Chapter 191



Families of high stature always placed immense importance on their reputation.

Most of the onlookers assumed Jake maintained his composure since today marked Sarah’s birthday. Their suspicions were swiftly validated.

With an icy tone, Jake declared, “I don’t want to hear any more of those filthy, unfounded rumors about my grandfather. If it happens again, I will pursue legal measures against those spreading these rumors. Don’t hesitate to challenge my resolve. Today, I’ve overlooked this because it’s Sarah’s birthday, and I refuse to ruin it.”

gⱯlnσν𝓮ℓs․cøm is packed with great reads Upon hearing this, Sarah’s expression immediately softened. Realizing Jake still considered her feelings filled her with pride and warmth, prompting a wide smile across her face.

Sarah approached Jake, gently took his arm, and spoke sweetly. “I’m sorry, Jake. The shock of hearing those accusations made me freeze instead of defending your grandfather. I’m certain Roderick would never engage in such acts. It’s Kallie who has behaved shamelessly and disgustingly.”

Meanwhile, Kallie, restrained by Irene, hadn’t yet recovered, with tears streaming down her cheeks. She wasn’t sad; she was enraged.

Through tear-filled eyes, Kallie gazed at Jake, hoping he would clarify things for her. Others were unaware, but Jake understood the reason why Jerome treated her kindly.

Kallie didn’t anticipate Jake defending her, but she hoped he would at least speak the truth to vindicate Jerome.

Brent had informed Kallie that although Jerome had regained consciousness, his condition was deteriorating rapidly. He might die at any moment.

Kallie couldn’t bear the thought of Jerome leaving under such a cloud of disgrace. He was a good person. The unfairness of it all gnawed at her.

Jake sensed Kallie’s intense gaze. It felt as though his heart was shredded, the pain so intense that he found it hard to breathe. He clenched his fists tightly, battling the overwhelming emotions within.

Sarah watched Kallie with a mixture of pride and satisfaction. Her plan was for Jake to deliver a crushing blow to Kallie, one she hoped Kallie would never recover from.

Sarah edged closer to Jake and said, “Jake, you and Kallie have known each other since childhood. You know her better than anyone. Perhaps you could clear up any misunderstandings?”

The room turned eerily silent, and one could hear a pin drop. Everyone awaited Jake’s response, Kallie included.

Kallie clung to a sliver of hope. After all, their childhood had been free of conflict. Back then, they had shared a solid friendship. Jake was often reserved, yet he always appeared when she needed him most. Situations like this had happened before.

In middle school, Kallie had blossomed into beauty. She was timid, though, often struggling to speak up for herself. The influential Reeves family protected her, ensuring that no one dared to harass her.

However, as time passed, it became common knowledge that Kallie was merely a foster child in the Reeves family. This realization led some to harbor unsavory intentions toward her.

A notorious school bully developed a crush on Kallie. He didn’t dare do anything too outrageous, so instead, he chose to pursue her aggressively, making his intentions public.

Subsequently, a clique of girls who were charmed by the bully confronted Kallie, accusing her of seducing their boyfriend. They forcefully took Kallie to a remote area of the school to confront her aggressively.

At that crucial moment, Jake made his appearance.

Jake and Kallie had barely talked at school. Everyone assumed Jake had an aversion to this foster sibling. Thus, it came as a surprise when he intervened on Kallie’s behalf.

Jake uncovered the origin of the rumors and confronted the bully with force. “Do you really think Kallie would ever fall for someone like you?” he asked.

The bully scrambled for an excuse.

Unable to speak for herself, Kallie was blamed by the bully for seducing him, while he claimed innocence.

But Jake had retorted, “Why would I take the word of an outsider over my own family?”

Upon reflecting on those memories, Kallie felt certain Jake would defend her like this again, even if not for her, at least for Jerome and Roderick, longtime companions who held a special place in Jake’s circle, with Jerome serving as a mentor.

Jake’s eyes fell on Kallie, seemingly indifferent and detached. His voice was flat, devoid of feeling. “I never got along with her. I don’t know much about her, and frankly, it doesn’t concern me.”

His lack of denial was as good as an admission.

Kallie felt a buzzing in her ears. She questioned if she might have misheard.

Sarah’s smile widened, her tone playful yet cutting. “Jake, please consider a girl’s feelings. Being so blunt can be quite hurtful. You should be more considerate.”

Irene, witnessing Kallie’s distress, felt a surge of heartache. She shot Jake a fierce look and warned, “Just wait until the truth comes out. Kallie won’t be forgiving someone like you.”

Kallie acted swiftly, breaking from Irene’s hold to confront Jake directly, seizing his wrist.

Sarah moved to stop her, but Kallie held her ground, her glare icy and furious as she faced Sarah.

Kallie pointed at Jake and declared with a resolute voice, straining her damaged vocal cords, “Husband!”

It was a stark reminder to Sarah that her marriage to Jake was still in force. While others could have intervened, Sarah had no place to.

With a scornful laugh, Sarah retorted, “Oh, so the little mute decides to speak up now.”

Irene grasped Sarah’s wrist lightly, intercepting the latter’s attempt at violence. “This is a matter between a husband and wife. Miss Miller, what right do you have to intervene? Kallie may be forgiving, but remember your place.”

“You!” Sarah, burning with anger yet unable to muster a comeback, yanked her wrist away from Irene’s grip and stepped back.

Sarah wasn’t overly concerned, though. Considering Jake’s seeming distaste for Kallie, it seemed likely he was eager to distance himself from her. She analyzed that the only thing keeping him from doing so was a sense of decorum.

Out of Sarah’s sight, Jake gazed at Kallie with a complex expression of pain, love, and self-control, emotions Sarah missed entirely.

Engulfed in her sorrow, Kallie failed to perceive Jake’s turmoil. She was desperate for answers. Why was Jake acting so coldly toward her? And why was he being unfair to Jerome?

With effort, Kallie gestured, indicating her awareness of Jake’s hatred for her, though she couldn’t fathom any ill will toward Jerome. She pleaded with him to vindicate Jerome.

Jake’s reply was harsh, his voice devoid of warmth. “I’ve already told you, this mess is yours alone. I’m not involved. You must face the repercussions of your actions. If you wanted to keep it secret, you shouldn’t have done it at all.”

His words, simple yet sharp, shattered Kallie’s heart anew, sending her into tears once more.

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