Chapter 500



Although it was widely known that Mr. Jack was a formidable figure, Clayton saw no reason to extend any courtesy to him, given his arrogant demeanor. Clayton was on the verge of turning around to shield Kallie, worried she might be caught in a difficult situation. To Clayton’s surprise, Jake approached Kallie and asked with a hint of concern, “Did I startle you?”

Although Clayton couldn’t see Jake’s expression through his mask, he could sense the depth of Jake’s feelings for Kallie, evident in how Jake held himself and the deliberate tone of his voice. Clayton was initially shocked but then felt threatened.

Kallie understood Jake’s intentions. She was both irritated and amused. Her response was sharp. “Mr. Jack, what do you want from me? It’s quite clear I was frightened. Isn’t it unnecessary to ask?”

The onlookers were astonished. This was the first time they had witnessed someone speak so rudely to Mr. Jack. Instead of reacting with anger, Jake’s tone softened.

“I noticed you seemed uncomfortable and was worried you might topple from the horse, which made me quite anxious. The pony you were riding is rather dull and looks weak. Why don’t you try my horse instead?” Jake gestured toward the imposing black stallion behind him.

Despite her words, Kallie was genuinely intrigued by Jake’s horse. As she hesitated, Clayton stepped forward with a feigned smile.

“Mr. Jack, you probably don’t realize Miss Nixon isn’t experienced with horses. Asking her to ride such a wild and temperamental animal might be too challenging for her.”

Anyone with a discerning eye could tell that Clayton’s remarks were a subtle jab at Jake. Clayton narrowed his eyes and smirked.

“Even if the horse is wild and difficult to handle, it’s far more intriguing than those pampered animals that have never faced any challenge. Conquering those horses is just dull.”

Jake gave Kallie a playful wink and said, “The choice is yours—whether to ride with me or stick with him.” Kallie clenched her teeth in frustration. Jake had a knack for putting her in difficult situations.

Clayton stepped forward and said quietly to Kallie, “Even though I don’t know how you got acquainted, it must be that he’s not good news. He has ulterior motives for approaching you. Don’t be—”

Before Clayton could finish his sentence, Jake had forcefully pulled Kallie away. Clayton, known for his gentle demeanor, was so enraged that his face flushed red. However, he was powerless to intervene. After all, he and Kallie were merely friends.

Kallie, caught between her frustration and apprehension, flashed Clayton an apologetic smile. As Jake dragged her onto the horse, Kallie’s anger flared.

But the horse’s massive height and restlessness left her too intimidated to make a move. Soon, a warm body pressed against Kallie’s back, enveloping her in a comforting, familiar scent. It helped to ease her anxiety somewhat.

Gritting her teeth, Kallie turned her head slightly and said, “You promised me you wouldn’t do anything to embarrass me. Are you breaking that promise now?”

Jake chuckled, his voice laced with amusement. “It’s precisely because I remember my promise to you at the hospital that I came to see you. I didn’t intend to interfere in your situation with Clayton. I only intervened when he persistently pressed you to ride with him.”

Jake sensed Kallie’s reluctance and decided to step in. Hearing this, Kallie pursed her lips together. “I’m not interested in him. Don’t overthink it. A man like him is far too absorbed in his world that he lacks the time to think about love.”

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