Chapter 653



Kallie noticed the intensity in Clayton’s look and felt uneasy. Clearing her throat, she excused herself. “I must attend to something. Calvin is due for a check-up.” Clayton sensed her hesitation, his expression saddening. “Please extend my best wishes to Sophie and Calvin,” he said softly.

Elma waited a considerable time before a disheartened Clayton approached.

Though young, Elma was insightful and quickly sensed Clayton’s distress. She inquired, “What’s troubling you?”

Clayton chuckled, trying to dismiss her concern. “I’m fine, really. Don’t worry about that.”

Elma, hands on her hips, responded, “I might be young, but I understand. Every time you see Miss Nixon, you seem both joyful and sorrowful. Did she turn you down?”

Clayton replied, “Where did you pick up such ideas? Please, let’s not talk about that.”

“Who is Miss Nixon? Clayton, are you in love with someone?” Cara’s voice suddenly interrupted the moment.

Elma’s smile vanished, and she instinctively took refuge behind Clayton.

gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s․com, the place for amazing tales Clayton’s smile diminished greatly as he attempted to cover up. “Oh, Elma is just mimicking TV dramas. There’s no one special.”

Jake was here with Cara, maintaining his usual stern demeanor. His expression softened markedly upon seeing Elma.

Cara visibly bristled at seeing Elma’s reaction to her presence. Trying to appear cheerful, she crouched down and coaxed, “Elma, come here. Aren’t you happy to see me?”

Elma remained still, and Cara’s demeanor shifted despite her effort to smile.

“So, you prefer being with your daddy and Clayton over me? You’re very young yet so picky.”

Elma didn’t grasp the full intent behind Cara’s words, but she sensed blame was being cast her way. She felt a sudden sadness. It wasn’t that she chose to be near Jake and Clayton. She was genuinely frightened of Cara.

The memory of Cara pinching her ear until it bled was vivid in her mind. The pain was too much, and she dreaded going through that again.

Jake was visibly upset, taking a deep breath to calm himself.

Seeing Jake and Cara were about to conflict, Clayton could only pat Elma’s back and say, “Go to your mommy, Elma. Try not to upset her, okay?”

Feeling cornered yet powerless, Elma complied without protest. She wished to avoid witnessing a fight between her parents.

With hesitation, Elma approached and took Cara’s hand, murmuring, “Mommy.”

Cara’s expression warmed significantly. “Good girl.” Her kindness was not genuine but a façade. With Elma’s compliance, she could feign a perfect family life with Jake to onlookers.

As expected, Cara rose and grasped Jake’s arm.

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