Chapter 917



Kallie’s gaze turned icy, her tone sharp. “No need for that look, Mr. Reeves. I booked this room to handle business, but you barged in and did things to me that… You’re the one who should apologize. As for your concerns, I believe they’re entirely unnecessary. I have a boyfriend now, so I wouldn’t mess around with other men.”

Kallie said this to cling to the last shred of her dignity.

Beneath the faint glow of the lights, Kallie failed to notice the eerie red that crept into Jake’s eyes as her words echoed in the air. Jake’s hands balled into tight fists. Kallie had just openly declared Clayton as her boyfriend? What did that make of him? Emotions surged within Jake, a tumultuous wave of feelings he couldn’t contain. Struggling to maintain his composure, he stifled a groan, his body beginning to sway. A sudden heat washed over him.

Lacey was quick to steady Jake, her arms offering support as she shot a taunting smile toward Kallie. “Miss Nixon, apologies, but we’ll need to use your room for a moment. I’ll compensate you later.”

Kallie’s pride stung sharply. She bit her lip, her response cold. “No need.” With a swift turn, Kallie walked out, but a pull of curiosity made her glance back. Through the door left slightly open, she saw Jake and Lacey locked in an embrace. Jake’s strong arms encircled Lacey’s delicate form, the two of them a seemingly perfect pair. A fresh wave of pain clutched Kallie’s heart, and tears began to flow once more. She hastily averted her gaze. She inhaled sharply and hastened her steps to depart.

Lacey remained by Jake’s side, drawing comfort from the strength of his embrace. The subtle fragrance of his presence enveloped her, filling her with a sense of profound joy. For once, Jake didn’t pull back, letting her stay close instead. Encouraged, Lacey clung tighter to his waist. Yet, she yearned for more.

Rising on her toes, she leaned in, hoping to steal a kiss. But as their lips were about to meet, Jake snapped out of his reverie and thrust Lacey aside. His shove sent her crashing against the table’s edge, pain sparking tears that flooded her eyes. She started to sob, murmuring, “It hurts.” Jake, however, didn’t even spare her a glance, his breaths heavy and uneven. He wasn’t a fool. The strange weight pressing on him was unmistakable. The sound of Lacey’s sobs grated on his nerves. Narrowing his eyes, he snapped, “Be quiet!”

Lacey’s heart skipped a beat at his cold command, and unease washed over her as she knew the torment he was in. Silently, she sealed her lips. Jake’s breaths came slow and deliberate, each one peeling away the edge of his frustration until he finally regained control. Casting a glance at Lacey’s crumpled form on the floor, he commanded, “Get out.”

Lacey’s eyes darted about. She staggered to her feet, masking her anxiety with feigned concern. “Mr. Reeves, you seem under the weather. Do you want Leo to drive you to the hospital? I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. Earlier, I assumed you might’ve been drunk. I mean nothing else, really.”

When Lacey mentioned the hospital, Jake’s suspicion of her waned slightly. Perhaps he wasn’t drugged. He might have overthought it. Probably, it was the alcohol, coupled with Kallie’s presence, that had disrupted his composure.

Jake shakily sat back on the sofa. He said without looking at Lacey, “There’s nothing more for you here. Go and call Leo over.” Lacey nodded, a subtle exhale of relief escaping her as she left the room. Anxiety gnawed at her. She had underestimated Jake’s ability to maintain his composure. She hadn’t dared to use more than a trace of the drug, the looming threat of exposure weighing heavily on her mind. This time, her plan crumbled. She could only hope that her actions hadn’t aroused his suspicions.

Leo promptly appeared at Jake’s side, observing Jake’s frazzled demeanor with growing concern. “Mr. Reeves, are you all right?” he inquired with a furrowed brow, his voice tinged with worry. Jake massaged his temples. “I need to get to the hospital.” Leo gave a nod of understanding. However, just as Leo was about to make the necessary arrangements, Jake abruptly changed his mind. “Actually, forget it. Let’s not go to the hospital.”

Leo, baffled, looked at Jake with concern. He attempted to reason with him. “Mr. Reeves, if you’re feeling unwell, it really is best to consult a doctor. Moreover, I’ve noticed some odd behavior from Lacey. She may be involved in this.”

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