?<strong>Chapter 1004:</strong>


    “I need some peace. Who’s making all that racket out there? Calvin? Lacey? Tell them to take it somewhere else. I have a splitting headache.”


    Jake rubbed his temples, trying to massage away the throbbing pain in his head.


    The butler shifted ufortably, a troubled expression on his face.


    “Mr. Reeves, the situation downstairs requires your attention. Ick the authority to dismiss them.”


    Jake frowned, his brow furrowing in confusion.


    “You’re the Reeves family butler,” he asserted, his voice firm.


    “I’ve granted you the authority. Are they more influential than I am?”


    The butler’s face creased with a helpless expression. He had served the Reeves family since Roderick’s era and enjoyed a certain level of respect from Jake.


    Not wanting to put the butler in a difficult position, Jake reluctantly rose to his feet.


    “Alright. Let’s see what themotion is about.”


    The butler nodded gratefully and gestured for Jake to follow.


    Jake took a few steps, his movements slightly uncoordinated.


    The butler observed him with a worried frown.


    “Mr. Reeves, you seem a bit unsteady. Perhaps you should rest for a while. I can have the servants prepare a strong cup of coffee for you.”


    “I’m fine,” Jake said dismissively, shaking his head.


    “I’m not that drunk.”


    Jake didn’t forget the mountain of work awaiting him at the office. Even when drinking, he didn’t allow himself to overindulge. A man in his position had to remain vignt, always on guard. When was thest time he had truly rxed? It seemed like a lifetime ago, back when he was with Kallie. Those carefree days now felt like a distant memory, a relic from another life. A bittersweet smile touched his lips as he reminisced about those happier times.


    Jake regained hisposure, his steps growing steadier. No one would have guessed he had been drinking.


    Descending the stairs, Jake finally understood the butler’s hesitation. The source of themotion was Elma, sobbing uncontrobly, with Sophie and Calvin trying to console her. Standing opposite them was Kallie, her face etched with a mixture of confusion and difort.


    Kallie took in the scene, her brow furrowed in concern, and then her gaze settled on Elma.


    “Hey, don’t cry,” Kallie said softly, her voice filled with sympathy. She knelt down and gently wiped away Elma’s tears.


    “I don’t understand why you’re saying these things. I don’t know you, and I’m not your mother.”


    Elma shook her head vehemently, tears streaming down her face.


    “You’re my mommy!” she wailed.


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