Chapter 765



As he pondered the possibilities, Lacey walked in. She immediately sensed the suspicion and coldness in Jake’s expression.

“Mr. Reeves.” Lacey’s heart jumped in her chest, her pulse quickening. She suddenly felt flustered. “You’re awake. Are you still feeling unwell?”

Jake rubbed his temples, attempting to shake off the remnants of his grogginess.

He didn’t respond to her question right away, which only deepened Lacey’s worry.

Setting aside what she was holding, she hurried to his side. “Mr. Reeves…”

Before her hand could reach him, Jake caught it, his grip firm. “Miss Payne.” His gaze was ice-cold. “Why did I pass out all of a sudden yesterday without any reason?”

Lacey’s heart skipped a beat. She knew he was clever and cautious, but his sharpness had caught her off guard. Her words stumbled as she tried to explain herself. Her mind raced for a plausible excuse, quickly settling on one.

“I noticed your injury wasn’t healing properly, so I gave you a stronger remedy. If you don’t believe me, check for yourself. You should feel more robust now. Some herbal treatments come with side effects, but as a doctor, I can adjust them so that all you feel is a little drowsiness.”

As Lacey finished speaking, her voice carried a note of quiet grievance. “I only wanted to help you recover faster. I didn’t expect it to lead to a misunderstanding.”

“Fine.” Lacey pulled her hand from his grasp, her demeanor cooling instantly. With a touch of irritation, she continued, “If you don’t trust me, feel free to seek someone else you do.”

Jake furrowed his brow, now fully alert. He realized he felt much stronger, and his injury no longer ached. Perhaps he had misunderstood her. Moreover, if Lacey truly wanted to harm him, she had plenty of opportunities to do so. Why would she act now?

Jake cleared his throat awkwardly and apologized. “I’m sorry, Miss Payne. I just had to ask. It’s not that I don’t trust you, and I hope you won’t take it to heart.” His sincere apology softened Lacey’s resolve. She turned her head, avoiding his gaze.

“Do as you see fit. My advice is to rest and recover here before leaving. But if you are in a rush, there is nothing I can do to stop you.”

Jake mulled it over and saw the sense in her words. He hadn’t yet known whether Clayton had already made a move against Kallie. If he reappeared too soon, before fully healing, he might draw Clayton’s attention and land himself in trouble.

“Miss Payne,” Jake began as an idea formed in his mind. His expression grew serious. “Could I ask you for a favor?”

The words “Of course” nearly slipped from Lacey’s lips, but she caught herself, clearing her throat and frowning. “Is it something troublesome?”

Jake hesitated, uncertain how to proceed, worried he might be bothering her. He shook his head. “Never mind. It’s nothing. I’m sorry for today. I hope you won’t hold it against me.”

Lacey clenched her hands at her sides. “Don’t say that. Just tell me whether or not it’s troublesome. After all, you have helped us before. It’s only fair I return the favor.” At her words, Jake spoke up.

“There’s a Morgan family in Burmoos. I hope you can keep an eye on their movements for me.”

Jake surmised Clayton likely wouldn’t linger in Avalon for long. Clayton was constantly in the spotlight, and if he left Avalon, there would surely be some news. But if Jake personally investigated, he would quickly draw unwanted attention. It was too risky.

Jake contemplated for a while and then made a sincere promise. “Once I’m back with the Reeves family, I’ll repay you generously. Money won’t be an issue.”

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