The plan fell through

The plan fell through
In the morning, Callie Norris woke up to find a face inches away from hers. Her eyes widened in shock. "Shane Robinson?!"
Though her tone was one of surprise, her voice was weak and soft, not loud enough to wake Shane Robinson.
He had only fallen asleep in the early hours, so he was in a deep slumber.
Callie noticed that the ropes binding her had been untied, and she was only in her underwear...
Callie thought, "???"
Did he undress her?
She cursed him silently in her mind, 'Bastard!'
He was always taking advantage of her!
And why did he capture her anyway?
Was he just bored out of his mind?!
Or did he think she was easy to bully?
She really wanted to strangle him, but she knew she didn't have the strength right now. It wasn't the right time to make a move.
Taking advantage of his unguarded state, she decided to do something beneficial for herself!
She carefully lifted the blanket and got out of bed. To avoid waking Shane, she even kept her breathing light. Barefoot, she stepped onto the floor and looked around for something to cover herself with. There was nothing suitable except Shane Robinson's clothes. She picked up his shirt and slipped it on.
Seeing the water and snacks on the table, she practically lunged at them. She removed the lid from the pitcher and drank directly from it, gulping down half the water before feeling satisfied. After putting the pitcher down, she stared at the snacks for a few seconds before finally giving in and stuffing them into her mouth.
Earlier, she was too afraid to eat, fearing they might be poisoned since she didn't know who had captured her.
But once she realized it was Shane, she felt oddly reassured.
She knew Shane had a terrible temper and treated her poorly, but he would never kill her.
So, she felt safe.
She was extremely hungry that she ate without self-control, ending up with a stomachache.
She clutched her stomach.
"Overeaten?"
A deep, magnetic voice came from above her.
She looked up and saw the man standing in front of her, though she hadn't noticed when he had approached.
If it weren't for him, would she be in this state?
It was all his fault!
"Shane, is your heart really that cruel? What good does it do to you to starve me?" she demanded.
She intended to scold him, but her lack of strength made her words less forceful.
Shane reached out and grabbed her chin.
Her head was forced to tilt back sharply, her neck and chin forming a tight line. The position was uncomfortable, making it hard for her to breathe. She struggled to get the words out, "Shane, let go of me!"
As she spoke, her hand moved to push him away.
He leaned down, grabbing her restless hands.
"Shane, what are you trying to do?" she asked, her eyes wide open.
Shane's body pressed closer, his lips almost touching hers, their eyes locked at a close distance.
Their breaths mingled, swirling around each other's noses.
"You want to get married? Did you get my permission? Hmm?" His voice was deep, suppressing a hint of an elusive weakness.
Only Callie could affect him this way!
She left him feeling helpless and frustrated.
He couldn't hit her, nor could he scold her!
Callie thought he was out of his mind.
He could be with Lydia, so why couldn't she marry someone else?
"We're divorced. I can marry whoever I want. What business is it of yours?"
Shane held back his temper. "Sharp-tongued."
Callie smirked. "No matter how sharp-tongued I am, I can't compare to you, Mr. Shane. What do you want by kidnapping me? Are you going to imprison me?"
"Mr. Shane?" his eyes darkened, his tone as heavy as a stormy sky, oppressive and suffocating.
He didn't like that name.
Not at all!
"Don't call me that. Use my name," he commanded.
"I won't—"
Her refusal was cut short as he captured her lips, silencing her.
She resisted, clenching her teeth to prevent him from going further!
Shane's eyes narrowed, while Callie glared stubbornly at him.
"Don't want me to kiss you? Then who do you want to kiss you?" he sneered. "Kane Ortiz?"
Callie stiffened, and despite it not being true, she stubbornly replied, "Yes."
Shane's face darkened visibly.
He looked furious!
He let out a cold snort. "Don't even think about it!"
With that, his lips descended on hers again. Callie continued to resist, but he bit down on her lips hard, causing her to wince in pain. "Mmm—" Her pupils trembled.
She was extremely embarrassed and angry, so she pretended to give in. Shane paused for a moment, surprised by her sudden compliance. But before he could enjoy it, Callie bit down on his lips with all her strength, much harder than he had bitten her.
He didn't resist, not even a frown crossed his face as he endured her outburst.
She must have bitten him hard!
The metallic scent of blood was strong.
His tolerance was impressive, but she found it boring and released him.
"Feeling reluctant?" he asked.
Callie sneered, "In your dreams."
"If you behaved, I might consider letting you go, but you're too difficult."
He straightened up, his tall and lean figure imposing.
Callie was startled, "What do you mean? Are you going to keep me here?"
"You're too disobedient," he said simply.
Callie panicked. She couldn't let him keep her locked up, and for how long?
No, she wouldn't allow it!
She sprang up, attempting to flee.
Shane reached out and hooked her waist, pulling her tightly against his chest. Through the thin fabric, Callie could feel his scorching body heat, as if it could burn her.
She struggled, kicking and punching, "Let me go."
He grabbed her hands to prevent her from hurting herself in her agitation.
"I won't let you go," Shane said as he carried her to the bed, pulling out the soft ropes nearby meant to bind her hands and feet.
Her pupils contracted sharply as she shook her head vigorously. "No, I don't want this, don't tie me up..."
"You're too smart, Callie. I'm afraid the guards at the door won't be able to hold you. I can't allow you to marry Kane." Despite her protests, he tied her up.
Tears of rage sprang from her eyes. "Shane, I hate you."
His body stiffened for a moment, then he chuckled. "Hate me all you want. I won't let you slip through my fingers."
"Shane Robinson!" she shouted angrily. "You're going too far!
Aren't you afraid of karma?"
Shane stared at her for a long moment.
"I'm already facing my karma," he said, his voice tinged with sorrow. "What could be more painful than this?" He laughed bitterly, his eyes clouded as if enveloped in mist.
Callie looked at him, momentarily stunned. Her anger began to diminish in the face of his expression.
Her voice softened considerably. "When will you let me go?"
Shane replied, "That depends on your behavior."
Buzz—
At that moment, his phone, which was on the nightstand, began to vibrate.
He walked over, picked up the phone, and pressed the answer button.
Henry's voice came through, sounding a bit anxious. "Something's wrong."
"What happened?" he asked.

"Lydia was attacked on her way to the branch office," Henry reported.
Shane replied, "You handle it."
"She's seriously injured and insists on seeing you. She refuses treatment otherwise."
Shane frowned and said, "Got it."
Then he abruptly hung up the phone.
Henry was left puzzled by Shane's response, while Lydia continued to cause a commotion on his end.
After much deliberation, Henry decided to text Shane the address, hoping that seeing the location might prompt him to come.
It wasn't that Henry was shirking responsibility; he simply couldn't handle the situation. He was certain that Shane didn't like Lydia, otherwise, he wouldn't have transferred her to the branch office. Keeping her around was likely due to some connection with that jade pendant.
Thus, Henry couldn't make the call and had to let Shane handle it.
After a moment of contemplation, Shane turned to Callie and said, "Behave yourself. I need to take care of something."
Callie had just heard the name Lydia. Was he going to see Lydia now?
For some reason, knowing he was going to meet another woman made her feel a bit down. She also found herself warning herself that she shouldn't feel this way.
Because Shane wasn't worth her concern.
She masked her emotions well and sarcastically said, "You've got me tied up. What else can I do?"
Her anger was visible.
Shane assumed she was just mad because he had imprisoned her.
"Good that you understand. Even if I untie you, you won't get far. There are people watching outside. Don't even think about escaping!" he shot her a glance before putting on his clothes and leaving the room.
Callie regretted not biting harder earlier.
Was she going to be tied up for another day?
And then will they continue to be denied food and water?
Starve for another day?
Although she had just eaten and wasn't hungry now, she vividly remembered the feeling of hunger.
She had drunk so much water earlier; what if she needed to use the bathroom?
Would she have to hold it in?
Oh heavens, oh earth!
Who would come to save her?!
"Shane!" she gritted her teeth. She hated this man with a passion!
If she ever got another chance, she would make sure to tear him to pieces to vent her anger!
Meanwhile, Shane, who was driving, sneezed. It was a hot day, not cold at all, so why did he sneeze?
Someone must be talking about him.
He rolled down the car window, letting the sunlight stream in.
The sharp outline of his profile became even more pronounced in the dim light.
As he approached the hospital, he could hear Lydia's wailing from a distance.
He frowned, clearly annoyed.
"President Robinson," Henry called out, unable to hide his relief as he spotted Shane approaching. He hurried over like a drowning man grasping at straws.
Shane asked, "Who did it?"
"Just some street punks. They probably thought she was pretty and tried to take advantage of her. Lydia must have fought back," Henry explained, not having looked too deeply into the matter.
He awaited Shane's instructions, knowing he had to follow his lead.
Perhaps because he didn't care much for Lydia, Shane didn't bother to have Henry investigate further.
The only reason he came was because she owned that jade pendant.
He owed her a bit for saving his life once.
But that was all.
"Why is she crying?"
His voice was cold, lacking any real concern.
Maybe it was because he didn't like her that he could be so indifferent.
If it had been Callie in this situation, he certainly wouldn't be so calm!
Henry should have found the person long ago and given them a good lesson!
"The main purpose is to see you," Henry admitted honestly.
Shane strode towards the hospital room.
Lydia was in a fit of rage, and just as Shane approached, a pillow flew out!
He slightly tilted his body to dodge the pillow.
"All of you, get out..." Lydia shouted at the medical staff.
Seeing Shane, she froze for a moment, then rushed towards him the next second.
Shane took two steps back, avoiding her.
Lydia missed her target, feeling a pang of bitterness in her heart. With red-rimmed eyes, she questioned Shane, "How can you treat me like this?"
Shane's face remained expressionless.
"I saved your life, didn't I? Do you even know I was almost violated?" Lydia cried, her tears flowing freely.
Shane frowned in disgust.
"I won't go to the branch office, not even if I die!" she screamed hysterically.
"You grew up abroad; I can arrange another job for you over there," Shane said.
Despite Lydia's outburst, he remained firm in his decision.
Lydia couldn't believe it. Was he really that heartless?
Couldn't he see the bruises on her face?
Why did he insist on sending her away?
"Why can't I stay and work at the company? Is it because I'm not doing well? I can improve..."
"I arranged a job for you because of the old man and because you own that jade pendant. Otherwise, do you think I'd be here? I've already done you a favor by arranging it. If you don't want it, you can leave."
Lydia was speechless.
This wasn't what she wanted at all!
"It's not that I don't want it, I just..."
"Or I can give you money," Shane interrupted her.
He really didn't want to get entangled with her any further.
He just wanted to get rid of her quickly.
Lydia shook her head. Although her family wasn't as wealthy as the Robinson family and her parents had passed away early, they were still well-off. She didn't need money.
What she wanted was this man!
"I don't want money." She remembered what Butler Imani had told her: don't always cry, save your tears for when it really matters.
Wasn't she miserable enough now?
Why can't Shane understand how to cherish a woman?
Shouldn't she be crying at a time like this?
Wasn't she allowed to cry?
Her heart felt even more aggrieved.
She believed that crying would earn her a man's sympathy and pity.
But Shane remained indifferent, his heart as hard as stone, incapable of showing any tenderness or compassion.
"Just let me stay in the company, please. I promise I won't appear in front of you again. Just for the sake of this jade pendant." She clutched the pendant hanging from her neck and held it out in front of him.
Previously, she had despised this jade pendant for its lack of style.
She preferred fashionable jewelry; young girls rarely wore jade.
She thought it was old-fashioned.
But Butler Imani had told her to always wear the pendant, saying that Shane would be less heartless when he saw it.
So, she wore it around her neck.
Shane glanced at the pendant.
For a moment, it seemed like he saw those bright eyes flash before him.
"Fine. Take care of your injuries first, and come back to work when you're better." With that, Shane turned and walked out of the hospital room.
Henry followed closely behind.
"Find her a position where I won't have to see her," Shane instructed as he walked.
Henry responded affirmatively.
"You drive," Shane said, tossing the car keys to him.
Henry caught the keys and glanced at his car. It seemed like he would need someone else to drive it back.
He started the car and drove out of the hospital.
"Back to the office, or...?"
"The office," Shane replied.
"Got it," Henry said.
The car cruised down the road.
As they passed by a hotel, they noticed a lot of cars parked at the entrance and a banner hanging up.
It was a wedding celebration.
Henry didn't recognize the bride, but Shane definitely knew the groom.
"Stop the car," Shane said in a low voice.
Henry, puzzled, pulled over to the side of the road and asked, "What's up?"
Shane lifted his chin, indicating for Henry to look outside.
Henry followed his gaze and saw the newlyweds walking out of the hotel.
His eyebrows shot up in surprise!

"Isn't that Corey?" Henry exclaimed in surprise. "Wasn't he head over heels for Belinda? He acted like he couldn't live without her, and now he's marrying another woman so soon?"
Shane asked coldly, "I told you to keep an eye on him. How did you not notice he was getting married?"
Shane feared that Corey might seek revenge over the whole Belinda situation, so he had Henry monitor his movements.
Henry quickly explained, "I did have someone watching him, but he was behaving himself the whole time. I don't even recognize this woman."
"President Robinson, don't you think this woman looks a lot like Belinda Ayers?" Henry deliberately changed the subject, afraid that Shane would hold him accountable for not doing his job properly. "Could she be a stand-in?"
Shane wasn't interested in who Corey was marrying; he was just surprised that he would marry someone so quickly. Corey had been willing to offend him for Belinda, which suggested he had genuine feelings for her.
"You don't need to monitor him anymore," Shane said calmly. "Let's go."
If he could get married, it meant he had finally let go of Belinda.
This also meant there was no need to worry about him causing any trouble behind their backs.
"Okay," Henry replied, starting the car and driving away.
However, as their car passed by the hotel entrance, the bride holding Corey's arm watched the car drive away, her gaze lingering for a long time. Her eyes grew darker, filled with undisguised hatred.
"What are you looking at?" Corey asked.
"I saw Shane's car," the bride said, her face devoid of any smile.
Corey patted her hand reassuringly. "Today is our big day. Don't let him ruin it for us."
The bride nodded in agreement and said, "Alright."
Robinson Family Estate.
Butler Imani hurried into the main hall to report to Old Master Robinson. "The task you assigned me has been completed."
Old Master Robinson listened, satisfied with his performance.
When he had sent Butler Imani to handle the matter, he had also arranged for someone to follow and monitor him.
Indeed, there had been no contact with Kane.
"Good. Now, go and help me contact our people," he instructed.
"Yes, sir." Butler Imani bowed and left the room.
"Someone, come here."
After Butler Imani exited, Old Master Robinson called for another person.
Besides Butler Imani, Old Master Robinson had a highly skilled bodyguard by his side. This bodyguard was not only good at combat but also had excellent reconnaissance abilities.
"Spread the word that it was Imani who captured the person," Old Master Robinson instructed.
"Yes, sir. I'll take care of it right away," the bodyguard replied and then left.
Old Master Robinson picked up a black chess piece and placed it on the board, instantly sealing the fate of the white pieces.
The reason he wanted the news to spread was to let Kane know that it was Butler Imani who had captured the person. If Kane and him were indeed collaborating, this would surely create a rift between them.
Butler Imani had betrayed him once before, and he couldn't afford to be careless. If he were younger, he would never have used someone like him. Betrayal, whether coerced or not, was still betrayal.
Now that he was older, he found himself more sentimental, less decisive than in his younger days.
Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Kane was frantically searching for Callie, unaware that trouble was brewing in his own backyard.
He received a call, and nearly jumped out of his skin.
"Who are you? Are you tired of living? Kidnapping my mom?" he demanded angrily.
"No idea."
Hearing this, he became even more furious and shouted, "Are you all useless? My mom's been taken, and you haven't found her yet?!"
"Yes, sir."
The call ended, and in his rage, he smashed his phone against the wall.
It shattered into pieces.
He couldn't figure out who was behind this.
Was it Shane?
He speculated in his mind.
"Someone, get in here..."
His assistant rushed in, "President Ortiz..."
"Get the helicopter ready immediately. I need to leave at once..."
Before he could finish his sentence, the phone on his desk rang.
He quickly picked it up, thinking it might be news from Callie. "Hello..."
"We have your mother. If you want her back, you need to meet with my master."
"Butler Imani?" Kane recognized the voice, narrowing his eyes. "Is he the one who took my mom?"
"Yes," Butler Imani confirmed.
Kane gritted his teeth. "Where?"
"At the Hibiscus Garden," he replied.
"I'll be there soon," he said, each word dripping with tension, his face contorted with urgency.
Despite his occasional unreliability, he was always dutiful to his parents, especially his mother.
After all, he hadn't committed any unforgivable crimes!
"Prepare the car, I need to go out," Kane demanded urgently.
His assistant was at a loss, unsure whether to prepare the helicopter or the car. What exactly did he need?
"President Ortiz..."
"Prepare the car!" he shouted.
The assistant confirmed his request, "I'll get right on it."
Kane scratched his neck in frustration. Not only had he failed to find Callie, but now his own mother was involved. How could he not be on edge?
Just thinking about it made him furious!
In just a few days, he had lost some weight and developed dark circles under his eyes from sleepless nights.
He was extremely stressed!
As he got into the car, he kept urging the assistant to drive faster.
When he arrived at the Hibiscus Garden, Old Master Robinson hadn't arrived yet, leaving him to wait.
Waiting for someone was never a pleasant experience, and combined with his anxiety, his face looked particularly fierce as he kept checking the time.
He was growing increasingly impatient, almost ready to give up, when Old Master Robinson finally arrived, although fashionably late.
Leaning on his cane and supported by Butler Imani, Old Master Robinson slowly approached.
Kane stood up and immediately demanded, "What do you mean by capturing my mother?"
"Wasn't it you who came after me first?" Old Master Robinson retorted.
Kane was left speechless!
Old Master Robinson wasn't in a hurry. He slowly sat down in a chair and said, "Hand over Callie's child to me, and I'll release your mother."
He got straight to the point.
Kane frowned.
He had been wary of Shane but had forgotten about this old man.
He thought to himself, "What a miscalculation!"
Trying to play dumb, he said, "I don't know what you're talking about."
"That's not very interesting, is it?" Old Master Robinson replied. "Do you think I'm the kind of person who acts without getting the facts straight?"
Kane was torn.
If he handed over the child, he would lose his leverage to force Callie to marry him.
He was unwilling to give up.
But he couldn't just ignore his own mother!
"Did Callie put you up to this?" Kane asked.
He probed.
Is Callie hiding with the Robinson Family now?
Does the old man know Callie's whereabouts?
Or was this all her idea?
"No," Old Master Robinson replied.
Kane was skeptical. "Really?"
"Do I have any reason to lie to you?" he asked.
Kane thought about it and realized he had no reason to deceive him now.
"Have you made up your mind?" Old Master Robinson asked.
Kane had no other options; he couldn't ignore his mother. "Yes."
"Bring the child and come to the Robinson Family to find me." With that, he stood up, and Butler Imani quickly assisted him.
Not long after he left, Kane also stepped out.
He turned to his assistant and said, "Find out who went to Greenfield City and captured my mom."
"Yes, sir," the assistant replied.
No matter how you looked at it, his meticulously crafted plan had fallen apart.
He was absolutely furious!
With no other options left, he had to make a deal with Old Master Robinson.
He drove to the place where Leif was hidden!