Chapter 756



Jake wasn’t about to reveal the truth. Instead, he shot back with a casual edge, “And why should that matter to you?”

The bald man eyed Jake and then glanced at Lacey. He figured Jake probably didn’t come from a wealthy background since he had to fight his own battles. Plus, Jake’s clothes didn’t scream affluence.

Straightening himself, though still wary of Jake, the bald man spat on the ground and snapped at Lacey, “He might be good-looking and know how to throw a punch, but he’s broke! You’ll regret falling for him, Lacey.”

Lacey flushed, either out of anger or embarrassment. “Shut up!” she shot back.

Jake cut in, his tone steady. “You’ve got it wrong. Miss Payne and I aren’t together. She saved my life, so I owe her. I’m just returning the favor. I’m warning you. If you keep harassing her, you’ll regret it.”

The bald man spat on the ground one last time before turning and walking away.

As soon as the bald man was gone, Lacey rushed over to Jake, her concern clear.

Jake’s wound had reopened, blood staining the bandages. He grimaced but stayed stoic.

“Get inside. Let me fix that bandage,” Lacey said, gently nudging him, her voice edged with concern.

Jake stepped back, avoiding Lacey’s touch. “I’m fine. I can handle it.”

Lacey’s expression hardened. “Mr. Reeves, what’s this about? A doctor doesn’t care about gender.”

Jake’s voice remained calm. “That’s not what I meant. I can handle the medication and bandaging on my own. No need to trouble you. Moreover, after what just happened, I’d rather not give people more reason to misunderstand our relationship. You saved me, and if I don’t avoid raising suspicion, it would look like I’m ungrateful.”

Lacey’s hands tightened into fists before she forced a sigh.

“Sorry, I overreacted.”

Jake shook his head. “No harm done.”

With a softer tone, Lacey said, “Thank you for what you did today.”

Jake waved it off. “It was nothing.” He turned and headed back inside without saying another word.

Lacey watched him walk away, emotions swirling inside her. She sighed, trying to push away the thoughts that kept intruding.

Just then, Jeanette ran over, tugging at Lacey’s sleeve. “Do you have a crush on him?”

Lacey smiled and ruffled Jeanette’s hair. “Don’t be silly. He’s got a wife and kids. I can’t fall for him.”

Meanwhile, Kallie had been recovering at the hospital for almost a week. Clayton hadn’t left her side once. Truth be told, Kallie wanted nothing to do with him. She had others looking after her and could see through his intentions.

Yet, despite her resistance, Clayton refused to leave. Each time Kallie attempted to send him away, he countered by sharing news about Jake.

The dark circles under Clayton’s eyes betrayed how tirelessly he had searched for Jake. Kallie couldn’t bring herself to tell him to leave anymore.

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