Chapter 406



Jake cleared his throat, shifting gears abruptly. “But I could still use your help. I’ve been swamped recently. You, on the other hand… you pulled off that auction house like a pro. I’m still learning the ropes. If it wasn’t for Stan and Dean, they wouldn’t have played me like a fiddle.”

Kallie observed Jake’s uncharacteristic charm offensive, a flicker of suspicion crossing her face. Was this the same Jake she knew? Jake had never been like this previously.

Kallie cut through the pleasantries, her tone turning serious. “I can help you, Jake. But on one condition: If I help you, you will sell me the company for thirty percent of its value. That’s my offer.”

At Kallie’s words, Lenny, sitting in the front passenger seat, widened his eyes in shock and blurted out, “No way. You’re robbing…”

“Ahem!” Edgar quickly interrupted with a pointed cough, shooting Lenny a warning glance.

Lenny sulkily muttered, “Jack won’t agree. This is practically charity, just giving in to an outrageous demand.”

“Alright, but I don’t want your money. I’ll give it to you for free.” Jake surprised Lenny by agreeing with Kallie. Lenny fell silent, his gaze shifting to the window as he stared out expressionlessly. The image he had held of Jake crumbled—Jake had never acted like this before.

Kallie was taken aback by Jake’s quick compliance. She was about to accept when something occurred to her. A businessman like Jake wouldn’t just agree without a reason. There had to be a catch.

Sensing her hesitation, Jake felt a pang of hurt. He gently took her hand, his expression earnest as he looked into her eyes. “Being honest, Kallie, I’d give you anything you ask for, anything—as long as it’s for you and Sophie. I mean it.”

Kallie studied Jake for a long moment, searching his gaze. Then, a small smile played on her lips. “Forget it. I just realized that my request might have been too much. I need to think it over.”

Jake’s calm facade cracked as anxiety seeped in. “Don’t fret. There’s no risk involved.”

But Kallie wasn’t swayed. She didn’t bother responding, instead turning to Sophie. “Let’s come back home.”

With that, Kallie led Sophie out of the car and into another, leaving Jake behind.

Lenny couldn’t hold back any longer and turned around, trying his best to reason with Jake. “Mr. Jack, Ms. Nixon is stunning, sure, but there are countless beautiful women out there. Look at how she treats you. No respect at all. You have to stand your ground. You can’t let her push you around. Don’t let love make you lose your senses.”

Jake’s patience snapped. In one swift motion, he grabbed Lenny by the collar. “Who put this nonsense in your head?”

Lenny, suddenly unsure of himself, lowered his head and mumbled, “I just picked it up from TV shows. But I swear, I’m only looking out for you.”

Edgar quickly intervened, sensing the tension. “Mr. Reeves, he’s young and doesn’t know any better. He was just trying to protect you.”

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