Chapter 402



Jake’s gaze swept over Dean, now reduced to a quivering wreck. Moments earlier, Dean had been the one exerting his power over Sophie, but now he was nothing but a pitiful sight on the floor.

Jake’s lip curled in disgust. Dean thought he could take over the Reeves Group? Even if he had managed it, he would have driven it into the ground.

The woman, shaken but defiant, was the first to regain her composure. She stepped forward, her voice rising in a shrill challenge. “Who are you? Why did you break into my house?”

Lenny trailed behind Jake, his steps echoing confidence as he addressed the puzzled woman with a hint of arrogance, “A good look, this is Mr. Jack, a name you should recognize.”

The woman, still perplexed, retorted, “Who is Mr. Jack? My husband is Dean Reeves, the eldest son of the Reeves family.”

At that instant, realization dawned on Dean. His eyes widened in shock as he recognized the distinct mask the man wore, a symbol known in the highest business echelons.

A wave of panic washed over Dean. Mr. Jack was a figure whose influence was far-reaching and not to be trifled with, especially since his visits to Avalon were rare but impactful.

Dean hastily ushered the woman to the side, his voice laced with urgency. “Quiet down. We can’t afford to stir trouble with him.”

On the other side, Sophie spotted Jake and rushed toward him, unburdened by the fear that gripped the others. Her previous encounters with Jake in the hospital had painted a different picture of him, one not matched by his imposing black mask.

Sophie was adept at reading the subtleties in expressions, and Jake’s eyes, always gentle toward her, revealed a kindness that belied his intimidating appearance. He had also been a steadfast supporter of her mother.

“Please take me to my mother. She couldn’t find me, and she must be very anxious,” Sophie pleaded with a sense of urgency.

galnovels•com where stories grow Jake gently scooped Sophie into his arms, his heart aching as he noticed her hands and legs were still bleeding. Despite her own pain, her concern was for Kallie.

Jake’s respect for Kallie deepened, acknowledging how well she had raised Sophie. He blamed himself for his absence during Sophie’s formative years, believing it was his fault she had to grow up so quickly, showing such maturity and consideration at a young age. Gently pinching Sophie’s cheek, Jake asked, “Does it hurt?”

Sophie nodded, her voice gentle but firm. “Yes, it does, but my mom says it will hurt more if I cry. Besides, crying in front of those who mean harm only shows them my weakness.”

Jake felt a deeper pang of sadness hearing this mature statement from such a young child. He softened his voice, offering reassurance, “From now on, I’m here to protect you. It’s safe to cry here; no one will dare to bully you.” His gaze then turned icy as he looked toward Dean and his family.

Dean, consumed by fear, collapsed on the floor, his expression one of terror and humiliation.

In the past, Dean might have stood tall, backed by the prestige of the Reeves family, unyielding before anyone, even Mr. Jack. Now, however, the tables had turned.

Dean, lacking any real power or wealth, was vulnerable to heavy retaliation. He knew that angering Mr. Jack could provide Stan the perfect opportunity to oust him.

With this thought pressing on him, Dean gritted his teeth, stood up, and bowed deeply before Jake. “Mr. Jack, please understand, I had no involvement. I only returned and learned that someone was troubling my son. I was desperate… I truly didn’t know she was your daughter. Had I known, I wouldn’t have dared.”

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