Chapter 405



Sophie saw Kallie and wriggled out of Jake’s arms to hug her mom. “Mommy, I missed you so much! I’m okay. Don’t worry. It’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have left with a stranger.”

Kallie saw Sophie’s injury and panicked. “What happened?” she asked urgently.

Kallie couldn’t help but scold Jake. “What were you thinking? Why didn’t you take her straight to the hospital when she was hurt?”

Sophie shook her head frantically. “Mommy, please don’t be mad. I’m the one who didn’t want to go to the hospital. I was afraid you would worry about me if you didn’t see.”

The last time those Nixon family goons took Sophie, even though Sophie came back safe and her throat healed later, Kallie cried herself to sleep for nights. Her eyes were puffy every morning.

Sophie loved her mom and couldn’t bear to see her heartbroken again.

Sophie reached up on her tiptoes, trying to wipe away Kallie’s tears. “Mommy, please don’t cry. I’m right here. I promise, from now on, I’ll protect you. No one’s gonna mess with you again.”

Jake’s heart ached as he watched Kallie and Sophie. He stepped closer and said, “Sophie, don’t worry. I’ll keep you safe. I’m your godfather, after all.”

Kallie’s tears stopped abruptly. She scooped Sophie up, her face hardening. “Godfather?” she said with an icy smile. “I’m afraid you’re mistaken. My daughter doesn’t have a godfather.”

Jake’s anxiety flared. “Why can’t I be her godfather? You’re being ridiculous.”

Kallie shot back, “Ridiculous? You didn’t even bother to ask if she wants you as a godfather!”

Sophie shook her head vigorously. “I don’t want a godfather. I have my real dad. My mommy says he’s a really nice guy. You’re nice and all, but you’re not my dad. He doesn’t wear a mask like you.”

Jake felt awful. He didn’t know how to respond, so he just gave a sad laugh. “You’re absolutely right. I don’t deserve to be her godfather. I shouldn’t have even—”

Kallie’s eyes flashed, and she quickly changed the subject. “Get her to the hospital, now.”

Once Sophie’s bruises were taken care of, Kallie wanted Sophie to rest for some time instead of going to the kindergarten. Sophie was a bright kid with a sharp memory. Even if she missed a few months of kindergarten, she’d catch up in no time.

Kallie had sent Sophie to kindergarten in a bid for her to make friends and be around other kids, but she had never seen this coming.

Kallie was ready to take over Jake’s company; she hadn’t forgotten their bet.

But just as Kallie was about to walk away, Jake stopped her. He coughed, reached out, and took Kallie’s hand. “Look, I didn’t mean to set you up. I just… I needed a reason to see you. And if you couldn’t make it, well… then you’d owe me one. Another chance to see you.”

Kallie nodded slowly, her expression carefully neutral. “So, let’s get this straight. How many favors am I in for? I’m not one to be in anyone’s debt.”

gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s﹒c𝗈m has it all Jake’s composure faltered. “No! I didn’t mean it that way—you don’t owe me anything.”

“Oh, really?” Kallie drawled, an eyebrow arched suggestively.

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