?<strong>Chapter 1104:</strong>


    Jake, however, still noticed. Not only did he notice, but he was also nning to handle the situation.


    Kallie felt a surprising warmth in her chest. Yet, she couldn’t help but shake her head.


    “I’ve heard from the other staff that for thest few years, Lacey has stayed by your side, helping you with so much, and now, she’s fully devoted to caring for Elma. If you forcibly send her away and exile her abroad, wouldn’t that be going too far?”


    Jake pulled Kallie into his arms.


    “This isn’t about being cruel. I’ve made it clear from the start. I can’t give her the love she wants. She should never have expected it in the first ce. Sending her abroad is giving her the chance to start over. I’ll make sure she has enough money to livefortably, and if she no longer has feelings for me, she’s wee to return whenever she wants.


    “Besides, this is as much her decision as mine. She said she’d leave once Elma was better. If people think I’m heartless because of this, then so be it. I don’t care about their opinions. I only care about you. I don’t want you to feel upset or disappointed. And I certainly won’t let anyone who upsets you stay in our lives.”


    Jake wasn’t one for flowery words. His sincerity always spoke louder than any romantic gesture, and to Kallie, it was priceless because it was his honest promise. He wanted to offer her both unwavering security and the entirety of his affection.


    Ovee with emotion, Kallie rose onto her tiptoes and gently kissed Jake, her lips brushing his softly. When she pulled away, a faint blush colored her cheeks, and her eyes shimmered with a hint of shyness.


    Jake’s heart skipped at the sight. Without hesitation, he bent down and kissed her again, ignoring the passing servants and the curious nces they cast.


    Kallie squirmed in his grasp, trying to push him away, but Jake’s strength left her attempts futile.


    From a distance, Lacey watched it all unfold. She had overheard their conversation too. Her lips trembled as she bit down on them, anger and humiliation swelling in her chest.


    Lacey had indeed brought up the idea of leaving to Jake, but it was merely a ploy to lower his guard and hasten his arrangements for taking Elma to meet her so-called mentor.


    She never intended to leave his side. But now, Jake was nning to cast her aside after she healed Elma. He didn’t have to go this far, yet he chose to do it all to make Kallie happy. Lacey was consumed by fury, not understanding why Jake was so smitten with Kallie.


    Upon reflection, Lacey realized Kallie was the cause of every failed plot.


    And now, Lacey stood there, watching Jake pour all his love and passion into Kallie. She had never seen Jake so fervent before.


    Suddenly, Lacey felt pathetic as a wave of self-pity washed over her. All her efforts had been in vain, mere illusions. Jake’s love was never meant for her. It was Kallie who he truly loved. She should have realized this earlier. She just couldn’t bring herself to ept the truth. She couldn’t grasp where she had gone wrong. She had spent years by Jake’s side, doing everything for him, yet it seemed never enough.


    A storm of resentment and fury brewed within Lacey, and tears cascaded down her face. Her hands reached for her eyes to brush away the tears, only to find them cold. She didn’t know how long she had been crying. Suddenly, she felt a profound sense of surrender, as though she was ready to release it all.


    Lacey retreated to her room, lost in her thoughts. She had barely stepped inside when her phone buzzed.


    .


    .


    .