Chapter 504



The following day marked Sophie’s release from the hospital. Kallie made her way to the hospital early. Unexpectedly, at the ward’s entrance, she spotted two familiar faces: Jake and Clayton.

The two men kept their distance, focusing their attention on Sophie while ignoring each other, yet their occasional glances exchanged sharp tensions in the air. Kallie understood Jake’s presence; he had reasons to be there. But Clayton’s appearance puzzled her.

Approaching with a slight frown, Kallie addressed Clayton politely. “I hadn’t anticipated your visit. Thank you for coming to see my daughter.”

Clayton gently stroked Sophie’s hair, offering a warm smile. “I’ve met her previously, and she truly charmed me. I wanted to visit her again today.”

Sophie, beaming, looked up at her mother. “Mommy, Clayton is so kind.”

Kallie, taken aback, hesitated before asking, “Do you like Clayton?”

Sophie began to reply, “Yes—” but before she could finish, Jake swiftly lifted her into his arms, steering her away from Clayton’s reach. Clayton’s smile momentarily stiffened before he quickly recomposed himself.

Jake, feigning displeasure, challenged, “Sophie, didn’t you promise that you’d only say that to me?”

Sophie paused to consider his words and, finding them reasonable, revised her statement. “Okay, then Clayton is the second best. The top spot is reserved only for you.” This comment visibly irked Clayton, who glared at Jake with displeasure.

“You need to stop threatening a child,” Clayton said.

Unyielding, Jake snapped back, “Did you actually see me threaten anyone?”

As tensions mounted between the two, Kallie, feeling helpless, intervened to defuse the situation and protect Sophie. Turning away from Jake, Clayton addressed Kallie with a gentle smile. “Kallie, I’ve organized a small celebration for Sophie’s discharge from the hospital. Let’s go and have some fun.”

Kallie offered a remote smile in response. “That’s thoughtful but unnecessary. She’s just been discharged, and the doctor recommended rest. We’d rather not go out.”

As Jake brushed past Clayton, his shoulder collided sharply with him. “Let me drive you home,” he said bluntly.

Kallie glanced at Jake, chose to ignore his offer, and walked away cradling Sophie. Clayton seized the chance to taunt, “See? She doesn’t even want to speak with you.”

Jake responded with a calm demeanor, “It’s fine. She hasn’t made any promises to you, either.”

“You!” Clayton spat out, his anger palpable as he stormed off.

Jake’s gaze grew icier by the moment. Edgar intervened, whispering to Jake, “The Turner Group is still in partnership with the Morgan Group. If you lash out at Clayton, Kallie might be displeased.”

Reluctantly, Jake curbed his anger, managing only a helpless smile. “Here I am, Sophie’s father, yet I’m being humiliated by another man. I’ve never felt so aggrieved.”

Edgar opened his mouth to speak but reconsidered, biting his tongue instead. “You really brought this on yourself,” he muttered.

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