Chapter 786



Clayton’s face brightened with hope. “So, you’re willing to help me, right?”

Kallie bit her lip. “If we’re merely putting on an act and later clarifying things, then I am on board. After all, you’re in this predicament partly because of me.”

Clayton’s smile grew brighter, visibly relieved. “You won’t have to worry about anything else. I’ve worked with Freya’s father before. We’re not close, but we know each other. There’s a banquet at their villa soon. If you come with me as my date, it’ll make him think we’re together. Then, I’ll reject Freya publicly. With her father there, she won’t make a scene.”

Kallie sighed, feeling the weight of the situation. “That sounds like our only option.”

Clayton quickly reassured her, “After the banquet, I’ll make sure to find a chance to tell everyone we’ve broken up, so it won’t cause you any trouble.”

Kallie nodded. “Thank you. I’m a mother of three. I don’t want anything like this to affect them.”

Clayton nodded his understanding and asked, “Can I see Elma?”

Kallie didn’t refuse.

Elma had been playing all day and had just finished her bath. She was lying on the sofa, looking sleepy. The other children had already gone to bed, but Elma was still waiting for Kallie to join her.

Ever since Elma returned to Kallie’s side, she had clung to Kallie practically 24/7, relishing the motherly love she hadn’t experienced when she was younger. She longed to make every minute memorable and slowly forget her previous suffering.

Kallie never grew impatient with such closeness from Elma, more than willing to spend quality time with her daughter.

Noticing that Elma was about to slip off the sofa, Kallie stepped forward and gently scooped her up, settling her into her arms.

Elma snuggled closer, finding comfort in Kallie’s embrace. Clayton crouched down, meeting Elma’s eyes. “Elma, it’s me. I came to visit you,” he said softly.

Elma’s eyes brightened. “Uncle!”

Clayton reached out to gently touch her head. Then, after a moment of thought, he said, “Don’t call me uncle anymore. Call me Clayton instead.”

Elma pouted. “Why? Don’t you like me anymore?”

Kallie chimed in, “She’s used to calling you that. In her heart, you’re her uncle.”

Clayton paused, his hand still resting on Elma’s head. He shook his head lightly. “She has a real uncle. I’m not him, and I shouldn’t take that place.”

A brief shadow passed over Kallie’s expression.

Elma glanced between Kallie and Clayton, then shook her head resolutely. “No. Clayton, you’re my uncle in my heart.”

Kallie’s face lit up with a smile, gently squeezing Elma’s cheek.

Kallie said to Clayton, “It’s wonderful that she recognizes your kindness. Just let her address you in the same way. Though you’re not blood-related, fate has chosen you as her uncle.”

Since Kallie had said so, Clayton found it hard to object. He quickly looked for an excuse to leave.

As Clayton departed, Elma wrapped her arms around Kallie and looked up at her with curious eyes. “Mom, are you not fond of Clayton? If that’s the case, I won’t go see him as often.”

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