?<strong>Chapter 695:</strong>


    As the woman got closer, Calvin was hit by a strong wave of perfume. It was so overpowering that it nearly suffocated him, but he politely refrained from pinching his nose. Calvin looked up and recognized Cara.


    Even though he wasn’t a fan of her, Calvin put on his best manners and greeted her.


    Calvin wasn’t naive. “It’s alright,” he said. “I just wanted to check on how Elma is doing. If she’s not avable, I cane backter.”


    Cara fixed her gaze on Calvin, a sly smile spreading across her face. There was something unsettling about that smile.


    “Elma’s been quite rudetely,” Cara said casually. “I’ll set her straight when I get back.” Her voice was sweet as honey, but the threat behind her words was unmistakable.


    Calvin’s heart skipped a beat. “No. Elma wasn’t rude at all!” he blurted out. “It was my fault for showing up like this. I’m so sorry.”


    Cara chuckled and extended her hand toward Calvin. “Come on then,” she said. “I’ll take you in, and Elma can apologize in person. How about that?”


    Her hand was slender but not pretty, with long, sharp nails that looked like they could scratch someone’s eyes out. It gave Calvin the creeps.


    Calvin instinctively recoiled, his body moving before his mind could catch up.


    The fake warmth on Cara’s face vanished, reced by a chilling frost. “What’s that supposed to mean?” she asked, her voice sharp. “Are you afraid of me? Or maybe your mother’s been poisoning your mind against me. I never thought she was capable of such a thing.”


    The usation against his mother stung, and Calvin couldn’t resist retorting, “My mom has never said a bad word about you.” Unbeknownst to Calvin, his defense only fanned the mes of Cara’s anger.


    Cara’s gaze fixed on Calvin.


    Calvin, with his delicate features and handsome face, bore a striking resemnce to Jake. Anyone who saw them together would know they were father and son. Yet, Calvin was the product of Jake’s rtionship with another woman. A sudden wave of regret washed over Cara. Perhaps she should have taken Calvin away from Kallie instead of Chloe.


    Since Elma had started school, Cara had heard whispers about Calvin’s exceptional intelligence. Now, here he was, fiercely defending Kallie. This filled her with resentment. What had Kallie done to deserve such an adorable and intelligent child like Calvin?


    A malicious glint flickered in Cara’s eyes. “It seems there’s been a misunderstanding,” she said, her voice deceptively sweet. “Why don’t youe to my house? I can make you some snacks. Anything you want.”


    Calvin shook his head rapidly. “I have to go home. My mom is expecting me. I’m not into snacks. I’ll visit Elma another time.” Unfortunately, Calvin couldn’t leave.


    With just a nce from Cara, the guard understood her intent and stood in Calvin’s way, preventing his departure.


    This was a turn of events Calvin hadn’t anticipated at all. A wave of fear washed over him, draining the color from his face. He was still so young and innocent, too trusting of the world.


    Calvin had assumed Cara wouldn’t take him in by force, as that would be illegal.


    In a moment of panic, Calvin blurted out his thoughts.


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