Chapter 975



“What are you doing?”

Calvin, arms crossed in a deliberate echo of Jake’s own authoritative posture, responded with a hint of defiance.

“I came here on my own initiative. My mom’s off traveling with my sister, and she was worrying over Elma being here all by herself, so I thought I’d step in.”

Jake’s lips twitched into an amused smirk.

“She’s worried about Elma’s safety? I’m Elma’s father. Protecting Elma is my priority.”

Calvin responded, “It’s not my mom who’s worried. It’s me. My mom trusts you’re a good father, yet I harbor serious doubts.”

Jake’s expression darkened.

“Why do you feel that way?”

Calvin chuckled bitterly.

“Since my birth, you’ve been an absent figure. Over these past few years, despite being alive, you’ve essentially erased us from your life. Do you realize how frantically my mom and my sister have been trying to track you down?”

A deep ache throbbed in Jake’s chest. Kallie had been looking for him. Why? Likely to confirm that he was dead. Yet, he chose not to share these thoughts with Calvin. Instead, he offered a different perspective.

“Calvin, some issues are better left for the…”

“Adults to sort out. I am your father, and it is my responsibility to care for you, to cherish you, and to safeguard you.”

Calvin’s face twisted with dissatisfaction.

“Why shouldn’t we children worry? Since you are my dad, your issues with my mom inevitably ripple through to us.”

“Besides, I’m the man of this family. I don’t need your protection. I can take care of my family by myself,” Calvin’s eyes hardened, his expression fierce.

To Jake, however, Calvin’s attempt at looking intimidating didn’t come across as a threat at all. The boy was too immature—like a cub trying to mimic a roar.

Jake narrowed his eyes but didn’t argue. Instead, he changed the subject.

“Let’s eat.”

Jake and Calvin walked to the dining room, where dinner was already served on the table.

Jake glanced around and asked a nearby servant, “Where’s Elma? Why isn’t she here? Is she not feeling well?”

“She’s napping,” the servant replied.

“She mentioned she wasn’t hungry and felt really tired.”

“Napping?” Jake frowned and checked the time.

“When did she go to sleep?”

“About three hours ago,” the servant answered.

It was normal for kids to sleep a lot, but Elma had been asleep far too long. Besides, she rarely napped in the afternoon.

Jake instantly felt something was off. He rushed to check on Elma, but as he reached the door of her room, he ran into Lacey.

Lacey glanced at Calvin provocatively before speaking.

“Mr. Reeves, I can explain why Elma’s so sleepy. It’s because she needs to take the medication I prescribed three times a day, without fail. Elma’s condition is fragile. Skipping even one dose can leave her uncomfortable. You might want to ask Calvin why he stopped her from taking the medicine I prescribed.”

“Really?” Jake asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. He turned to Calvin, confusion written all over his face.

Calvin clenched his jaw.

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