long life ahead.

Jerome let out a weary sigh before inquiring, “Brent mentioned you’re considering switching jobs within the Hayes Group. Do you think the consultant role isn’t a good fit for you?”

Kallie shook her head, quickly typed a message on her phone, and showed it to Jerome: “I struggle with communication. This role suits someone else better. I’d rather focus on relic restoration, and I’m planning to give a portion of my salary to Brent. You’ve all been so supportive, and with the Hayes Group facing these tough times, I don’t want to add to your troubles.”

“Nonsense,” Jerome said, his brow furrowed in irritation, which caused him to cough violently.

Kallie rushed to his side, supporting him and gently patting his back to calm him.

Jerome gave her a look that was both frustrated and affectionate. “Why all this formality? I already see you as my granddaughter. There’s no need to give your salary back or switch jobs. Just give your all at work and don’t fret over other issues. I might be old, but my mind is still sharp. I didn’t assign you this role without good reason. If you’re not willing to handle the job, it just shows you don’t trust me. Why even come visit then?”

Kallie was touched by his words.

It’s often said that the elderly regress to childlike states, and perhaps there was truth to it.

Kallie reassured Jerome she would continue to work for the Hayes Group, which finally put Jerome at ease.

Jerome sighed deeply and continued, “Even if you weren’t at the Hayes Group, I’d still give you this twenty million. It’s a debt I owe you and Roderick. I’m setting up this job to ease your mental load. Work hard, Kallie, and never hesitate to tell me if you feel aggrieved. Don’t keep it all inside like Brent did. When I’m gone, Brent will lead the Hayes family. He’ll look out for you. You’ll have nothing to fear.”

Jerome gripped Kallie’s hand, his gaze filled with worry.

Tears welled up in Kallie’s eyes. She quickly typed a message on her phone: “Don’t worry about it. You’re going to be okay. The doctor was optimistic about your recovery.”

Sophia, standing at the doorway, had listened to every word. A shadow crossed her face as she muttered bitterly, “That silent bitch?”

When Kallie stepped outside, Sophia shot her a fierce glare.

Kallie clung to Jerome’s earlier words.

Jerome had confided in Kallie about the wrongdoings done by Sophia and her son. Despite his awareness, he felt powerless to stop them. Years before, in a moment of anger, he had treated Sophia harshly, causing her much distress. But she was still his daughter, and the thought of cutting ties with her was unbearable.

As Sophia seemed ready to make amends, Jerome preferred to maintain superficial harmony, setting boundaries only if she crossed the line.

Kallie couldn’t quite see eye to eye with that perspective.

She believed that greed in people was cultivated.

Nonetheless, Kallie remained silent, recognizing the weight behind Jerome’s words. As people aged, they longed for their children’s love. If Sophia could alter her behavior, she and her son could lead fulfilling lives. Their destiny was within their control.

In the hospital room, Sophia watched Jerome take his medication and then decisively dialed Boris’ number.

In Jerome’s presence, Sophia didn’t mince her words. “Boris, Kallie visited your grandfather today. I just can’t understand what appeal that silent woman has. She isn’t even related to the Hayes family by blood, yet your cousin defends her, and so does your grandfather.”

Boris responded with concern, “Where are you now?”

With a smug face, Sophia answered, “In your grandfather’s hospital room. Don’t worry. He’s just taken his medicine and is sound asleep, completely oblivious. Even if the world were ending, he wouldn’t wake up.”

Anxious and concerned, Boris admonished his mother, “Mom, haven’t I told you to be extra careful? Go somewhere else to talk.”

Reluctantly, Sophia stood up and retreated to the bathroom. She continued, “I overheard Jerome and Kallie discussing twenty million and something about supporting her. What does that mean? Is he planning to allocate part of his estate to Kallie after he passes away?”

Sophia couldn’t grasp the full extent of their conversation. She only clung to the mention of twenty million.

A sense of urgency struck Boris. “I had always thought Jerome wasn’t that reckless, but now, I’m not certain. He might not directly leave the inheritance to Kallie, but it’s possible he’d enhance Brent’s share to ensure her protection.”

This unsettled Sophia deeply. “What are we going to do? Your cruel grandfather never intended to leave us anything, and now with Kallie in the picture, if he increases Brent’s share because of her, we’ll end up with nothing.”

“Don’t worry,” Boris reassured her, his eyes narrowing with a sinister intent. “We’ll devise a plan to tarnish Kallie’s reputation, ensuring the Hayes family severs all ties with her. Then, we’ll find a way to claim that twenty million for ourselves.”

Sophia, feeling a surge of relief, responded enthusiastically, “I’ll leave that in your hands. Don’t worry about the hospital. I’ve got everything under control here.”

After Boris ended the call, he gazed at Jake’s villa looming before him.

With a determined stride, Boris approached and knocked on the door. Once admitted, he didn’t waste a moment before inquiring, “Is Mrs. Sarah Reeves available?”

The servant passed on Boris’ question.

Sarah, unfamiliar with Boris, felt puzzled. “The Guzman family? Is there a Guzman family in the city?”

However, her interest was piqued when Boris addressed her as “Mrs. Reeves.”

She instructed, “If he knows his way to the Reeves family villa, he must hold some significance. Let him in. I’ll meet with him.”

Greeting Boris with the grace of a seasoned hostess, Sarah welcomed him inside.

Boris, in turn, showered Sarah with compliments, which gradually drew out a more majestic air from Sarah.

Growing more and more pleased, Sarah finally posed her question with a raised brow. “What brings you here? Are you trying to charm me into advocating for you with Jake? I’m afraid I’m not the one to assist you.”

Boris was quick to dismiss the notion with a shake of his head. “Oh no, not at all. I’m here because, like you, I find myself at odds with a mutual enemy.”

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