Chapter 488



Faced with Anna’s accusatory tone, Jake’s brow furrowed. “I’m not hiding anything. It’s none of your business. Yes, Kallie and I were together, and we have a child. Even though we’re divorced, they remain my priority. You’ve been a nuisance to me, which I might overlook for the sake of your brother. Just stay away from them now, got it?”

Tears sprang to Anna’s eyes. Sophie, hearing Jake call himself her father, began to squirm in his arms. “You’re a liar! Don’t talk nonsense! My dad loves my mom. He would never leave her. My dad’s overseas, not here! You’re just lying!”

Jake, filled with regret and confusion, hadn’t intended to reveal so much to Sophie. His temper had slipped during the heated exchange with Anna. Concerned for Sophie’s well-being, Jake reluctantly set her down. To his dismay, Sophie dashed out, tears streaming down her face.

Jake hurried to catch up with Sophie when he saw her. But Anna seized Jake’s wrist before he could sprint away. No one could explain how Anna had suddenly become so strong. Her grip was ironclad, and she refused to let Jake go.

Luckily, Edgar and Lenny noticed the commotion and rushed outside. “Anna!” Jake’s patience was wearing thin, and he wrenched his arm free with a powerful shake. His resolve remained unshaken as he put every ounce of strength into shaking off her hold.

Unable to maintain her balance, Anna fell to the ground. Tears streamed down her face in a flood of emotion. She looked up at Jake, her eyes shimmering with sorrow, her expression a delicate blend of fragility and beauty. Yet, despite her vulnerable gaze, Jake’s eyes remained cold and indifferent.

Anna’s lips curved into a sudden, bittersweet smile, though the tears continued to flow freely. “You promised my brother that you would marry me and stay with me. I heard it myself. Why won’t you admit it now? Is it because of that woman? How could you break your promise, Jake?”

Anna’s eyes lost their shine. She stared blankly at Jake’s back as he stormed away, still in a daze. Her phone buzzed suddenly, jolting her back to reality. It was a message from her doctor. “Miss, your condition has worsened. I strongly advise you to return for treatment immediately. If this continues, the situation will spiral beyond control.”

Anna barely glanced at the phone. Her eyes slowly darkened and grew vicious.

Jake dashed outside, but Edgar, Lenny, and Sophie were nowhere in sight. Just as Jake was about to call Edgar, a sudden, jarring sound pierced the air. It was the screech of tires skidding on asphalt, mingled with the panicked scream of a little girl and the chaotic cries of those around.

Jake’s heart raced in shock.

Meanwhile, Kallie was lost in thoughts about her cooperation with Clayton when a call from the hospital jolted her. The news hit Kallie like a ton of bricks, leaving her dizzy and disoriented.

She barely registered how she got to the hospital. Her legs felt like jelly, and she nearly crumpled to the ground as she stumbled out of the car.

The red light in the operating room cast a haunting glow, intensifying Kallie’s desperation. With tears streaming down her cheeks, she lunged at Jake, grabbing his collar with a fierce grip. “Jake!” Kallie cried out, her voice raw with desperation and anguish.

“She is your own flesh and blood. Don’t you care at all? I know you don’t love me. You came back only out of a sense of obligation. Sophie and I won’t stand in the way of your new life. Why are you doing this? You don’t deserve to be her father!”

Jake’s lips moved soundlessly as his face lost all color, his eyes hollow and lifeless.

Overwhelmed by her own emotions, Kallie cried until she nearly collapsed. Edgar, who had just arrived, swiftly pulled Kallie to the side and explained. The truth was that Jake had been wronged.

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