Chapter 978



“It’s different, you know.”

Jake had spent time with Elma and Sophie. He had watched Elma grow from a tiny baby to her current age. But he had never been there when Calvin grew up. Maybe Calvin had a point in chastising him. He wasn’t exactly the epitome of fatherhood.

Leo, picking up on Jake’s unease, began to share his own story.

“I have two children, yet it’s quite the opposite of your situation. My daughter isn’t too close to me because their mother died when they were just little. I’ve been their caretaker ever since, but as the years slipped by, they matured. My daughter formed her own opinions and became reluctant to confide in me. She finds it awkward to open up to me, perhaps because I’m a man. However, there are matters children keep to themselves, and it’s crucial for adults to reach out and talk. Effective communication is key to resolving such issues.”

Jake absorbed Leo’s words in thoughtful silence, a faint gleam of resolve igniting in his gaze. He patted Leo’s shoulder with newfound appreciation.

“I get what you’re saying. Thanks for sharing this with me. You know, you should head home early today and catch up with your kids.”

Meanwhile, Calvin stormed away, aimless in his frustration. He had initially sought out Elma, but upon learning from a maid that she had just begun her meal after waking, he opted not to intrude. Instead, he found solace in the solitude of the garden, lying back on the lush lawn to gaze up at the sprawling, starlit sky, his thoughts swirling with tumultuous emotions.

It was then that the butler located Calvin, approaching with a respectful bow before delivering his message.

“Mr. Calvin Reeves, your father requests your presence.”

Calvin dismissed the request swiftly.

“I don’t want to see him right now. Tell him you couldn’t find me.”

With a weary sigh, the butler replied, “I’m afraid that won’t suffice as an excuse. The estate is monitored, and there’s a camera directly above you. Your father might even be watching at this moment.”

Calvin fell silent, his eyes lifting to meet the surveillance camera’s flashing red light. He clenched his jaw, determination hardening his features.

“Leave me alone. If he wants to force a confrontation, he can try. I just don’t want to see him.”

No sooner had Calvin spoken than Jake’s voice rang out across the garden.

“You call yourself a man, yet you flee from confrontation. Did your mother teach you to be so timid?” Stung by the criticism of his mother, Calvin surged to his feet, fury etched across his face as he met Jake’s advancing figure with a defiant glare.

“What right do you have to speak of her that way?”

Jake continued his approach, undeterred.

Standing well over six feet, Jake’s stern expression lent him an intimidating air, almost tyrannical in its effect. This visage alone could easily bring a child to tears.

Calvin, admittedly frightened, held his ground with brave resolve. He knew succumbing to fear wasn’t an option. Jake was a heartless man. If the entire family cowered before Jake, would they ever escape his tyranny?

Calvin’s defiant thoughts were clearly written all over his face, as Jake abruptly tapped him on the head.

“Remember, no matter your feelings toward me, I am your biological father—that’s an unalterable fact.”

A sharp pain shot through Calvin, causing him to wince and cradle his head, his resentment toward Jake deepening. Then, in an unexpected shift, the once detached and imposing Jake lowered himself onto the lawn, adopting a posture mirroring Calvin’s.

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