Chapter 431



Edgar opened his mouth to speak but was silenced by a sharp look from Jake. “Mr. Reeves,” Edgar began, rubbing his temple, “Miss Nixon is right. You need to consider your safety. If your real identity is exposed, the Reeves family won’t let you off so easily.”

Jake shifted his position, crossing his long legs with an air of casual elegance. His fingers drummed rhythmically against the armrest of the sofa. He sat there, the serene backdrop making him look as though he belonged in a painting.

“Didn’t you notice anything unusual about her?” Jake’s tone held a note of suspicion. “A drug that strong wouldn’t have any side effects.” Jake’s voice grew firmer as he continued, “Edgar, no matter what I do next, don’t try to stop me—and don’t inform Kallie behind my back. I know you’ve been in touch with Lenny. What exactly did he tell you? Be honest.”

Edgar sighed deeply before answering. “He said there are definitely side effects. But unless she chooses to reveal them, no one will know.”

Jake’s eyes darkened as he absorbed the information. “If she doesn’t want to tell me, I won’t push her. Just make sure she isn’t troubled further.”

Meanwhile, in her room, Kallie was suffering from a splitting headache. Curled up on the bed, her clothes were soaked with cold sweat. The door hadn’t been fully closed when Kallie entered, and Sophie caught a glimpse inside.

“Mommy?” Sophie’s voice was soft as she gently pushed the door open, calling out to Kallie. When Sophie stepped inside, she froze in shock at the sight of Kallie trembling on the bed.

“Mommy! Mommy!” Sophie dropped her toy and rushed to Kallie’s side, tears streaming down her face. “Mommy, what’s wrong? Are you in pain? Let me help you!” Kallie managed to open her eyes, Sophie’s tear-streaked face filling her with guilt and sorrow.

Kallie tried to lift her hand to wipe away Sophie’s tears but found herself too weak to manage it. “Don’t cry, sweetheart. I’m okay.” She forced out a smile. Kallie was unaware that her smile only made her look more unwell.

Sophie, terrified, began to back away, her sobs intensifying. “Mommy, don’t worry! I’m going to get Jake! Everything will be okay!”

“Sophie Nixon!” Kallie called out sharply, using Sophie’s full name in desperation. “Don’t go! I’ll be okay!” Her tone was harsh, stopping Sophie in her tracks.

Reluctantly, Sophie returned to her mother’s side. “But I hate seeing you in so much pain. Jake is amazing. He stayed with you when you were sick, and because of him, you got better. If I call him now, I’m sure you’ll feel much better.”

Kallie sighed softly, brushing a hand through Sophie’s hair to comfort her. “I’m really okay, sweetie. I just need some rest. If you stay here and sleep with me, I won’t feel any pain.”

Sophie nodded, her expression serious as she slipped off her shoes and climbed into bed beside her mother. Kallie leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on Sophie’s forehead. Holding her daughter, Kallie felt the pain begin to subside, soothed by the warmth of their connection.

But Sophie, curious as always, couldn’t stay quiet for long. “Mommy, do you not like Jake?” she asked hesitantly.

Kallie paused before responding, “Not really.”

“Then do you like him? You never treated other men who liked you the way you treated Jake.”

“I didn’t treat Jake any differently,” Kallie replied.

“Different. You’re more patient with Jake,” Sophie commented, her voice innocent but observant. Kallie was momentarily at a loss for words. After a brief silence, she asked with a sigh, “Did Jake tell you to say this to me?”

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