Chapter 949



Her patience running thin, Kallie said coldly, “Move aside.” Lacey remained firm, blocking Kallie’s way.

“I told you, he doesn’t want to see you. Plus, the person you’re looking for isn’t here.”

Kallie’s gaze held a depth of meaning as she looked at Lacey, a faint, mocking smile on her lips.

“Interesting. How do you know I’m here to find someone? I only said I wanted to see Jake, not that I was searching for anyone.”

Lacey felt a twinge of unease but quickly shot back, “Your search for Elma isn’t exactly a secret. It’s common knowledge in Burmoos.”

At these words, Kallie’s smile turned even colder, her eyes narrowing slightly.

“Yes, everyone knows I’m searching for someone, but they have no idea it’s Elma I’m after. Elma is my daughter. If I were to reveal her disappearance, my enemies, always looking for ways to strike at me, would seize the opportunity to hurt her. Lacey, are you still refusing to admit that you took Elma?”

Only then did Lacey realize she had walked right into Kallie’s trap, her face draining of color.

“I… What are you talking about? I don’t understand,” she stammered.

“Step aside!” Kallie raised an eyebrow, her gaze piercing through Lacey as if Lacey were nothing more than a lifeless shell.

“If you don’t step aside, a slap will be the least of your worries.”

Just then, Jake’s voice pierced the silence.

The tales you love are at gⱯlnσν𝓮ℓs․cøm “Point your anger at me if you’re this displeased. Why pick on Lacey?”

Kallie was taken aback for a moment before quickly regaining her composure. She turned to confront Jake, who was heading her way, accompanied by a handful of people. She stood defensively, poised like a cat ready to strike, her eyes fixed on Jake.

“I came here just to see you, and yet you surrounded yourself with so many people. What, are you scared I might try something?”

Kallie teased, her tone laced with mockery as she sank onto the sofa with defiance.

“And another thing, you and Miss Payne aren’t even legally married. Playing the hero now, are we? Just so we’re clear, this house belongs to me as much as it does to you. Roderick made sure of that. If you’re dreaming of a wedding here, forget about it.”

Jake looked at Kallie, noticing a bite in her tone that he hadn’t seen before. Although they’d had their disputes, she had never lashed out like this. It wasn’t concern for Elma that showed on her face; it was something sharper, tinged with jealousy.

Yet, Jake dismissed the thought as quickly as it came. Why would Kallie feel jealous? It made no sense. She had probably rejoiced the day she was rid of him. Perhaps she truly loathed him.

A fleeting glimmer of emotion passed through Jake’s eyes as he regarded Kallie with a cold stare, yet he offered no reply to her accusations.

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