Chapter 34



Jake’s distinct aroma filled Kallie’s senses, making her legs tremble as he pressed her more firmly against him. His broad hand ripped through Kallie’s shirt, slipping beneath her bra.

Kallie was upset. What was Jake thinking? She had defied him by visiting the studio after he had explicitly told her not to. She had questioned his intentions and his view of her, and now he was trying to get intimate as if that would solve everything.

Feeling mistreated, Kallie tried to push Jake away with all her might, but it was no use. His hands quickly restrained hers above her head, his voice hauntingly close to her ear. “Be a good girl and do as I say,” he commanded.

Defiance flared in Kallie. Why should she? As Jake leaned in for another kiss, she bit down fiercely.

The taste of blood mingled between their mouths, and Jake groaned, immediately letting her go.

Kallie stepped back quickly, clutching her torn clothes, and eyed Jake like a cornered animal.

“You bit me?” Jake looked at her in disbelief.

Kallie stood her ground, making it clear she refused to comply with his demands. Through sign language, she asked what he really thought of her.

Jake’s expression darkened, his gaze inscrutable, like an abyss she couldn’t fathom.

Needing clarity, Kallie signed, asking if he treated Sarah the same way, wondering if he would ever treat Sarah like this.

Jake’s face hardened, a storm brewing within his eyes.

Expecting the worst, Kallie shut her eyes, bracing for a blow.

Yet, to her astonishment, Jake simply grabbed his jacket and left, his steps quick and resolute.

The door slammed behind him with a thunderous crash.

Kallie flinched, her nerves still on edge. When she dared to look out the window, she saw the taillights of Jake’s black Bentley vanishing into the distance. His lips were broken—what would he tell Sarah if she questioned him?

For the first time, Kallie felt detached from the thought of him with Sarah. It seemed irrelevant now. Her mind was focused on one thing: excelling in her restoration work.

The next morning, Kallie arrived early at Hayden’s studio, fueled by the reflections of the previous night and a new sense of resolve. She exchanged brief greetings with her colleagues before settling into her workspace.

Instead of diving straight into the repair of Stella’s bracelet, Kallie examined the remaining fragments. A few pieces of metal puzzled her, leaving her unsure whether they were part of the bracelet or added to mislead her. If they were integral to the bracelet, their exact placement eluded her. If not, they were likely Stella’s ploy to trip her up.

Kallie spent the entire morning analyzing the fragments, deep in thought, until Gregory interrupted her focus with the sound of a knock.

“It’s time for lunch,” Gregory announced, holding a bag of takeout. He didn’t place it on her cluttered table. “Looks like you forgot to eat. Come with me.”

Kallie nodded and followed Gregory to a nearby sofa. She motioned toward the bag, asking how much the meal cost, prepared to transfer him the money.

“It’s just a few dollars,” Gregory said, waving dismissively. “Consider it a peace offering for being harsh yesterday. Don’t worry about it.”

Kallie smiled gratefully and joked through gestures that he had given her the chance to prove herself.

Their conversation was interrupted by sudden footsteps at the door.

Kallie looked up, and her smile froze. There stood Jake.

Dressed in a sleek, dark suit, he radiated authority as his cold gaze locked on Kallie.

Kallie rose to her feet, her eyes flickering with uncertainty.

“The reception area is on the ground floor,” Gregory said, stepping forward with a polite yet firm tone.

Gregory was aware of Kallie’s situation at home and immediately recognized Jake. Still, he pretended ignorance, his voice carrying a hint of hostility. He blamed Jake for keeping someone as capable as Kallie confined to their home, dismissing her talents.

Jake ignored him, his eyes never leaving Kallie as he approached.

Feeling panic surge, Kallie moved to intercept him, motioning for him to step outside.

Jake paused, shot Gregory a piercing look, and followed her into the corridor.

By the window, Jake turned to Kallie. “Do you think my presence embarrasses you?”

Kallie shook her head. That wasn’t it at all.

“Do you really need to work here?” Jake’s tone softened slightly.

Kallie signed, explaining that restoring artifacts at the studio brought her joy—something she hadn’t felt since marrying him.

Kallie wanted to stay. After a while, she signed, reminding him of the twenty million she needed for the divorce.

Jake’s expression darkened.

She explained that working at the studio would help her earn the money faster than at the bookstore, allowing her to bring up the divorce sooner.

Though the task seemed monumental, it was the only way she saw a glimmer of hope.

But Jake’s gaze grew more intense, his fury palpable. “Fine.”

With a mocking sneer, he suddenly pulled her close, kissing her without hesitation despite the bite marks still on his lips.

Kallie tried not to resist too much, aware of their surroundings. What was Jake thinking, doing this in the studio?

Thankfully, the kiss was brief. Jake pulled back after a few moments, his hands lingering on her waist before he handed her a box and left without a word.

Heart racing, Kallie turned to see Gregory standing awkwardly in the doorway.

“The food’s getting cold,” Gregory said, clearing his throat.

Kallie stored the box and returned to the dining area.

After lunch, curiosity overwhelmed her. She opened the box Jake had given her and found an antique bracelet, strikingly similar to the one she was currently restoring.

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