?<strong>Chapter 1128:</strong>


    Elma sensed something was off and gently patted Kallie’s back tofort her.


    “Mom, is Lacey bothering you again? Don’t worry, next time I see my dad, I’ll tell him to give that mean woman a good talking-to. Dad loves you a lot now, and he cares about me too. He won’t let anyone hurt us.”


    Elma’s words were meant to reassure Kallie.


    Yet, Kallie’s heart sank at Elma’s words, a sharp pang of pain echoing through her. A wave of pity for Elma washed over her. Elma was such a kind andpassionate soul.


    Right now, Elma was unaware of her father’s deception and still clung to the naive belief that Jake had brought her here to heal her.


    Kallie had intended to reveal the truth to Elma. However, as she gazed upon Elma’s hopeful expression, the words caught in her throat. She resolved to abandon her n. The truth was a harsh reality, too brutal for Elma to bear. Kallie concluded that it would be best to shield Elma from it until she was older.


    Kallie fought back the tears welling up in her eyes. Taking a deep breath topose herself, she asked, “Elma, would you like to leave with me?”


    Elma was taken aback for a moment. Then, a smile lit up her face as she nodded.


    “Sure. Mom, where are we going?”


    Kallie released her grip, her heart heavy with a mix of emotions as she looked at Elma’s earnest face. She smiled and gently stroked Elma’s hair.


    “I’ve found a more qualified doctor, but they practice abroad. We’ll go overseas for your treatment. I promise you’ll recover.” Elma’s face beamed with joy, and she nodded eagerly. In truth, she had been reluctant to travel here. However, seeing her parents’ tireless efforts to help her heal, she feltpelled to cooperate.


    Perhaps Elma possessed an innate sensitivity to her surroundings. She couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that clung to the ce, a sense of lurking danger that made her long to escape.


    Your escape begins with ga ln ov els .


    Kallie’s words brought a wave of relief and excitement over Elma. Elma was overjoyed at the prospect of leaving.


    “Great! Once I’m cured, we can explore new ces together. Dad wille with us, right? And what about Calvin and Sophie? Will we pick them up in Burmoos?”


    Kallie shook her head, her voice trembling as she exined, “No, it will just be the two of us. Your dad won’t being with us. Neither will Calvin or Sophie.”


    Kallie’s n to leave with Elma meant they couldn’t risk going to Burmoos. Jake would undoubtedly catch them. Calvin and Sophie were already safe at the Reeves family’s home. Jake wouldn’t be able to harm them, even if he was furious.


    As anticipated, Elma was disheartened by the news. She clung to Kallie’s arm, her face creased with worry.


    “Mom, why can’t my dade with us? Did he upset you? You two shouldn’t argue so much. If you have a disagreement, you should talk it over. Communication can solve any problem.”


    Kallie felt a mixed pang of amusement and sadness. It was a lesson typically imparted by adults to children. Yet, here was Elma, offering the same wisdom to her. Elma clearly fretted over the family. Kallie med herself for making the children worry.


    Kallie shook her head, her expression serious.


    “It’s not because of that. But I can’t exin it to you right now,” she said, her voiceced with a hint of apology.


    “Elma, I need to know if you’re willing to leave with me.”


    Elma hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. But then, after a moment of contemtion, she nodded firmly, her resolve unwavering.


    “I am,” she dered, her voice filled with conviction.


    “I will go wherever you go. Wherever you are, that’s my home.”


    .


    .


    .