Chapter 80



Kallie nodded but immediately regretted sharing her decision with Jerome. She knew Jake well enough to anticipate his displeasure.

However, Kallie trusted Jerome to keep it confidential, and after a brief pause, she continued, her gestures saying, “I even asked for a twenty-million-dollar advance on my salary to meet Jake’s demands. He insists that if I want a divorce, I need to pay him twenty million.”

Jerome’s reaction was swift and intense. He thumped his thigh in frustration. “He’s involved in scandal after scandal, and he still has the audacity to ask you for money for a divorce? That scoundrel!”

Kallie quickly grabbed Jerome’s hand, shaking her head, trying to calm him down while signing that she had been the one to choose to marry Jake.

Jerome exhaled heavily. “Fine… But you know what? Roderick entrusted Jake with your care, and he’s failed miserably! If Roderick were still alive, he’d be livid. He’s probably turning in his grave right now.”

Kallie offered a wry smile, making her resolve clear that she couldn’t endure it any longer and desired a divorce.

“That’s the spirit,” Jerome responded, his support unwavering. “I’m glad you’ve made your decision, and you have my full support!”

Jerome’s gaze intensified. “There’s something else.”

Standing abruptly, Jerome walked over to his desk, rifled through a stack of papers, and pulled one out. “I’m giving you a house.”

Kallie, startled, rushed over to dissuade him.

But Jerome stood firm. “No need to convince me otherwise. I promised Roderick I’d look after you, and I owe him my life. Do you think my life is worth less than a house?”

Kallie, realizing Jerome’s determination, felt compelled to accept.

“You don’t owe me anything, Kallie. I owe Roderick, and since he asked me to look after you, it’s as if I owe you too. Got it?”

Kallie wanted to protest that it was too much, but Jerome’s insistence left her no choice but to accept his generosity with gratitude.

“Great. Once I find the right house and get it ready, you’ll get the keys. If you ever find yourself in trouble, just move in, okay?”

This generous offer was a timely solution for Kallie’s looming problem. After her divorce, returning to the Reeves residence was out of the question, and her only plan had been to stay with Linsey temporarily before finding a place of her own. With Jerome’s offer, her immediate worries were eased.

However, Kallie still wondered if Jake would stir up trouble for the Hayes family because of this.

Just as Kallie was about to voice her concern, Jerome stood up, announcing, “Alright, let’s go down for dinner.”

With no opportunity to discuss the matter further, Kallie decided to drop it for the time being.

As they descended the stairs together, the younger family members stood lined up, offering deferential greetings.

Kallie, feeling a bit awkward under the sudden display of respect, instinctively stepped back.

Jerome patted her arm gently. “Relax,” he whispered.

“Tonight’s just a relaxed dinner, and yet everyone’s dressed as if it’s a grand event! Looks like you’re all in costume!” Jerome’s playful comment lightened the mood, his smile infectious.

“Grandpa, we just want to show how much we care about you,” one relative chimed in, followed by others.

“As long as it’s to your liking, that’s what matters!”

The younger family members quickly began to flatter Jerome.

But Stella, standing alone, glared at Kallie, her eyes dark with jealousy.

“Grandpa!” Stella’s voice sliced through the chatter, sharp and urgent. “Kallie is just pretending! Don’t be fooled by her! She’s not to be trusted!”

The room fell into a tense silence. Everyone knew Jerome favored Kallie, and they recalled the last family gathering where Stella had tried to disgrace Kallie, only to be slapped by Jerome.

Now, with Stella attacking Kallie again, the entire family watched closely, wondering how Jerome would respond. If he sided with Stella, it would mark a significant shift in the family dynamics. But if he defended Kallie, it would solidify her position even more.

The anticipation built, and just as the tension reached its peak, Jerome finally spoke.

He didn’t bother with Stella’s accusations or question her motives. Instead, he addressed her directly, “Didn’t you learn your lesson the last time?”

“Grandpa, please, let me explain…” Stella tried to defend herself.

“Grandpa, maybe you should listen to what Stella has to say,” whispered a few of Stella’s close relatives, secretly hoping she could overpower Kallie for their own gain.

“Do you think I’m blind?” Jerome’s words cut through the murmur of speculation. “Am I too old to tell good from bad? Must I rely on your judgment?”

Jerome’s tone shifted to anger, a stark contrast to his earlier cheerfulness. He fixed a sharp glare on Stella. “I was planning to talk to you after dinner, but since you’ve chosen to stir up trouble now, let’s address it immediately.”

Stella’s face turned pale as she faced Jerome.

“Grandpa, I…”

But it was too late.

Jerome’s voice thundered. “You orchestrated an arson at a bookstore, nearly causing Kallie’s death, didn’t you? And you spread rumors online about Kallie having an affair with Brent behind Jake’s back. You think I don’t know? You think I don’t have proof?”

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