?<strong>Chapter 714:</strong>


    Kallie leaned in for aforting hug, her presence a soothing balm for Elma.


    The scent of Kallie’s fragrance lingered, making Elma reluctant to let go.


    Letting Elma go, Kallie headed for the door and unexpectedly met Jake and Cara.


    Kallie’s eyes locked with Jake’s for a fleeting second, sparking an unspoken tension.


    Kallie averted her gaze, feigning indifference.


    Calvin, catching sight of Cara, was instantly reminded of his past suffering. He quickly ducked behind Kallie, his eyes wide with apprehension.


    Cara, however, disyed none of her earlier fury.


    Kallie raised an eyebrow. Likely charmed by Jake, Cara seemed content now, even with a hint of smugness.


    Noticing Calvin’s attempt to avoid her, Cara let out a scornfulugh and taunted, “Like mother, like son, huh? Your mom chases after what’s not hers, and you? Sneaking around, trying to take what isn’t yours. You’re all worthless.”


    Jake’s fist clenched at his side as a spark of anger lit his eyes, though he couldn’t quite pinpoint the reason for his fury.


    Kallie,posed and deliberate in her response, countered, “You know very well that I’m not after someone else’s partner. As for the usation that my son has stolen your belongings, I’ve already taken it upon myself to notify the authorities for an investigation. The Morgan family is well-equipped with surveince, isn’t it? Theft and child abuse are separate matters. Miss Morgan, you might want to reflect on the possibility that if the child abuse allegations are confirmed, you may no longer be deemed fit to care for Elma.”


    “You!” Cara spat out, visibly rattled. She couldn’t bear the thought of losing Elma, who had be her primary means of manipting Jake.


    Speechless, Cara shot Kallie a venomous look, roughly shouldered her, and stormed into the ward.


    Kallie watched Cara leave, a scornful smirk ying on her lips. She had realized that to handle someone like Cara, she had to outdo her in audacity.


    Previously, Kallie had endured Cara’s antics out of respect for yton’s past favor, thinking it best to let Cara vent her frustrations and steer clear of such toxicity. Yet, Cara acted like a madwoman, repeatedly targeting her.


    “Let’s go,” Kallie said, grasping Calvin’s hand as they moved away.


    Calvin hesitated, his voice tinged with reluctance. “Mom, she should apologize to me. I didn’t take her things. It’s wrong for her to treat me this way.”


    Despite his youth, Calvin was usually poised and rational, seldom disying such frustration. Clearly, he felt deeply wronged. “Sweetheart,” Kallie said, bending down to gently stroke his hair. “Forcing her to apologize won’t result in a heartfelt one. True apologiese when someone understands the consequences of their actions. She made an error, and rather than wait for an empty sorry, she should face the repercussions.” What good would an apology do? Could it really undo the hurt Calvin felt?


    Kallie pondered whether this conversation was premature for a child, but then she realized it was better to equip Calvin with resilience and strength now than tofort him after he was bullied. Being kind wasmendable, but ensuring he knew how to defend himself was far more significant.


    A flicker ofprehension shone in Calvin’s eyes as he nodded. “I understand.”


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