Chapter 215



“Stop!” The shout pierced the air, resounding sternly from the doorway.

Recognizing the voice, Brent’s fury surged, yet he mastered his temper just enough to let go of Jake, his actions marked by a resentful reluctance.

Jerome staggered in, each cough racking his body and slicing through the tense silence, a clear testament to his emotional turmoil.

Without missing a beat, Jake dialed Edgar, instructing the latter to receive Jerome properly, a gesture of concern that Brent viewed with icy contempt.

“Utterly hypocritical,” Brent muttered under his breath.

Jerome fixed a sharp gaze on Brent. “I’ve mentored you for years, hoping you’d learn to steady your impulses. Yet here you are, as rash as ever,” he chided.

Brent retorted, a mix of defiance and frustration coloring his words, “This isn’t about impulse. It’s about justice. How can he just trample over Kallie’s feelings? She’s missing, for crying out loud! I’ve been tormented by worry and haven’t slept a wink in days. Grandpa, I know you share my sentiments. But what about Jake? He should be desperate since he’s still her husband! And yet, he barely acknowledges her!”

“Enough!” Jerome’s command cut through the mounting tension, a sharp reminder of his authority.

Brent turned his head sulkily, pursed his lips together, and stormed out of Jake’s office.

Jake adjusted his slightly disheveled clothes and cast a respectful glance at Jerome. “Jerome, I’m really sorry for making you worry,” he said earnestly.

Jerome stepped closer, lowering his voice as he inquired, “Is Kallie okay?”

Jake let out a sigh. “I’m not sure yet. I can only say that her life is not in any immediate danger.”

Jerome exhaled heavily, his tone laden with a subtle reproach as he stared at Jake. “I understand you face your own challenges. I still believe you’re a good man, even though you haven’t disclosed everything. Just remember, Kallie needn’t have to endure these sufferings. Once she’s safe, I hope you’ll overcome your obsessions. The Hayes family will ensure her protection.”

Jake opened his mouth to object, but after a moment of reflection, he found no grounds for rebuttal. Jerome was right. The perils facing Kallie stemmed from his actions. He lacked any right to insist she remain by his side.

Finally, Jake nodded solemnly. “I promise you, Jerome. I’ll do everything I can to protect her. This is all my fault.”

Jerome responded by placing a reassuring hand on Jake’s shoulder. “If you have the time, you should visit your mother in the hospital. You haven’t shared what happened that night, but your demeanor suggests there were issues. If you trust me, let me handle Kallie’s situation. Though I’m old, Brent will assist me. Dwelling too much on these matters could leave you open to manipulation.”

Jake grasped the significance of Jerome’s words. Despite his reservations, he nodded, offering a wry smile. “Thank you.”

As Jerome turned to leave, Jake called out to stop him. “If Kallie is rescued safely and remains unharmed, could you please convey a message from me? Ask her when she wishes to proceed with the divorce. It’s clearly what she wants, and I won’t delay it any longer.”

Jerome gave no reply, merely sighing deeply.

Meanwhile, Brent was openly rebuffing Edgar’s well-meaning gestures. “Your boss finds the time to send you to appease me but not to search for Kallie?”

Edgar explained with a smile, “I’m just swamped with work, and Mr. Reeves is aware. But rest assured, Mr. Hayes. Mr. Reeves hasn’t stopped the search for his wife. We will find her eventually.”

“Eventually?” Brent’s barely contained anger was on the verge of erupting again. “So, how long do we have to wait? One year? Two?”

Brent’s voice grew louder with frustration. “How could I fail to see through that Jake is such a heartless man? Even if their marriage is failing and they’re headed for divorce, Kallie and he have a shared history since childhood. The way he disregards Kallie is indicative of how he treats everyone else!”

Brent’s outburst drew the attention of bystanders.

Edgar, feigning embarrassment, urged discretion. “Mr. Hayes, please lower your voice. We can resolve any issues through respectful communication.”

“Stop trying to calm things down, Edgar.” Just then, Sarah walked over, her high heels clicking delicately against the floor, her face radiant and adorned with a triumphant smile.

Upon hearing that Kallie was missing, Sarah’s mood was unprecedentedly cheerful, her demeanor seemingly more vibrant and energetic than ever.

The coldness in Brent’s eyes intensified at the sight of Sarah.

Assuming the role of the hostess, Sarah casually handed her handbag to Edgar. “Book a restaurant for my dinner appointment with Jake tonight. And find out if he’s free next week. I’m planning a short trip abroad with him.”

Edgar simply nodded.

Brent scoffed, glaring at Edgar. “Is this the pressing work you mentioned?”

Edgar gave an awkward chuckle and quickly retreated with Sarah’s belongings.

Brent, wanting to avoid any more interactions with Sarah, prepared to leave.

However, Sarah crossed her arms and blocked his path. “Mr. Hayes, I understand you’re anxious, but there’s no need to be harsh with Jake. It was Kallie who insisted on paying her respects, which led to this predicament. Roderick had no ties to her. I fail to see why she gets so involved every year. Perhaps she aims to flaunt a special connection with the Reeves family through such actions. Why praise such a pretentious attitude?”

Brent had been taught never to lose his temper with women, so he merely stared at Sarah coldly. Then, with a hint of sarcasm, he inquired, “Miss Miller, from what stance are you arguing? As Jake’s friend, or perhaps something more?”

Sarah’s expression contorted with fury. “If not for Kallie refusing to grant a divorce, Jake and I would have been together long ago! How dare you judge me? Who really is interfering in others’ affairs? I think it’s quite obvious to everyone.”

Brent echoed her sentiment mockingly, “Yes, indeed, it’s crystal clear to everyone.”

Sarah’s anger surged, and she raised her hand to strike him.

Brent caught her wrist and met her gaze with an icy look. “I prefer not to raise a hand against a woman. Miss Miller, would you like to be the exception?”

With a disdainful snort, Sarah withdrew her hand. She appraised Brent with a measured look, her anger swiftly dissolving into a sinister smile. “I might be labeled as the other woman, but you, Brent, are hardly one to talk. Kallie hasn’t divorced Jake yet. Didn’t you also meddle in their relationship? Moreover, Kallie’s actions are far more shameful. She not only cheated on Jake but also became pregnant with your child. And then she tried to deceive Jake. Ugh!”

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