Chapter 593



Anna gave a mysterious smile and withdrew her hand, saying nothing more. She completely ignored Kallie, not even acknowledging her presence.

After the banquet, Kallie went to her room to relax. Jake slipped in a few minutes later. The moment he closed the door, his face hardened.

Kallie made sure they were alone and then signaled to Jake to ask, “Did she recognize you?”

Jake shook his head, signaling. “Doubt it. But something was definitely weird about her.”

Both Kallie and Jake felt uneasy. Something was wrong, but they couldn’t quite put their finger on it. Logically speaking, Anna couldn’t recognize Jake, given his mask and the shift in his demeanor.

Kallie and Jake had been practically joined at the hip growing up, which was why Kallie recognized Jake despite his mask.

Jake chewed on it for a bit, and then a thought hit him. He used sign language to express his thoughts.

“Anna used to be a war correspondent. She’s damn sharp and remembers every little detail, even including people she interviewed briefly. She can spot a lie a mile away, just from a look or a twitch. Maybe I let something slip, and she picked up on it.”

A wave of anxiety washed over Jake. If his guess was right, they had to speed up their plan. Anna was a ticking time bomb.

Jake’s gaze locked onto Kallie’s, serious as heck. He gestured with his hands. “I might have to do something I don’t want to do. You get me?”

Kallie saw the resolve in his eyes and knew exactly what he was implying. A bitter taste filled her mouth, and there was little they could do to change the situation.

If they didn’t act, and Anna blew their cover, they’d all be screwed and stuck here forever.

Kallie stepped closer, taking Jake’s hand in hers. A slight shake of her head told him she understood and wouldn’t stand in his way.

Jake pulled her close, his hands gently massaging her lower back, trying to ease the knot of worry there. He gestured, his demeanor soft.

“I might not be able to come see you for a few days. Just in case Anna finds out about us too soon.” Before leaving, Jake turned around, his eyes filled with a longing that tugged at Kallie’s heart.

Kallie gave him a reassuring smile and signed, “I’ll be fine. Take care.”

Jake nodded, then reluctantly turned and disappeared into the shadows.

The following morning, the manor was abuzz with gossip. The whispers told a shocking tale—that White had broken into Anna’s room in the dead of night and tried to force himself on her. He’d been caught in the act.

Ernesto was livid, ready to have White’s head.

Kallie’s hand trembled, nearly dropping the bowl she was holding. Her stomach churned with a cold dread. A dull ache pulsed in her belly, mirroring the anxiety that gripped her.

Kallie took a deep breath, forcing herself to appear calm. “No way,” she said, her voice strained. “White’s asking for a death wish.”

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