Chapter 415



Kallie’s emotions tangled further. She truly saw no valid argument to reject Jake. Then Sophie got up and tugged at Kallie’s arm. “Mommy, he’s so unfortunate. If you don’t let him stay with us, he’ll end up homeless, sleeping on the streets. He won’t get much sleep or enough to eat.”

Kallie was both amused and slightly annoyed. She fixed Jake with a look of reproach and scoffed. “Do you really think it’s right to spin tales to a young girl just to get what you want?”

Jake shook his head, his response firm. “I’m not lying. That’s exactly my plan. I can’t leave Avalon right now. And if I’m not out on the streets, where else would I stay? We’re not in Yoeloth anymore. It’s complicated here, so yes, I’ll be sleeping on the streets. If I reveal who I am at this point, Stan will stop at nothing to take me down.”

Kallie eyed him skeptically. “Really? With everything you’ve got, you’re worried about Stan?”

A laugh escaped Jake as he replied, “It’s not him I’m worried about. It’s the person backing him.”

Kallie’s mind raced as she recalled hearing about Stan’s influential supporter, a rather notorious figure. Despite years of trying, Stan had never managed to shake this benefactor.

The room fell into heavy silence, brows knit together tightly.

Lenny couldn’t hold back any longer. “Jack, we should go! Can’t you see they’re not welcoming us? You angered the Reeves family over this woman’s daughter, but now she doubts your intentions. Why do we even stay? She’s ungrateful. That’s all.”

Jake’s gaze hardened. “Lenny, I’ve always considered your youth and overlooked much of your behavior. But this is the last warning I’m giving you. If you repeat those words, I’ll have no choice but to send you away.”

Lenny’s face twisted with hurt. “Mr. Jake, what are you saying? Didn’t you promise me—”

“Lenny!” Jake rose from his seat, unable to mask his fury. “Yes, I made a promise. But you’ve tested my patience over and over. Why should I tolerate it?”

Jake was fuming. Lenny winced and stepped aside, feeling downcast.

Kallie watched the exchange, puzzled. Was Lenny so harsh with her? Did she inadvertently provoke him? If it had been in the past, she might have asked Lenny. But now she didn’t care about what others thought of her.

“You’re welcome to stay,” Kallie declared, her voice devoid of warmth. “But I won’t let you disrupt my life or Sophie’s.”

Kallie emphasized her final point sharply, a note of finality in her tone.

A flicker of sorrow flashed through Jake’s eyes, vanishing almost immediately. “Understood,” he said quietly.

Just then, Kallie’s phone buzzed abruptly. It was a message from Charlee, who had requested her number the last time they met.

Charlee’s message read, “Kallie, are you free right now? I’d like to talk.”

Kallie’s eyebrows knitted together in confusion. Was she texting to hold her accountable for what she did to Joanna? Yet, from what others had said about Charlee, such behavior seemed out of character.

After sending the message, Charlee received no immediate response from Kallie. Growing concerned, she sent another message. “Please, don’t be alarmed. I’m not here to cause you any trouble. I’m aware of what transpired between you and Joanna. I’ve asked her to leave my home. However, I owe you an apology in person.”

Kallie was taken aback to learn that Charlee had ousted Joanna. Charlee had always been strict about Joanna’s upbringing yet failed to keep Joanna’s jealousy in check.

With a sigh, Kallie reflected on the situation. She felt no pity for Joanna, but her heart went out to Charlee. Rumor had it that Charlee had been raising Joanna alone since her husband’s death years ago.

Charlee refused to abandon her career despite the toll balancing work and parenthood took on her health. Despite everything, Charlee paved the way for Joanna’s future and chose a son-in-law whom she was satisfied with and Joanna liked, hoping for the best for Joanna. Unexpectedly, things unfolded in such a way.

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