Chapter 908



With that, Jake hung up the phone, leaving Lacey to struggle with her predicament. Her desperation mounted as she couldn’t believe Jake was brushing her off. Cornered by the approaching men, each with a fierce look, Lacey put on a brave face, her gaze sweeping over them. “Jake will be here soon. If you know what’s good for you, leave while you can.”

But a man’s mocking laughter rang out, striking Lacey like a slap across the face. “Oh, for real? Jake’s coming to save you? It seems you’re not that important to him, though.”

Lacey’s expression faltered, her eyes lighting up with anger. “You have no idea what you’re talking about. Jake’s kept me by his side for years, perfectly showcasing how much I matter to him. Besides, I’m the one he trusts most. If you hurt me, he won’t let you get away with it.”

The bodyguards parted, and through wheeled a figure Lacey hadn’t expected to see. The person in the wheelchair was none other than Cody. Lacey thought he should have shown signs of aging, but instead, he looked surprisingly healthy and full of energy, a stark contrast to the frail man she had once seen.

As soon as Lacey recognized Cody, her gaze faltered, and she hastily pretended she didn’t know him. But Cody saw right through her act, his eyes sharpening with a knowing look. “Spare the act. Be honest, and I might let you walk out. Stay stubborn, though, and I’ll keep you here as long as I please. As long as I don’t harm you, do you really think Jake would turn against me for your sake?”

Cody’s influence had expanded over the years. In the past, he had been nothing more than a gang leader overseas, but in recent years, his influence gradually spread across the country. He was deeply involved with the underworld. When Cody first arrived in Burmoos, people dismissed him as nothing significant. But now, no one dared to think that way. After all, no one wanted unnecessary trouble in their business. Cody had skillfully maintained a delicate balance with Burmoos’ elite.

He adhered to a simple philosophy: live and let live. Yet, some quietly sought Cody’s help to eliminate their rivals. For Cody, money was everything – the ultimate driving force. Moreover, he kept countless secrets of the wealthy that could destroy lives if revealed, steadily increasing his influence.

Jake had just returned to the country and had yet to establish a firm foothold. Besides, Cody held no personal grudge against Jake, so Jake had no reason to challenge him.

Lacey wanted to retort Cody’s words, but uncertainty gnawed at her, especially considering Jake’s wavering resolve when handling Kallie with that aloof facade. Lacey could tell Jake still had feelings for Kallie, which made it clear she had never truly taken a place in his heart.

Lacey clenched her fists, trying to steady herself. Her eyes, cold and sharp, were fixed on Cody.

“Fine,” she said, her voice steady despite the underlying frustration. “I admit it was my fault for leaving without informing you years ago. But I didn’t cause you any harm. Did you really have to aim for my life?”

Cody laughed, clearly amused by her response. “Why would I want your life? And you know well enough that your leaving back then was more than just not informing me. When I brought you on, I made it clear our agreement was for a year. During that time, you were supposed to be available whenever I needed help with my health.”

He leaned back, his tone casual, almost dismissive. “You claimed you didn’t want to be watched, and I respected that, refraining from having anyone keep tabs on you. But then, out of nowhere, you vanished and forced me to seek medical help elsewhere. Don’t you think you were being a bit much?”

Lacey listened to his accusations, a hint of defiance in her voice as she responded, “Yes, I did sign a one-year contract with you. But I didn’t take your money for the whole year. Plus, I’m not your personal doctor. I can go wherever I please. Why should I be bound by that agreement?”

Just then, an elderly man standing by Cody scoffed.

“Miss Payne, drop the act. You were briefed on the terms that day. Mr. Hopkins’ high-profile status requires his doctors to stay informed about his condition and continue treatment plans on the condition of no disclosure. However, you left without a word, and over the years, we’ve had to keep an eye out to prevent you from revealing Mr. Hopkins’ medical details. On top of that, we spent time securing a new doctor. And let’s not forget what we offered you when you agreed to treat Mr. Hopkins back then.” His gaze hardened. “Your actions and demeanor are the epitome of ungratefulness.”

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