Chapter 208



Kallie seldom witnessed Jake in such a state. He usually maintained a distant, regal demeanor around others. It seemed he was pushed to his limits this time.

Though Kallie told herself to remain detached, her concern was evident when she saw Jake so vulnerable.

Kallie scanned the room, found a small blanket, and gently draped it over Jake.

As she was about to pull her hand back, a strong grip seized her wrist with firm pressure.

Startled, Kallie whirled around to meet a pair of icy eyes.

Jake, surprised to see Kallie, released her wrist. His voice was raspy as he spoke. “Why are you here?”

Massaging her sore wrist, Kallie started to sign, saying that Sarah was not around right now, and he seemed unwell. She questioned whether he needed her to summon Sarah over.

Jake managed a smile, but it was tinged with sarcasm and a chill that belied his pale, striking features. “Really? That’s very generous of you. Considering you’re still technically my wife, orchestrating a rendezvous with my lover is quite the gesture. When did you become so obliging?”

Kallie brushed off Jake’s biting tone, attributing it to his foul mood at the moment.

Kallie made her way to a chair on the side and settled into it, her face set in a mask of indifference, as if to say, “Think whatever you like.”

Jake softened his voice as he inquired, “What’s the matter?”

Kallie shared her thoughts, stressing that tomorrow marked Roderick’s anniversary and suggested they pay their respects as they had always done.

Jake glanced at Kallie and didn’t say anything.

Kallie added she didn’t mean anything else and that she didn’t mind paying their respects separately if he found being with her uncomfortable.

Jake massaged his temples, replying, “It’s not necessary to go tomorrow. I’ve got commitments, so you’ll have to go alone. If there are arrangements to be made, just inform Edgar ahead of time. I’m exhausted and need some rest.”

Kallie reluctantly rose from her chair. After a few steps, she paused and turned back to ask why he skipped Roderick’s anniversary this year since he never missed it before.

Looking up at her, Jake lied, “Tomorrow, Sarah has an award ceremony that I need to attend.”

Kallie felt a constricting sensation in her chest. She was itching to ask Jake if Sarah mattered so much that he would miss his own grandfather’s memorial.

Yet, Kallie bit her tongue and said nothing. Her discontent with Jake’s choices lingered, but it was no longer her place to comment. She hoped Jake wouldn’t one day rue his decisions.

Jake clearly perceived the faint shadow of disappointment in Kallie’s gaze. As he watched her walk away, he parted his lips to speak, only to retreat into silence. The moment for words had passed. Kallie probably viewed him with contempt in her heart.

With a rueful smile, Jake pulled out his phone and dialed Edgar.

“Tell Sarah I’ve got a sudden important meeting tomorrow and can’t be at the awards ceremony with her, but dining with her tomorrow evening is manageable,” Jake instructed. “And Edgar, don’t mention that I’ll be visiting my grandpa’s grave. If Sarah knows, she’ll insist on coming. I need some time alone.”

Edgar sounded slightly taken aback. “Your wife just told me she only needed tomorrow’s arrangements finalized. She didn’t expect you to join her.”

Jake massaged his temples, feeling the onset of a headache. “Just follow my instructions and keep it simple. No need for prying.”

“Understood, Mr. Reeves. Everything will be arranged,” Edgar assured him. “However, the forecast predicts heavy rain tomorrow. It might be wise to delay by a day. The mountainous terrain around the graveyard could be treacherous in the evening rain. I’ve also informed your wife of this possibility.”

Jake paused and then asked, “How did she respond?”

“She is determined to go. She said she’d wrap things up quickly, so there’s no need to worry.”

Jake nodded slowly. “Then, make proper arrangements to ensure her safety.”

“Understood.”

Remembering Edgar’s advice of the unfavorable weather, Kallie set out early the next morning.

Unexpectedly, the rain arrived earlier than anticipated.

Upon reaching the base of the mountain, a light drizzle started to fall. The path upward was still accessible.

Roderick was a man who cherished solitude. Jake adamantly suggested they purchase a mountain for Roderick’s final resting place.

Instead of placing Roderick’s ashes in the Reeves mansion, they were interred in the mountain cemetery.

Owned privately by the Reeves family, the mountain was seldom visited due to its remote location and lack of facilities.

Through rain or shine, Jake and Kallie were the only ones who consistently came to pay their respects each year.

As Kallie watched the rain trace paths down the window of her car, she sighed softly. It appeared she might soon be the sole visitor to Roderick’s resting place.

Kallie pondered whether Roderick felt lonely in his eternal rest. The thought struck her abruptly. If she passed away, perhaps no one would continue to visit Roderick.

Kallie sighed at the thought.

As Kallie stepped out of the car, the driver couldn’t resist cautioning her, “Madam, the rain’s light now, but it’s likely to pour later. You might want to hurry.”

Kallie nodded, pulling out her phone to type. “Don’t worry. I’m just here for a quick word with Roderick. It won’t take long.”

Umbrella in hand, Kallie then ventured into the drizzle.

But as Kallie neared the grave, she noticed a man in black loitering ahead. Something about him felt off. He didn’t strike her as someone visiting to pay their respects. He looked like a complete stranger. Who else but a Reeves would visit Roderick’s grave?

Her curiosity piqued, Kallie nearly lost her footing while staring at him.

Surprisingly, the man spun around with a swift motion and caught Kallie just in time to prevent a fall, as though he had eyes in the back of his head.

Kallie expressed her gratitude, catching her breath from the shock.

“You’re welcome,” the man responded, his voice calm and reassuring.

But when Kallie caught a clear glimpse of the man’s face, she couldn’t hide her surprise. The right side of his face was, admittedly, a bit unnerving.

Noticing her reaction, Kallie quickly looked away.

Stan, however, merely smiled without taking offense. “Don’t worry. It’s common for people to be taken aback by my appearance at first sight. Your response is entirely normal.”

Kallie felt a twinge of guilt and quickly typed a message on her phone. “Nobody’s perfect. For instance, I could never match your patience and generosity.”

Stan’s smile lingered, his eyes twinkling with a meaningful glint as he replied, “I appreciate your kind words.”

As the tension in the air dissolved, Kallie’s curiosity piqued. She realized she had never met him before. Although his unscarred side bore some resemblance to the Reeves family, he remained a stranger to her memories.

Catching her puzzled look, Stan decided to clear the air. “My name is Stan Reeves. I belong to the Reeves family as well. It’s understandable that you don’t recognize me. I’ve never really been around.”

Kallie quickly pieced it together. She typed down her suspicions. “Are you from a collateral branch of the family?”

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