?<strong>Chapter 205:</strong>


    Edgar and his men escorted Shirley out forcefully.


    As Shirley reached the door, she noticed her bodyguards, whom she had sent to bring Kallie down, standing with bruised and swollen faces. It was clear Jake had made his stance.


    Shirley shook with rage. “What is Jake thinking? Attacking my people?”


    Edgar, though smiling, maintained a cold tone. “Madam, please understand. Mr. Reeves has been quite stressedtely. Overwork has left him exhausted and short-tempered. It would be better if you avoided visiting. His displeasure might very well be yours.”


    Shirley’s fury escted. “I am his mother. Am I to be barred from my own son’s home? Is that bitch Kallie turning him against me? I’ve always maintained that Kallie brings misfortune. She’s corrupted my son.”


    Edgar’s smile waned a bit. “By the way, Mr. Reeves instructed me to pass on a message. Should you continue to nder his wife or harm her again, he expects you to return the possessions that you took from her.”


    At this, Shirley’s anger subsided somewhat, though she still clenched her teeth. “What do you mean? Those items rightfully belong to the Reeves family. Kallie is nothing but an outsider. Why should she have any im to them?”


    Edgar cleared his throat. “Those items were specifically left to her by Mr. Reeves’ grandfather, per his will, witnessed by thewyer. She never intended to give them permanently to you. It was more of a loan. She retains the right to reim them at any time.”


    Shirley was on the verge of losing herposure. “I’ve done everything for the Reeves family, especially for Jake. Will Jake truly not regret how he’s treated me?”


    Edgar felt a sharp twinge of sarcasm. “Madam, these aren’t Mr. Jake Reeves’ exact words, but as his assistant, I need to speak on his behalf. You always preferred Mr. Dean Reeves to be the heir. Yet, it was Mr. Roderick Reeves who had chosen Mr. Jake Reeves as his heir, and you had to ept that. You took benefits from Mr. Jake Reeves’ wife, yet not a dime went to Mr. Jake Reeves. Isn’t it rather hypocritical to im now that it was all for his benefit?”


    Edgar held back even sharperments that came to mind. He always noticed how differently Shirley treated her sons. The bias was clear.


    It was often said that parents had a special fondness for their youngest, but Shirley was an exception.


    Perhaps her strained rtionship with Jake stemmed from theplications during his birth, or maybe other reasons yed a part.


    It seemed Shirley had never genuinely warmed to Jake.


    Given that Jake was primarily raised by Roderick, Jake’s bond with Shirley only grew colder.


    Shirley’s attention to Jake seemed solely because of his exceptional talent and his designation as Roderick’s sessor.


    Dean and Melinda’s wedding was avish affair, even though Shirley harbored some reservations about Melinda. Nevertheless, Shirley was present, a testament to her approval.


    In stark contrast, Kallie and Jake skipped a formal wedding ceremony entirely, earning not even a hint of approval from Shirley.


    Outwardly, Shirley attributed her disapproval to a personal distaste for Kallie. However, it was clear to everyone that her animosity ran deeper than mere dislike.


    At a loss for words and feeling suffocated by the tension, Shirley finally blurted out a reluctant farewell. “Jake had better not regret this. I’m still his mother, after all. What he’s done has truly disappointed me.”


    With those words, Shirley stormed off.


    Edgar only turned around after Shirley had left.


    Once in her car, Shirley began to grumble under her breath, “What an ungrateful son, cutting ties with his own mother over a woman. If I had known, I would have never brought him into this world.”


    The butler, trying to ease the tension, cautiously interjected, “Madam, Mr. Jake Reeves is just showing his immaturity. He surely doesn’t see the depth of your good intentions.”


    “Forget it.” Shirley exhaled sharply, resigning herself. “I can’t depend on him. He has no patience, not for me and certainly not for Dean. Given his current attitude, I need to think about my next steps.”


    Peering out the window, the butler then spoke in a hushed tone. “Madam, Mr. Dean Reeves has grown up by your side since childhood. His bond with you is unmistakably deep. I believe it’s time for you to decide. If necessary, consider parting ways with Mr. Jake Reeves and allow Mr. Dean Reeves to take over. Yourtter years would be more secure. ording to what I’ve learned, Mr. Jake Reeves is currently overwhelmed with various troubles, including health issues. This could be a favorable moment.”


    Shirley massaged her temples, her reluctance evident. “But Jake has a knack for generating wealth. Let’s dy any decisions for the time being. I don’t wish to burden Dean excessively.”


    “Very well,” the butler responded, his toneced with resignation. He shot Shirley a meaningful look.


    Feeling the onset of a headache, Shirley added, “Please, move to the other car. I need some time alone.”


    “Understood,” the butler acknowledged. He opened the door and stepped out, but not before casting a lingering, significant nce back at Shirley.


    Elsewhere, Kallie was confined within Jake’s car, oblivious to the conversation outside. She sat in anxious anticipation for what felt like an eternity.


    When the door finally swung open, Kallie couldn’t suppress a shudder. The sight of Edgar did little to ease her nerves.


    Kallie waved frantically at Edgar, tears streaming down her face. She hastily typed down her inner turmoil. “Didn’t Jake promise me? He swore he wouldn’t touch my child. I’ve done everything he asked during this time, without a word of protest. Why is he doing this to me?”


    Edgar’s concern deepened at the sight of her distress. He quickly tried to soothe her, saying, “Madam, please calm down. You’re pregnant. Mr. Reeves means no harm. He’s merely performing for his mother’s benefit.”


    Kallie recalled the icy stare Jake had given her, making her shiver. She shook her head firmly. “I don’t trust him, and I don’t trust you either. I need to get away.”


    Edgar, caught off guard, replied awkwardly, “Madam, I assure you, we would never endanger your child. Mr. Reeves is facing his own challenges. One day, you’ll understand.”


    In the past, Kallie might have softened upon hearing this, trying to see things from Jake’s perspective.


    But now, Kallie saw things differently. She understood that she needed to prioritize her own well-being over pleasing others.


    A determined glimmer sparked in Kallie’s eyes as she expressed her need for awyer. She demanded a divorce from Jake, iming her unwillingness to stay by his side, no matter his intentions.


    Edgar was taken aback by her resolve. Yet, after pondering for a moment, he realized Kallie was oblivious to Jake’s circumstances, which justified her need for reassurance.


    Edgar promised repeatedly to secure awyer for Kallie, and gradually, she began to rx.


    Edgar then apanied Kallie back to Jake’s vi.


    Upon entering, they found Jake nonchntly eating, seemingly unaffected by earlier events.


    As Jake looked up and their eyes met, Kallie offered him nothing but a brief, icy nce.


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