Chapter 445



Once Jake finally got rid of Anna, he rushed to Kallie’s villa to see her, only to discover she had already departed. He questioned the villa’s staff, but none of them knew where she had gone.

Jake was skeptical of their ignorance but chose not to press the issue. After some contemplation, he sought out Anna.

Anna had been feeling downcast due to Jake’s distant demeanor. Seeing him approach her of his own accord brought a faint smile to her face. “Jake, I thought you didn’t want to see me anymore,” she said, a mixture of joy and complaint in her voice.

Jake didn’t beat around the bush. “Are you pleased that she left because of you?”

“Who?” Anna’s face registered confusion, which quickly cleared as she realized who Jake was referring to. Anna couldn’t contain her frustration.

“Can’t you see? She has no feelings for you. Why do you continue to chase after her? She left that evening, not wanting to say goodbye to you. She’s clearly avoiding you. Why bother to find her?”

Jake’s eyebrows shot up. “So, you had someone keep tabs on her.”

Realizing she had let something slip, Anna replied honestly, “Yes, I did have her watched. I didn’t interfere, though; I am just curious about what’s so special about her that you can’t stop thinking about her.”

Jake had no desire to continue the conversation. “If you don’t want me to send you packing, just tell me where she is.”

Anna stubbornly refused, turning away. “If you want to know her whereabouts, find her yourself. It should be easy for you.”

Jake confronted her bluntly. “It might be if you hadn’t gone out of your way to hide her whereabouts and erase her trace.”

Jake was well aware of Anna’s tactics. She could easily make him spend months searching for Kallie in vain. Anna felt both angry and wronged over Jake’s threats. She pulled a long face, tears glistening in her charming eyes.

“Jake, do you realize what you’re doing and what you’re saying? You’re using my brother’s name. Don’t forget that you owe my brother a favor. How can you treat me like this?”

“I owe nothing to your brother,” Jake replied calmly. “My promise was not out of debt but out of kindness at the time.”

Anna refused to believe Jake didn’t have an ounce of feelings for her. “Is there any other reason? Like you feel sorry for me and sympathize with me? Or perhaps you couldn’t help but soften your heart for me?”

Jake’s smile was devoid of warmth. “Anna, stop pushing me. My patience is wearing thin.”

Anna met his gaze, and the absence of any gentleness and concern in his eyes caused a sharp ache in her chest. After a tense pause, she managed to say, “I’ll disclose her location. But I have a condition.”

“Go on,” Jake responded flatly. “But if your demand is unreasonable, I’ll reject it.”

Anna clenched her teeth. “I realize you desperately want to find her. My condition is quite simple. Take me with you. I’m in peril now. I can’t be certain if those pursuing me will track me down here. I need to ensure my safety.”

Jake scowled. Deep down, he was reluctant to have her tag along, but given his ties and the friendship with her brother, he couldn’t simply ignore her plight. He compressed his lips and issued a stern warning.

“Don’t cause any trouble. She suffers because of your actions, and I’ll hold you accountable.”

.

.

.