?<strong>Chapter 1103:</strong>


    Lacey felt a surge of resentment, directing all her anger at Kallie.


    “Look at how your daughter behaves. You’re a terrible mother.”


    Before Kallie could retort, Elma jumped to her defense.


    “My mommy is the best! Whether she’s a good mother or not is none of your business! You’re the one with bad intentions, Lacey, always sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong. You’re just an outsider!”


    “You little brat!” Lacey fumed, her hand itching to p Elma. But she knew better than toy a hand on the child. She gritted her teeth, forcing down her anger.


    At that moment, Jake walked into the room.


    Lacey’s arrogant facade crumbled. She stepped aside, her gaze fixed on the floor.


    Jake, oblivious to the earlier confrontation, looked around the room, his brow furrowed in question.


    Elma opened her mouth toin, but Kallie quickly intervened.


    “Elma, if you don’t take your medicine soon, it’ll get cold and taste even worse,” Kallie said gently.


    Elma pouted, her face a picture of misery. Knowing that her mother wouldn’t be swayed by her antics, she turned her attention to Jake, her eyes wide and pleading.


    To her surprise, Jake picked up the medicine bowl.


    “Here, let me help,” he said softly.


    “If you drink it quickly, you won’t taste the bitterness.”


    Kallie held Elma close as Jake patiently spoon-fed her the medicine. They were the picture of a loving family.


    Lacey seethed with jealousy, her eyes burning with resentment, but her fury went unnoticed.


    Once Elma had swallowed her medicine, Jake gently took her from Kallie’s arms, soothing her with soft words and sweet treats. He even offered a piece of candy to Kallie.


    Kallie feigned indifference, yfully ring at him.


    A warm smile spread across Jake’s face.


    ncing up, Jake finally noticed Lacey’s simmering resentment. His smile vanished, reced by a frosty expression.


    “Lacey, is there something else you require?” he asked curtly.


    His dismissal was unmistakable.


    Lacey clenched her jaw, forcing a response through gritted teeth.


    “No, I was just lost in thought.”


    With that, Lacey turned and stalked off, her shoulders slumped in defeat.


    Kallie watched Lacey go, an air of nonchnce about her. She understood Lacey’s obsession with Jake was deeply ingrained, beyond the reach of reason or logic. That was precisely why she hadn’t rebuffed Jake’s earlier disys of affection. Sometimes, actions spoke louder than words.


    Lacey’s constant provocations had worn Kallie’s patience thin. The most effective way to deal with someone like Lacey was to strike at their deepest insecurities.


    Elma, lulled back to sleep by the medicine, snored softly.


    Kallie and Jake quietly exited the room. As they walked down the hallway, Jake gently pulled Kallie into his arms.


    “Once Elma’s health stabilizes, I’ll send Lacey abroad. She won’t be a problem for you anymore,” he murmured.


    Kallie’s eyes widened in surprise.


    Kallie didn’t like Lacey. She never had. But for Elma’s sake, she kept her feelings hidden, especially in front of Jake.


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