Chapter 55



Now intrigued, Kallie no longer felt the urge to leave. She was keen to hear more from the two secretaries. But just as Kallie was settling in to eavesdrop further, their conversation abruptly stopped. The sound of approaching footsteps heralded a change in the room’s atmosphere, and Jake appeared at the lounge doorway.

“Mr. Reeves!” the two secretaries exclaimed in unison, their voices laced with a mix of respect and urgency as they promptly greeted him.

Jake acknowledged them, his gaze shifting to Kallie. “Why didn’t you come in?”

Kallie quickly stood up, explaining that Edgar had just mentioned he was in a meeting and she didn’t feel like disturbing him.

“Even if I’m in a meeting, you can always come in,” Jake said firmly.

Kallie nodded in acknowledgment and picked up the food container she had set aside earlier. Jake turned and left without another word, his departure restoring a sudden quiet to the lounge. The two secretaries, previously absorbed in their gossip about Kallie and how Jake interacted with her, were now visibly shaken. As the realization dawned on them, the two secretaries exchanged panicked glances. Could Kallie have heard their entire conversation? They worried she might report their indiscretion to Jake, which could cost them their jobs.

However, Kallie only offered them a reassuring smile, diffusing the tension. As Kallie gathered her things to leave, a thought struck her. She paused, pulled out her phone, and typed a message, showing it to the secretaries. “Does Sarah often spend time alone with Mr. Reeves in his office?”

The secretaries hesitated, their eyes darting nervously before one of them responded, “Well, not often, but there are afternoons when they’re both in there for hours, and when they come out… Well, they both seem quite pleased with themselves.”

The insinuation in the secretary’s words was unmistakable, hinting at a relationship between Sarah and Jake behind closed office doors. Kallie typed another message to reassure them. “Thank you. Don’t worry. I didn’t hear anything just now.”

Relief washed over the two secretaries, their tension easing visibly as they realized Kallie was not going to cause trouble for them. Turning to enter Jake’s office, Kallie felt a sudden twinge of regret. Why had she even asked the question? It would only deepen the ache in her heart.

Jake’s meeting room was expansive and notably devoid of any personal touches that would suggest a female presence. Holding the food container, Kallie felt slightly adrift in the formal space until Jake instructed her, “Sit on the couch.”

Kallie placed the food container on the table and had just settled down when there was a knock at the door. A male employee stepped in, holding a document. “Mr. Reeves, this is the document that needs your signature.”

gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s․com, home to unforgettable stories “Let me see that,” Jake remarked, taking the document from the employee. He appeared more focused on scrutinizing the paperwork than on starting his meal. Kallie didn’t immediately open the food container so the food wouldn’t get cold. Meanwhile, the male employee lingered nearby, stealing curious glances Kallie’s way.

Unaware of the special visitor’s presence, except for the receptionists and the secretarial department who were notified, employees from other divisions hadn’t seen Kallie’s photo. When the male employee noticed Kallie adjusting the food container, he assumed she was one of Jake’s domestic staff. He took it upon himself to caution her in a patronizing tone, “Be careful not to spill any oil. We wouldn’t want a mess when guests are visiting Mr. Reeves.”

The male employee nodded to himself, satisfied with his intervention, believing he had just prevented a minor disaster and thus aided Jake. However, Jake’s reaction was swift and chilling. His icy stare fixed on the male employee, causing a shiver to run through the latter.

“You have no right to speak to her in that manner,” Jake declared icily. “Apologize to her right now.”

“I’m so sorry!” the male employee hastily said, a sheen of cold sweat forming on his forehead. Jake’s frosty demeanor was often a precursor to severe repercussions, and he feared for his job. Kallie was taken aback. She hadn’t anticipated Jake defending her over such a seemingly trivial matter. The employee’s remark, while condescending, hadn’t caused any real harm, yet Jake’s intervention spoke volumes about his regard for her.

“Don’t set foot on this floor again,” Jake declared crisply, moments after signing the document. He flung the folder toward the male employee, his tone sending a clear message. Relief washed over the male employee as he quickly nodded and hurried away, grateful to still have his job.

Jake then turned his attention back to the lunch awaiting him on the couch. But before he could settle down, the office door burst open and a voice charged through the tension. “Jake, why on earth didn’t anyone at home know you’re ill? I had to hear about it from the hospital!”

The voice belonged to Shirley, Jake’s mother, her presence filling the room with a new kind of authority. Kallie’s heart raced as she stepped back, her eyes following Shirley cautiously.

“Are you the one taking care of Jake?”

Shirley’s voice sliced through the air, her eyes darting from Kallie to the untouched food container on the table. Her gaze hardened as she assessed the scene before her. “Can’t even manage to open the lid? Just leaving it there? Jake might as well cook for himself if that’s the help he’s getting!”

“She was waiting so the food wouldn’t get cold,” Jake interjected as he sat down, his eyes briefly meeting Shirley’s. Shirley, caught off guard by Jake’s defense of Kallie, furrowed her brow in visible disapproval. Shirley took a seat across from him, her tone shifting as she inquired about his health. “How are you doing?”

“I’m fine. You didn’t have to come here to see me,” Jake replied curtly, focusing on his meal rather than meeting his mother’s gaze.

“Well, that’s good to hear! Your brother is no longer able to have children, and if you fall ill too, the Reeves family legacy could be at risk!” As Shirley spoke, her gaze shifted toward Kallie. It was clear from Shirley’s expression that she didn’t consider Kallie suitable to carry on the Reeves family lineage. In her eyes, Kallie was merely an impediment. Keeping her gaze lowered, Kallie pretended not to catch the meaning behind Shirley’s look.

“Is that why you’re here?” Jake finally shifted his gaze from the food to Shirley, his question directed sharply at her.

“I’m here because I care about your well-being. Now eat,” Shirley replied, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes, conspicuously avoiding further talk of heirs. Shirley remained in her seat until Jake had finished his meal. She then rose to leave, with Kallie reluctantly following. Walking alongside Shirley was the last thing Kallie wanted, but there seemed no polite escape from it. Kallie could only hope the uncomfortable proximity would be brief.

As Shirley and Kallie stepped into the elevator, Shirley’s dissatisfaction manifested physically. She grabbed Kallie’s arm sharply.

“Kallie, I’m begging you,” Shirley began, though her tone carried more weight of command than plea. “Jake isn’t getting any younger. It’s time to consider having children. A family like ours can’t afford to lack heirs. And one heir isn’t sufficient!” Her voice hardened, each assertion driving home her point.

“Since you’re his wife, what does that make children from other women? Illegitimate!” The word was spat out with clear frustration. “Roderick raised you all those years, and you got your wish to marry Jake. It’s been five years. I assume that’s enough. If you have an ounce of gratitude, you’ll hurry up and get a divorce!”

Shirley’s tone softened slightly, but the gravity of her words remained. “Think about Roderick. How would he feel, looking down from heaven, knowing Jake has no children?”

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