?<strong>Chapter 1077:</strong>


    Jake responded casually with a simple “No.”


    Kallie spoke up quickly.


    “I think we should avoid taking Elma to Miss Payne’s mentor. We don’t trust him, and we’ve never met him. There could be risks if we take Elma there.”


    Jake looked at her with a puzzled expression.


    “You were so eager to find me yesterday just for this?”


    Kallie nodded in confirmation.


    Jake was at a loss.


    “Why didn’t you just tell me directly? There was no need to wait until I was finished with work. It’s not a big deal, and I wouldn’t have been upset about it.”


    Kallie let out a soft sigh.


    “Our rtionship isn’t at a stage where I feel I can speak so openly. Lacey is someone you introduced, and I worry that stepping over the line might make you feel I doubt your judgment. Even though I don’t recall the past, the children are ours, and I’ve noticed you’re more involved with them than I was.”


    Jake looked surprised.


    “What makes you say that?”


    Kallie thought for a moment and then exined, “The children live here with you, and Sophie has mentioned that I didn’t spend much time with them before.”


    Jake saw Kallie’s saddened expression and felt a sharp tug at his heart. Looking into her eyes, he spoke softly, “No, you’repletely wrong. You are attentive and responsible. The children adore you because you’ve given them so much. If anything, I am the one who is indebted to you.”


    Kallie shook her head, smiled gently, and said, “I’ve left the past behind. It’s never toote to begin anew.”


    Jake smiled slightly.


    “I’ve been feeling the same way. I trust no one else with Elma’s care. Yet, I must admit, her condition is graver than we feared. She must continue her treatment without pause.”


    Worry flickered in Jake’s eyes as he continued, “I’ll do my best to find a suitable doctor quickly. We’ll give it three days. If we see no improvement, we’ll have to consider Lacey’s mentor.”


    Hearing this made Kallie’s heart sink. She sped her hands tightly and nodded in agreement.


    “You’ve thought of everything. I trust your judgment.”


    After speaking, Kallie grasped Jake’s hand, seeking to reassure him.


    “Don’t worry. Elma will get better.”


    Jake nodded and then impulsively kissed her, moved by the moment. Had they not been so famished, he might have kissed her again.


    At her resistance, Jake reluctantly stopped, though his deep eyes seemed to hold a hint of grievance.


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