Chapter 921



Jake cleared his throat, his tone steady. “There’s no need to worry. Everything’s already arranged. You’ve always dreamed of running your own hospital, haven’t you? Two years ago, I had one built in Uskela. They’re short of a director, and I think it’s the perfect opportunity for you to take over. Don’t stress about the experience because you’ll have an expert there to guide you. As for Jeanette, she’s studying in Ysland right now. She won’t need to return to Burmoos as she can meet you directly in Uskela. That’s why there’s only one ticket. If you’re concerned about Jeanette, I can arrange for someone to take you to Ysland to pick her up first.”

Lacey didn’t light up with excitement as Jake had expected. Instead, her face grew pale.

She whispered, her voice quivering, “You’re sending me away?”

Jake frowned, confused by her reaction. “Sending you away? That’s not it at all. I just don’t want to waste your potential. Now that I’ve returned to Burmoos, my power is being restored. Many people who’ve supported me over the past few years deserve a chance to live their own lives again. Besides, didn’t you say you agreed?”

“No, I didn’t! I didn’t even understand what you meant!” Her voice wavered, panic threading through her words as she persisted. “I don’t want to leave, Mr. Reeves. I really don’t! Staying by your side is my choice, not a burden. Don’t you understand? Following you has taught me so much and given me experiences I’d never have otherwise. Don’t you want me to keep growing?”

Jake’s expression intensified, his tone losing its warmth. “That’s exactly why I arranged for this, the hospital, and Jeanette’s studies. They’re all part of ensuring your future is secure and a better life. From now on, you and Jeanette can live well abroad, where you can stand on your own two feet. Isn’t that good enough?”

Tears welled in Lacey’s eyes, her voice tinged with resentment. “Then be honest with me, Mr. Reeves. Why couldn’t you build a hospital for me here, in Burmoos? Why send me abroad? Do you think I’m a nuisance? I’ve always been loyal to you, yet now you want to get rid of me.”

Seeing Lacey’s tears, irritation flashed in Jake’s eyes, feeling a hint of pity. He decided to clarify things. “Yes, I’ll admit my actions might seem cruel, but this is for your own good.”

“There’s no point in you continuing to work for me. You’re in your twenties, Lacey. This is your time to carve out a better life for yourself. Staying here and spending your whole life with me would only hold you back. And to be clear, I will never feel anything for you beyond work. Do you understand?”

He was rejecting her love. Although Jake had gently implied before that she shouldn’t have such thoughts, he had never outright said so. At that time, Lacey could still find some solace in denying the truth, convincing herself that Jake felt it wasn’t the right time for romance, given the shaky foundation between them.

But now, hearing Jake’s blunt words and seeing the impatience and disdain in his eyes, Lacey’s heart tightened with pain. Tears spilled from her eyes, falling uncontrollably. She wanted to argue that she didn’t love him and that such thoughts hadn’t crossed her mind. But deep down, Lacey knew she couldn’t fool Jake, not in her current state.

All she could do was take a deep breath, fighting to keep her composure and avoid an emotional breakdown in front of Jake.

“Mr. Reeves, I admit I’ve developed feelings for you in the past three years, but I swear, I’ll never act on them. I won’t force you to feel the same. All I want is to stay by your side. Even if you marry someone else and have children, I’ll wish you happiness. Loving someone doesn’t always mean being together. As long as I see you happy, that’s all that matters. All I want is to stay by your side.”

“Reeves, won’t you grant me this one last wish?”

Jake’s patience wore thin, his tone sharpening. “That’s not the point. I need people around me who are level-headed, not clouded by emotions. If I keep you close, and someone uses your feelings against me, it becomes a liability.”

Lacey opened her mouth to protest, but the memory of her secret dealings with Cody silenced her. Unease clawed at her throat, and the words refused to come out.

Jake exhaled heavily and waved dismissively. “This conversation is over. Just leave already. If you force my hand, the outcome won’t be as decent.”

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