Chapter 408



Kallie’s eyes widened in surprise, and she couldn’t help but ask, “Aren’t you concerned about being recognized? Even though we’re in my home, Kallie couldn’t be certain none of the servants would identify Jake.”

Jake’s pale complexion, highlighted by the long-worn mask, made the scar on his face all the more prominent. But the scar didn’t diminish Jake’s handsomeness. If anything, it added a rugged edge to his features.

Jake’s eyes swept the room with a cold, commanding gaze. “You’re the one who hired these people. Kallie, I trust your judgment. You wouldn’t bring anyone here who doesn’t know how to mind their business.”

The few servants who recognized Jake quickly lowered their heads, avoiding his piercing stare. None dared to look at him again.

Sophie, however, looked at Jake’s face with innocent curiosity, her gaze lingering on the scar.

Jake felt a bit self-conscious under her scrutiny. He cleared his throat and subtly turned his face away, attempting to hide the scar. “Sophie, do you think what’s on my face is ugly? Does it scare you?” Jake asked, his voice light but tinged with caution.

Sophie shook her head, her voice brimming with innocent assurance. “No, it doesn’t scare me. There’s a boy in my kindergarten who got scratched on his hand when he saved a kitten. He told me it’s his hero mark. So, the mark on your face must mean you’re a hero too!”

Jake’s heart swelled at her words, softening as he looked at Sophie. Kallie, with a gentle smile, added more food to Sophie’s plate. “Eat well, sweetheart. The stronger you are, the less anyone can push you around.”

Sophie nodded eagerly. “Exactly! I’ll grow up big and strong, and then I’ll protect you so no one can ever bully you.”

As they settled into the meal, the room filled with the quiet clinks of utensils. The silence wasn’t awkward; it was warm and comforting. For the first time in a long while, Jake felt a deep, unexpected sense of warmth and belonging.

Jake hadn’t felt the warmth of a family gathering in years. Before heading to Halstead to take over Jake’s company, Kallie made sure to handle something important. Kallie asked Erhan to arrange a meeting but insisted that her name not be mentioned.

Meanwhile, Joanna had been feeling increasingly guilty about her recent actions. The news that Mr. Jack had left the room with Kallie that day only heightened her anxiety. She worried that her plans might unravel. However, when Kallie and Mr. Jack publicly confirmed their engagement, Joanna’s nerves settled somewhat. It seemed she had achieved her goal, after all.

And when Kallie didn’t confront her afterward, Joanna began to relax, gradually letting the matter slip from her mind. Kallie was powerless against her. With the Martel family standing behind her, Joanna felt untouchable, and no one would dare to cross the Martel family.

Joanna’s guilt and unease had kept her from quarreling with Ethan. So when Joanna heard that Ethan wanted to take her out to dinner, she agreed immediately, a rare smile gracing her face. It had been so long since Ethan had invited her out, and she couldn’t help but feel a little happy.

Joanna dressed up thoughtfully and arrived at the appointed place, but to her surprise, Ethan wasn’t there. Only Kallie awaited her.

Kallie wasn’t as warm and gentle as before. This time, her demeanor was much colder, her eyes sharp. As Joanna’s smile slowly faded, Kallie remained unfazed. She approached Joanna, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Mrs. Brooks, are you free today? How about we finally have that talk you owe me?”

Joanna’s shock quickly gave way to realization, and her expression hardened. “Sorry. I’m not free today. I was planning to have dinner with my husband. Surely, you wouldn’t want to meddle in our private affairs, would you?”

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