Chapter 955



Seeing Calvin’s stubborn expression, Jake couldn’t help but be reminded of his own younger self.

Kallie, clearly uncomfortable, broke the silence.

“Calvin, don’t be rude. This is your father. At least greet him.”

But for the first time, Calvin outright defied Kallie’s words. He gave a quiet snort, his icy demeanor making his disapproval clear.

Kallie glanced apologetically at Jake.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t tell him to behave like this. You know how kids are. They only grow close to those around them.”

Jake shifted his gaze away, speaking thoughtfully.

“I understand. I’m to blame for letting them down.”

Of everyone at the table, Sophie seemed the most conflicted. She had vivid memories of her parents’ once-loving relationship and the tender moments she’d shared with Jake. But she couldn’t understand why Jake and Kallie had parted ways. For years, Sophie had witnessed Kallie’s consistent search for Jake, her obsession with clinging to the hope that Jake was still alive, even to the point of consulting a therapist.

Now, as an older and more thoughtful teenager, Sophie couldn’t quite untangle her emotions toward her father. Before the group even sat down, she said to Kallie, “Mom, I’m not feeling well. Can I please go home?”

Concern flashed across Kallie’s face.

“Not feeling well? Where does it hurt? Should I take you to the hospital?”

Sophie cast a fleeting glance at Jake before looking away, her message clear.

Jake paused mid-sip of his coffee, feeling an uncomfortable weight settle in his chest. He didn’t want to pressure Sophie, so he forced a smile.

“How about I assign a bodyguard to take you to the hospital? Or home, if you’d rather rest?”

Sophie shook her head, her tone polite but distant.

“It’s alright. I can handle it myself.”

Jake winced at the sharp sting of his daughter’s icy tone.

Kallie glanced between Jake and Sophie, sighing inwardly. She could tell Sophie was being stubborn, lacking any true desire to actually leave. After being apart from her father for so long, Sophie must have missed him. But things had changed now.

At that moment, Elma stepped forward, tugging at Sophie’s hand and pleading, “Sophie, don’t go! It won’t be the same without you. Stay and play with me, please?”

Sophie, who rarely denied her little sister anything, almost softened at the sight of Elma’s hopeful expression.

“I’m really not up for eating.”

“That’s okay!” Elma chirped, undeterred.

“There’s a play area nearby. Will you come play with me? Please don’t leave!” Sophie could tell exactly what Elma was thinking. She pinched Elma’s cheek fondly.

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