Chapter 185



Irene was baffled. Why did Sarah have to go this far? She sensed she had missed something crucial.

Irene suddenly remembered something—she had a small self-defense knife in her pocket.

As the bodyguards continued to taunt her, a glint of lethal intent sparkled in her eyes.

Irene’s mind raced. If anything happened to Kallie, Brent would be shattered. Brent regarded Kallie almost as a sister and would never want to see her harmed.

Irene couldn’t bear the thought of Brent heartbroken, nor could she stand the idea of Kallie being in danger. She steeled herself, prepared to risk everything to protect Kallie.

Just as Irene moved to act, a strong hand clamped onto her shoulder and pulled her back forcefully.

Reaching for her knife, Irene nearly stumbled, and the knife slipped from her grip.

The figure acted swiftly, pinning her arm behind her back with such force that Irene grimaced in pain, and the knife clattered to the ground.

Turning, she saw Edgar behind her. Despair overwhelmed her, snuffing out her last flicker of rationale. “Aren’t you going to do anything? Are you just going to let them kill Kallie?”

Edgar dismissed her plea with a smile and turned to the three bodyguards at the door. “This one’s lost her mind. I’ve got this. Just focus on the door.”

Irene was livid, shouting, “Are you even human? How can you be this cold? What did Kallie do to deserve this? How has she wronged you?”

Irene was forcefully dragged into another room where Jake was waiting.

Upon seeing Jake, Irene felt an overwhelming urge to lash out physically.

Jake, however, faced away from her, concealing his emotions.

Irene could sense his detachment.

“Jake,” Irene called out, her voice rough and desperate. “I know Kallie must have upset you, but remember your shared history. She’s like a sister to you. Even though you’re divorcing, she was once a foster child in your home. Can you really just stand there and watch her suffer like this?”

Jake remained silent, dismissing her with a wave of his hand.

Edgar, trying to maintain professionalism, interjected, “Mr. Reeves doesn’t wish to antagonize the Hayes family. Let’s pretend you saw nothing, and I’ll escort you out.”

As Edgar began leading her away, Irene noticed a back door. In a sudden move, she stomped hard on Edgar’s foot.

Edgar grimaced in pain, his hold loosening, and Irene took her chance to run out of the room.

Edgar feigned an attempt to chase after Irene, then sighed and left.

Then, Edgar approached Jake again, lowering his voice to a whisper. “She’s inside now. Things look a bit odd, but their attention is likely more on Kallie to notice. What should we do, Mr. Reeves?”

Jake clutched the railing, his silence masking his inner fury. Unseen, his anger and frustration surged, with veins throbbing at his temples and his eyes blazing with fury.

His voice trembled with suppressed rage as he gritted his teeth. “Our next move? I want them gone!”

Edgar, concerned, moved closer and spoke gently. “Mr. Reeves, please stay calm. Losing your composure will only put your wife in greater danger. The neurotoxin that affected you didn’t reach Kallie. I’ve checked. The Hayes are nearly here, and with Irene inside, she can stall for some time.”

Jake’s gaze turned icy, and he suddenly struck the railing with force.

Despite its solid build, the railing shook slightly under the impact of Jake’s powerful punch.

Blood seeped from Jake’s knuckles as he struck out, driven by a torrent of anger and regret. Unperturbed by the pain, he continued, relentless in his actions. What purpose did he serve if he couldn’t even protect the one he loved?

Edgar, visibly distressed by the scene, implored, “Mr. Reeves, you must halt this. We’re going to attract attention.”

Gradually, Jake’s fury subsided a bit, though his eyes still burned with a vengeful fire. “Gather our men inside. If everything goes south, we’ll snatch her back just in time. Even if it blows our cover, I’ll ensure she’s safe abroad, even at the cost of her hatred toward me. I owe her that. At least that’s what my grandfather said about the Reeves family’s debt to her.”

Jake’s words were heavy with bitterness and grief.

Edgar exhaled deeply, gave a resigned nod, and left to coordinate their next moves.

Elsewhere, Irene made her entrance unexpectedly.

At that time, Kallie was already immobilized, as helpless as a fish laid out on a cutting board, awaiting its fate. Her clothes remained untouched, yet some were poised to commence.

Kallie’s gaze was fixed on the ceiling, her expression one of agony and resignation as if all fight had left her. Tears streamed down her face.

Meanwhile, Sarah contemplated using the chaos to her advantage, mulling over whether to end Kallie’s pregnancy. She secretly wished the ensuing violence would resolve Kallie’s pregnancy, absolving her of direct involvement.

Sarah watched Kallie with a sense of profound satisfaction.

This was just dessert for anyone who dared to set eyes on her man.

Suddenly, Irene brandished her phone and declared loudly, “Make one move, and I’ll go live, exposing your vile actions to the entire city. As a consultant at the Hayes Group, Kallie has influence, and I, her assistant, control accounts with massive followings. Doubt me? Just ask your beloved Miss Miller.”

All eyes instantly turned toward Sarah.

Color drained from Sarah’s face as she simmered with anger.

How had Irene managed to get in here?

Cornered, Sarah reluctantly nodded.

“It’s true,” Sarah replied, attempting to maintain her composure. “But let’s not forget Kallie’s initial disgrace. We’re merely serving justice. Blame her for her actions, not us.”

Irene clenched her jaw. “Even so, it’s up to the courts and moral judgment to penalize her, not you. What authority do you possess? You’re violating the law! Whatever methods you’re using to stave off justice won’t stop me from spreading the word. Try to silence me if you must. I’m a valued member of the Hayes Group. Mr. Hayes holds me in high regard. If you wish to challenge the Hayes family, by all means, proceed.”

Irene’s readiness to sacrifice everything intimidated the group who were tempted by Sarah’s offer. They had resources, but none wished for infamy. Supported by Sarah, they had felt invincible, but Irene’s invocation of the law deflated their arrogance.

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