Chapter 953



Jake, hearing their conversation, stood frozen in surprise. He had expected Kallie to use this opportunity to poison Elma’s mind against him. Instead, to his astonishment, she was defending him.

A wave of conflicting emotions washed over Jake. As he watched Kallie’s gentle smile and heard her kind words, his heart pounded in his chest.

Kallie persisted, gently coaxing Elma until she finally relented. Elma had another motive for agreeing. She wanted to keep a close watch on her father. She wouldn’t let him be with that awful woman, Lacey.

Once they had an understanding, Elma insisted on sealing the deal with a pinky promise.

With the fickle nature of children, Elma’s mood quickly brightened. She grabbed Kallie’s hand and dragged her over to Jake.

“I have one more condition. Both of you have to have a meal with me today. If you don’t, I’ll be naughty for a whole month and keep begging to go home,” she declared.

Elma tilted her chin up defiantly, hands planted on her hips, looking adorable yet determined. Her large, expressive eyes sparkled with mischief.

“Elma…” Jake began, hesitant.

“Sweetheart,” Kallie interrupted.

“It’s not really appropriate for your dad and me to have a meal together.”

Elma’s face fell.

“Why not? Other kids get to eat with their parents. Why can’t I?” she whined.

Kallie paused, considering her words.

“Well, you see, your dad and I are already sep—”

Before Kallie could utter the word “separated,” Jake clamped his hand over her mouth and whisked her away.

They stumbled into an empty room, the door clicking shut behind them.

Jake’s grip was firm, and Kallie couldn’t wriggle free. Once they were alone, Jake finally released her.

Kallie’s cheeks flushed crimson, her eyes flashing with indignation. But her anger was more adorable than intimidating, like a kitten with its fur on end.

The memory of Kallie’s soft lips against his hand sent a strange jolt through Jake. He quickly pushed the thought aside, clearing his throat and schooling his features into a stern expression.

“Don’t ever say things like that in front of the children again. They’re too young to understand. It’s not good for them.”

Kallie smirked.

“Do you really think hiding it from them is doing them any good? It’s the truth, Jake. What’s the point of keeping it a secret? It’s best to be upfront about it. The kids are more perceptive than you think. They’ve already picked up on what’s going on between us.”

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