Chapter 962



Once again, Lacey found herself outmaneuvered by Kallie’s quiet confidence. She’d hoped to see Kallie crumble. But in the end, it was she who felt exposed and vulnerable.

Lacey’s jaw clenched, her teeth grinding together in frustration. Refusing to concede defeat, she raised her hand, fueled by a surge of anger. However, at the last moment, her hand faltered, her resolve crumbling. She couldn’t bring herself to strike Kallie. It wasn’t fear of Kallie that held her back, but fear of Jake’s reaction. The thought of incurring his wrath and further alienating him filled her with trepidation.

Lacey bitterly admitted Kallie was correct. Her world indeed revolved solely around her love life and her infatuation with Jake. But that was okay. She could eventually win Jake over. After all, Kallie and Jake were currently estranged, presenting her with ample opportunity to stake her claim.

Emboldened by this thought, Lacey lifted her chin, a flicker of defiance in her eyes.

“Kallie, don’t think for a moment that you can crush my spirit. I won’t let you get to me. Time will be the ultimate judge. I’ll eventually supplant you in Jake’s heart because I’m confident that I’m superior to you in every way.”

Kallie observed Lacey’s haughty departure with a soft sigh, choosing not to engage further. It was inconsequential. Her conflict with Jake had never centered around Lacey. Therefore, she had never truly viewed Lacey as a threat. The previous slap had been a consequence of Lacey’s egregious overstepping of boundaries. Under normal circumstances, she wouldn’t waste her energy on such a trivial individual.

Unbeknownst to Kallie and Lacey, their heated exchange had been witnessed by three pairs of curious eyes from below. Sophie’s face contorted in disgust.

“That woman is so manipulative, but she’s clearly no match for our mother.”

Ga ln ovels . com fuels your imagination “Someone like her could never hold a candle to our mom,” Calvin chimed in, his voice laced with disdain.

Elma, ever the astute observer, offered a more balanced perspective.

“This is ultimately our dad’s fault,” she declared.

“If not for his actions, someone like her wouldn’t even have the opportunity to cross paths with our mother.” Her siblings nodded in silent agreement.

A wave of sadness washed over Elma.

“Why is our dad behaving this way?” she wondered aloud, her voice tinged with sorrow.

“Doesn’t he care about our mom anymore?”

Calvin scowled, his voice tinged with resolve.

“I just don’t think we should push this. Plus, I genuinely dislike Jake. He’s just not fit to be my father.”

Sophie’s expression fell with sadness.

“But I remember seeing moments when our mom and dad were truly happy together. That’s why I get where Elma’s coming from. It’s hard not to feel heartbroken over their situation.”

Elma sighed heavily and admitted, “I’ve tried everything within my power, but now it’s beyond my control.”

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