?<strong>Chapter 749:</strong>


    When Jake realized his mistake, he quickly released her hand. “I’m sorry, I thought you were someone else.” The woman cleared her throat lightly. “It’s okay.”


    The silence lingered until Jake broke it. “Could you tell me where I am? Earlier, your sister mentioned the flooding and theck of a signal here. You seem kind. It’s crucial for me to connect with my wife and kids. Can you help me reach them?”


    Jake, typically reserved and stoic, poured out his concerns without hesitation. After speaking, he awaited the woman’s response with hopeful eyes.


    Instead of answering, the woman showed a hint of annoyance. “Is there anything more vital than your life? Had I found you even a momentter, you might not have made it.”


    Jake’s frown eased as he replied gently, “Thank you for your kindness, Miss, but it’s urgent that I contact them.” His thoughts turned to Kallie and the kids, likely frantic with worry, especially Kallie. The idea that Kallie might be suffering from sleepless nights or skipping meals hurt him deeply.


    The woman peered at Jake, her face unreadable. “Is she truly that significant to you?”


    Jake nodded without hesitation. “Yes, she’s everything to me.”


    The woman exhaled softly. “You need time to heal before you can even think about leaving. Given the circumstances, without the ability to fly, leaving now is impossible.”


    Realizing the truth in her words, Jake didn’t push further. She had, after all, saved rather than harmed him.


    Introducing himself, he took the lead. “My name is Jake, from the Reeves family in Burmoos. Your kindness won’t be forgotten, and should I manage to leave here safely, I promise to repay you.”


    The woman nodded with a neutral expression. “I’m Lacey Payne. The girl you met earlier is my sister, Jete Payne. You can call her Jeanee.”


    Jake responded with a polite nod. “Thank you, Miss Payne.” Just then, Jete appeared with a bowl of medicine, offering it to Jake with a smile. “Sir, drink your medicine.” The room filled with the potent scent of the medicine. Jake hesitated, not drinking immediately, and asked with a hint of surprise, “Are you a doctor?”


    Lacey’s mood shifted, and her voice grew cold. “I’m not a professional. I just know a bit, so I don’t have the expertise of city doctors.”


    Jake wanted to rify that he hadn’t meant to offend, but he chose not to exin. He epted the bowl and drank the medicine quickly.


    He had no fear of being poisoned. If they had intended to harm him, they wouldn’t have gone through all this effort.


    Lacey observed as Jake finished the medicine. Seeing he was done, her frown eased and her expression softened.


    She retrieved the bowl and gently said, “Get some rest.” Jete came over with a warm smile and carefully tucked the quilt around Jake.


    A pang of longing for Elma shot through Jake. He instinctively reached out and softly patted Jete’s head.


    Lacey’s eyes flickered at the sight, and that odd feeling crept back in. “Jeanee,e on. Let’s go,” she said, her voice a gentle nudge.


    Jete nodded and trailed behind Lacey as they left the room.


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