Chapter 923



“Mr. Reeves, I understand this is difficult for you to come to terms with right now. I never intended any harm. Please, if you allow me to remain, I promise my only focus will be on treating Elma. She reminds me so much of my sister. It pains me to see her in jeopardy.”

Leo, who had been observing quietly, gave Lacey a discerning look. His expression hardened into a slight frown as he turned to Jake.

“Mr. Reeves, involving Miss Payne with Elma’s care might not be necessary. We could consider other, more qualified pediatric specialists,” he suggested cautiously.

Jake stood silent, mulling over Leo’s suggestion. Lacey’s anxiety spiked. She shot Leo a covert, frustrated glare. What was Leo’s problem? Why did he always have to mess up her plans?

Determined to salvage her position, Lacey addressed Jake again, urgency lining her voice. “Mr. Reeves, consider the discretion required here. You need someone close, someone you can trust. Besides, Elma’s condition responds well to the herbal treatments I excel in. Remember the banquet? I acted swiftly to stabilize her when she took ill. There were numerous witnesses to that fact. You can verify my claims with any of them.”

Jake felt a slight throbbing at his temples. He massaged them gently, his thoughts swirling as he spoke. “There really isn’t a better option at the moment. If you’re sincere, I’ll let you take care of Elma’s health. But…” Jake’s voice dropped to a chilling tone. “This responsibility is yours alone now. Should Elma suffer even slightly, you’re well aware of the consequences.”

A shiver of apprehension ran through Lacey. Clenching her teeth, she responded firmly, “Understood. I won’t disappoint you.”

Turning away, Jake exhaled a quiet sigh. “I certainly hope not. Leave now. I need to be alone.”

Lacey rose, her heart lighter as she exited the study, relieved she could remain. Behind her, Leo followed, his voice tinged with disdain. “Miss Payne, you got what you wanted. Feeling victorious, are you?”

Stopping in her tracks, Lacey turned to face him with a piercing look.

“Leo, have I ever wronged you? I’ve always shown you nothing but tolerance. Why do you persist in opposing me?”

Leo shook his head, his voice steady and clear. “You’re mistaken. I have no desire to confront you. My aim is merely to shatter these illusions you harbor. Mr. Reeves will never choose you. You may linger by his side, yet your subtle maneuvers don’t escape notice. Though Mr. Reeves and I haven’t delved into your actions, the evidence speaks for itself. Why else would Mrs. Reeves abruptly send you away?”

Lacey’s fingers tightened into fists, but she maintained a facade of ignorance. “I’m not sure what you’re implying,” she responded, her voice a blend of feigned naivety and confusion.

Leo’s smile was tinged with scorn. Lacey’s frustration grew, and her words came out sharp and strained. “Despite everything, my feelings are genuine. I’ve sacrificed so much for him over the years. He deserves someone who truly loves him. Are you suggesting I’m unworthy because of my background?”

Leo shook his head, his tone unwavering. “It’s not about your background. You simply aren’t the right one for him. Your desire to possess him overshadows your ability to genuinely care for him. Mr. Reeves trusted me enough to promote me, and I cannot stand by while someone with ill intentions like you remains by his side.”

Lacey snapped, her voice rising, “My intentions are pure.”

“I truly love him.”

Leo’s sneer was swift. “Sophie’s birthday party was a few days ago. Yet, you only disclosed that Elma had collapsed and fell ill during the celebration now.”

Caught off-guard, Lacey fell silent, her complexion draining of color.

Leo persisted, his tone edged with accusation. “You’re holding onto it as your trump card, using it in situations like today. Perhaps you truly don’t care about Elma. It might even be a relief for you if she passed away. You long to be with Mr. Reeves, don’t you? Naturally, you’d prefer all his children out of the picture.”

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