Betrayed by someone

Betrayed by someone
Shane acted as if he didn't notice the old man's anger and tossed the papers into the trash can. "I'll handle our marriage certificate myself, so you don't need to worry about it, Grandpa."

After saying that, he sat down across from him, casually crossing his legs. "Did you come here today just to show me these? If so, I've seen them and given you my opinion."

Old Master Robinson's face turned ashen with rage. "Do you know who you're talking to?"

Before Shane could respond, the old man continued, "Have you seen the news? How does this situation benefit you?"

"Are you suggesting I should just let Damian take my child and my woman without doing anything?" Shane retorted sharply.

Old Master Robinson was momentarily shocked.

He had made a wrong move and had now lost Shane's respect and patience.

Shane had his own grievances against the Old Man. They both knew the truth behind his parents' deaths, yet he still protected the second family.

Despite his dissatisfaction, Shane never openly defied him.

It was the lingering sense of family that kept him in check after losing his parents.

But how did the Old Man treat him?

Knowing full well that his child was in Damian's hands, he did nothing.

This was something he could never forgive.

He had already lost important family members. Now that his child and Callie had entered his life, he couldn't let tragedy strike again.

"President Robinson, the company's stocks..."

Henry rushed into the CEO's office, ready to speak, but immediately fell silent upon seeing Old Master Robinson present.

He moved to stand beside Callie.

Old Master Robinson was fuming, but he was helpless against Shane. As the previous head of the company, he still had some tricks up his sleeve, not to mention his lingering influence.

"Butler Imani, go find out if the company's stocks have dropped."

Butler Imani replied, "I'll check right away."

He left the office and returned in less than five minutes.

His expression was grave. "Sir, Young Master, the company's stocks have dropped due to today's news..."

The Old Man had anticipated this outcome when he arrived.

It seemed he had found his leverage.

"Shane, I entrusted the entire company to you because I trust you. But if your personal grudges affect the company and the entire Robinson Family, don't blame me for taking back the management rights," the Old Man said, leaning on his cane as he stood up. "I'm giving you three days to resolve this matter."

With that, he stood up with the help of his cane, and Butler Imani assisted him out of the office.

It wasn't until they entered the elevator that Butler Imani dared to ask, "Sir, what do you mean by this?"

"Didn't you see his attitude towards me?" Old Master Robinson replied, clearly displeased.

He didn't realize where he might have gone wrong.

It was understandable that he wanted someone capable to manage the company. It was also understandable that he wanted to give Damian a chance, after all, he was his grandson too. But he shouldn't disregard Shane's efforts.

Butler Imani asked, "Are you planning to side with the Second Young Master?"

Old Master Robinson didn't respond.

But his silence spoke alot.

Today, he came to the company, waving a divorce certificate and warning Shane. It was clear he had other plans in mind.

He had initially arranged for Callie to marry him in hopes that he would let go of his hatred. Now, however, Callie and their child had only driven a deeper wedge between Shane and himself.

He had truly shot himself in the foot!

"I wanted him to forget his grudge against the Second Family because of Callie. But now, with Shane's child being taken, his hatred for the Second Family has only deepened. He will definitely take ruthless action," Old Master Robinson sighed. "All the previous efforts to appease him have been in vain."

Butler Imani tried to console him, "I believe there's still a chance to make things right."

"How?" Old Master Robinson retorted.

Butler Imani suggested, "I think the Young Master still has some lingering affection..."

"And if I continue to appease him, what happens after I die?" he countered again.

Butler Imani hesitated, unable to find the words.

Old Master Robinson let out a cold snort, "You know very well that once I'm gone, he will definitely go after the Second Family first."

Butler Imani lowered his gaze.

"So, while I'm still alive, I need to strip him of his power," Old Master Robinson said, narrowing his cloudy eyes.

As long as Shane didn't have such significant influence, it wouldn't be so easy for him to go after the second son's family.

"The company has been run by the Young Master for many years now. Although you still hold the title of chairman, you haven't been to the company in a long time. I'm afraid you might not have much leverage left," Butler Imani suggested, thinking that the Old Master should try to move Shane with familial affection rather than force.

"I only handed the company over to him, but I haven't given up the shares," the old master revealed his hidden card.

He was uncertain about Shane. Although he had never gone after his second son's family, the Old Master couldn't see through him.

Butler Imani felt he was over thinking and didn't truly understand Shane.

He believed that since his parents had passed away early, he lacked a sense of security and family warmth.

If Old Master Robinson treated him sincerely, Shane could surely be moved.

But now, he wanted to give Damian a chance, ignoring Shane's child, and letting Damian use the child to compete with him.

It would be strange if Shane wasn't angry.

"What? Do you think I'm wrong?" Old Master Robinson asked.

Butler Imani quickly shook his head. "No, sir."

He wouldn't dare.

...

In the office.

Henry approached Shane and asked, "Is the Old Master really angry?"

Shane's face was dark.More than anger, it was disappointment.

Disappointment in the Old Master.

"President Robinson, the urgent matter now is to find a way to stabilize the stock prices. We can't let the company's stock continue to fall," Henry said anxiously.

But Shane didn't seem to care at all. He stood up and said calmly, "Leave it to the PR department."

With that, he took Callie's hand and walked out.

Henry was speechless. "..."

Such a big issue, and he just leaves it to the PR department?

He's not going to handle it himself?

"Oh, President Robinson," Henry suddenly remembered, "I investigated, and it wasn't Kane Ortiz who leaked the information. He's been in Greenfield City the whole time, busy with his company's affairs and hasn't paid any attention to our matters."

Shane stopped in his tracks, sensing something was off. "Look into this matter."

"Got it. Also, the guy we dumped into the sea is dead. But he had it coming. He committed a lot of crimes when he was alive. The police have a record on him—robbery, assault, and worse. He ended up working for Damian because he had just gotten out of prison and couldn't find a job, so he turned back to crime."

He had already taken care of the situation with the body in the sea, ensuring there wouldn't be any further complications.

Shane gave a brief nod.

"President Robinson, I'm worried about the Old Man. He seems unhappy. Do you think he might side with Damian?" Henry asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

His reaction had caught him off guard. He knew he would be angry, but he hadn't expected him to be this furious.

Shane seemed to have anticipated his thoughts and was no longer concerned about his attitude.

"I heard the Old Man's warning just now. If we can't recover from the stock drop, I'm afraid..."

"Henry," Shane interrupted him, "do you remember why I started a company in Country F three years ago?"

Henry shook his head. "You never told me, so I still don't understand."

Huh!

It seemed like he finally understood!

"So, you were prepared all along?" Henry finally realized, his voice filled with surprise.

Now that Henry felt more confident, he wasn't afraid of Old Master Robinson causing trouble. His tone lightened up considerably. "I never thought the Old Man could be so heartless."

He even threatened to take back the management rights.

Shane remained expressionless.

He didn't feel happy about having a backup plan that would prevent him from being threatened.

Instead, he felt a deep sense of disappointment.

Callie noticed his emotional turmoil and had an idea of why he felt that way.

She took the initiative to hold his hand and whispered, "I won't leave you."

Even if everyone around him betrayed and abandoned him, she would stay by his side, unwavering and steadfast.

Shane looked down at her and pulled her into his arms.

Callie hugged his lean waist tightly in return.

Henry quickly lowered his head and discreetly exited the office, making sure to close the door behind him. He even instructed the secretary, "Don't let anyone disturb them."

The secretary replied, "Yes, sir."

After a moment of hesitation, the secretary called out to Henry, "Will this situation threaten President Robinson?"

Henry patted her shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry, everything will be fine."

The secretary looked serious. "I saw Mr. Robinson looking very upset. I'm afraid..."

"Let's focus on the work we have at hand," Henry reminded her. "President Robinson will handle the rest. We don't need to overthink it or spread rumors. We don't want to cause unnecessary panic in the company."

The secretary immediately understood. "You're right. I was overthinking."

Henry nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Now, get back to work. I have things to do as well."

"Henry..."

"Yes?"

Henry turned back.

The secretary smiled. "It's nothing. I'll get back to work."

Having worked together for many years, Henry had become one of Shane's most trusted aides, his loyalty was beyond question.

Her hesitation didn't bother Henry much, and he walked away without another thought.

In the office.

Callie looked up. "Let's go home."

Shane nodded.

They returned to the Norris family home. Leif was awake, and Caitlin was in the living room, playing with him and entertaining him with toys.

"Mom."

Caitlin was so engrossed in her child that she hadn't noticed anyone entering.

It wasn't until Callie spoke that she realized they were there. However, when she saw Shane, her smile became a bit stiff.

Callie whispered to Shane, "I'll explain things to my mom. You wait in the living room for a bit. Leif is still awake."

Shane nodded softly.

"Mom," Callie walked over and took Caitlin's hand, "I need to talk to you. Come with me."

Caitlin, aware of her daughter's thoughts, had already figured out a few things after what she saw upstairs earlier that day.

Now, seeing her and Shane together again, she had her answer.

"No need to go anywhere. Just say it here," Caitlin replied, giving her daughter a knowing look.

Callie grew uneasy. She knew Caitlin had reservations about Shane and worried she might say something harsh.

"Leif needs a home and the love of parents. This little guy hasn't had it easy, being tossed around since birth. I'm happy you two are together, especially since you have a child. I had my complaints before, but for Leif's sake, I'll let it go. However, if you decide to be together, you need to do it right. The most important thing in a relationship is trust. I hope you can trust each other. Alright, it's getting late. I'll go make dinner. You two stay in the living room with Leif."

After finishing her words, Caitlin walked towards the kitchen.

Callie was taken aback by Caitlin's statement. She stepped forward and hugged her from behind. "Mom, thank you."

Caitlin smiled and patted her hand. "Silly girl, why are you being so polite with me? I'm your mother, of course I want the best for you."

She leaned in closer to her daughter's ear. "I’m not blind, I can see you two..."

Callie blushed and whined, "Mom."

"Alright, alright, I won't say anymore," Caitlin said with a heartfelt tone. "As long as you're happy, that's all that matters."

Callie emphasized, "Mom, don't worry."

Caitlin chuckled, "Okay, I need to get back to cooking."

Callie released her mother and turned towards the couch.

Shane was sitting nearby, not holding Leif, but looking down at the child.

Leif's big, round eyes were wide open, blinking as he gazed up at him.

He seemed curious, not crying or fussing, just lying there quietly.

Shane continued to look down at him.

Callie brought over a glass of water. "What are you looking at?"

he didn't look up and asked a seemingly unrelated question, "Do you want to continue being a doctor, or learn how to do business?"

Callie sat down on the couch, her gaze gently falling on Leif. Her dream was to become an outstanding doctor. Although Myron was currently overseeing the company and was quite diligent, she couldn't completely let go just yet. Myron was clever, but not quite ready to handle everything on his own.

Shane seemed to sense her thoughts. "I can help you."

Callie picked up a book from the table and showed it to him. "I'm already learning. Of course, if a successful person like you is willing to share your experience, I'd love to hear it."

Shane chuckled and pinched her cheek. "You're such a tease."

Callie pushed his hand away. "That hurts."

Their banter lightened Shane's mood considerably.

He couldn't remember the last time he had enjoyed such a relaxed and joyful moment.

He cherished this homey feeling.

He took Callie's hand. "Let's go get our marriage certificate."

Previously, both their marriage and divorce certificates had been arranged through Old Master Robinson's connections, which felt meaningless to him. He wanted them to go together, to make it truly significant.

Callie agreed cheerfully, "Sure, but it's already late today. Let's do it tomorrow."

Shane nodded.

Caitlin finished cooking, brought the dishes to the dining table, and called everyone to eat.

Callie made a phone call to Myron, asking if he would come back for dinner.

However, Myron's voice sounded anxious, "Oh, I, I won't be coming back. I have a lot of things to take care of."

Callie frowned slightly and responded with a simple "Okay," but she didn't press further. Still, a seed of doubt was planted in her mind.

Is he hiding something from me?

Why else would he sound so agitated?

"What's wrong?" Shane appeared behind her at some point.

She turned to look at him, "I feel like something's off with Myron."

"I'll have Henry look into it for you," Shane said, pulling out his phone to call Henry.

Callie felt a bit embarrassed, "Sorry to trouble you."

Shane raised his hand and gently tapped her nose, "There's no need for formalities between us."

Callie smiled.

Forgetting that Caitlin was still there, Callie wrapped her arms around Shane's waist, looking up at him with a playful pout. "So, if we're sharing everything, does that mean your money is my money too?"

Shane, both amused and resigned, replied, "Of course."

Callie blinked her eyes mischievously. "Then I must be really rich!"

"You're a wealthy lady," Shane laughed.

At the dining table, Caitlin glanced over at them, a smile tugging at her lips.

She felt a sense of relief and joy. Her daughter could finally live a happy life, and Leif had a family now. Her heart was filled with happiness.

"Hurry up and come over," Caitlin urged. "The food will get cold and won't taste as good."

Shane said, "Make sure to contact me immediately if you find out anything about Myron."

After receiving an affirmative response, he hung up the phone and walked over with Callie.

Since Leif was asleep, they could finally sit down and eat.

"I wasn't sure what you liked, so I just made a few dishes. Please, make yourself at home," Caitlin said, serving Shane some food and soup.

It seemed like the more Caitlin looked at her son-in-law, the more she liked him!

Shane didn't feel out of place at all. In fact, the atmosphere today gave him a long-lost feeling of home.

"When Callie and I get our marriage certificate, could you help us pick a good day for the wedding? I want to give her a proper ceremony." Shane's words were both a promise to the elder and an acknowledgment of Callie.

Caitlin didn't expect him to bring this up. Their marriage had initially been reluctant for both of them, but now that they had come this far, it was time to make things right.

She smiled and nodded firmly. "Of course, I'll make sure to pick a perfect day for you two."

"Thank you," Shane said sincerely.

"We're family now, and family doesn't stand on ceremony," Caitlin said, her heart brimming with joy. Shane's thoughtfulness showed how much he truly cared for Callie.

Their beginning might have been rocky, but their ending was perfect.

A child, a happy family of three.

Caitlin's face was full of contentment and pride.

After dinner, Shane asked, "Can I stay over tonight?"

Before Caitlin could answer, Callie quickly interjected, "No."

"If we're going to get our marriage certificate and have a wedding, then let's wait until after the wedding. I'll bring Leif back to the villa then."

Her quick refusal was actually a sign of her shyness.

After all, there were elders at home.

It would be too awkward for Shane to stay overnight.

Caitlin stood up to clear the dishes. "Your matters are yours to decide. I won't interfere."

With that, she turned and walked towards the kitchen, carrying the dishes.

Callie tugged at his sleeve. "I'll walk you out."

Shane frowned. "Are you really that afraid of me staying?"

Callie avoided his gaze. "Grandpa already helped us get the divorce papers. We're not married anymore."

"Excuses," Shane said, pulling her into his embrace. He knew she was just embarrassed and didn't call her out on it. "Shall we go for a walk?"

Callie nodded. "Okay."

Since there wasn't a good place to walk nearby, they drove to the riverside.

Once they got out of the car, Callie linked her arm through his, and they strolled along the pebble-paved path by the river. The greenery on both sides was lush, and though the weather was a bit warm, an occasional breeze made it feel refreshing.

Callie rested her head on his arm. "I love this feeling."

Walking quietly on a serene path with someone you love.

Shane Robinson patted her head, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

As they walked, Callie noticed a familiar figure on the side of the road, glancing around nervously as if afraid of being seen.

What is he doing here?

She let go of Shane's hand and started walking towards the figure.

Just then, the person got into a car!

"What are you looking at?" Shane asked.

Callie furrowed her brow in confusion.

"I think I just saw Myron."

Shane looked in the direction she indicated but saw nothing.

"Are you sure you didn't just imagine it?" Shane asked.

Callie shook her head. "No, I'm pretty sure it was him."

She couldn't have been mistaken. It was definitely Myron she had seen. When she called him earlier today, his voice was tense, and now he was acting all sneaky. Something was definitely off!

"I've already asked Henry to look into it. If Myron is up to something at the company, we should know soon," Shane said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Let's not worry about it for now. Come on, let's go."

Callie nodded, but the uneasy feeling in her heart only grew stronger.

Her bad premonition soon came true.

Henry's investigation revealed that it was Myron who had leaked the information about the ship to the media.

Callie could hardly believe it. "How could it be him?"

"He has no reason to do something like this, does he?"

But Myron's recent strange behavior suggested otherwise.

"Did you find out what he's been up to lately?" Callie asked Henry.

Henry said, "I checked, but found nothing unusual."

"That's strange," Callie frowned.

Buzz, buzz—

Suddenly, Callie's phone rang!

Her phone had been confiscated when she boarded the ship, and she forgot to retrieve it when she hurriedly took Leif to the hospital. Henry had brought it back to her.

She answered the call.

It was Caitlin, and she sounded anxious.

"Callie, come back quickly. Something's wrong with Leif."

"What happened?"

"I don't know. Leif suddenly started convulsing. I've already called 911. You need to come back now."

Callie said, "Okay."

"Is something wrong?" Shane asked.

Since the situation was still unclear and Shane had to deal with Robinson Family matters, she decided not to mention Leif's condition. "It's nothing serious. My mom just asked when I would be back, and I thought I might as well go now."

She smiled at Shane, "You go ahead and take care of your business. I'll head out first."

"Should we keep investigating Myron?" Henry asked.

Callie thought for a moment and then said, "Let's drop it."

If Henry couldn't find anything, it was either because Myron was extremely cautious, or there was truly nothing to find.

If it was the first case, Myron's high vigilance would mean they wouldn't find much more even if they continued. She hoped it was the latter.

Myron hadn't done anything outrageous or excessive.

Maybe she was just over thinking things.

After all, he had been behaving quite well recently. According to Caitlin, during the days she was kidnapped, he was very worried and even went to Kane to ask for an explanation.

Gianna was already in jail, and she didn't want her suspicions to create conflict with Myron.

"I'll have the driver take you home," Shane said.

Callie agreed, "Alright."

When she got home, Caitlin had already gone to the hospital; the ambulance had arrived before her.

So, she had to head to the hospital again.

When she arrived, Callie got out of the car. "You can go back now," she told the driver.

Then she ran into the hospital.

She headed to the pediatric department but couldn't find anyone. Instead, she saw Caitlin in the lab department. She immediately walked over, "Mom..."

Caitlin seemed to find a pillar of support, "Callie, you're here."

Callie took Leif into her arms and noticed the tiny puncture marks on his fingers. "Did they draw blood?"

To be precise, they had pricked his fingertip to get a blood sample.

Caitlin nodded, "We went to pediatrics, but they couldn't figure out the cause, so they had to do a blood test."

Leif was restless in Callie's arms, his tiny hands fidgeting, occasionally whimpering as if he wanted to cry but couldn't quite manage it.

Just by looking at him, it was clear he was uncomfortable.

Callie, feeling a pang of heartache, kissed his cheek gently and asked Caitlin, "When did you first notice he was feeling unwell?"

"Right before I called you," Caitlin replied.

Callie nodded in understanding.

Now, all they could do was wait for the test results.

During this time, Callie carried him to a quieter, less crowded area, hoping the change in environment might make him feel better.

But instead of calming down, he started to cry.

He was so little, unable to express his discomfort with words, so crying was his only way.

Callie knew he was feeling unwell.

She told Caitlin, "I still need to take him for a check-up. You wait here and get the test results."

Caitlin nodded and urged, "Got it. Go quickly."

Callie carried Leif to the clinic. Since he was too young to express where he felt uncomfortable, they had to check all possible causes one by one.

As soon as the results were out, Caitlin hurriedly brought them over.

Callie took a quick glance, and her face turned grim.

The doctor said, "Let me see."

He took the test results and, after reviewing them, combined with the examination, said, "We found the cause. It turns out he has (2S, 6R) in his system, which is causing his discomfort and seizures."

Her face turned grim because she understood the test results.

However, Caitlin didn't understand and was even more confused by the doctor's words. "Doctor, what exactly is wrong with Leif?"

The doctor replied, "He doesn't have a disease. It's just that his body contains 2S, 6R. These are chemical names, usually found in medications..."

"What?" Caitlin was shocked. "Leif hasn't taken any medication. How could he have these substances in his body?" Caitlin was puzzled.

"That's impossible. If she hadn't taken any drugs, she wouldn't have come into contact with these substances in his daily life. It must have been the drugs that caused this."

Caitlin wanted to argue, but Callie interrupted her, "Mom, has anyone been to the house recently?"

Caitlin thought for a moment and replied, "No, besides you and Shane, it's just been Myron."

She and Shane Robinson would never harm their own child, and Caitlin certainly wouldn't either. That left only Myron who could have had access to the child.

Could it be him?

Callie had initially dismissed the idea, but recent events had all been connected to him in some way, making it hard not to suspect him.

"Callie..."

"Mom."

Callie cut her off, "We can't let Myron get near Leif anymore."

Caitlin asked, "Why?"

She quickly realized, "Do you think Leif's situation has something to do with him?"

Callie didn't have any evidence yet, so she didn't want to jump to conclusions. She was merely suspicious.

"Mom, you should go home for now. Don't tell Myron about Leif. Just say that I took him to see Shane."

"Alright." Caitlin didn't understand the doctor's language, so she asked, "Is Leif's condition serious? Will that... whatever it is inside, it’s affecting him?"

Callie didn't want her to worry, so she replied, "It's nothing serious."

Caitlin finally relaxed. "Good, I'm relieved then."

After Caitlin left, Callie let her true emotions show.

They had caught it early this time, but if they hadn't...

Even so, she couldn't bear it—Leif being harmed over and over again.

"I'll help you with the hospital admission," the doctor said.

Callie nodded.

She knew this doctor from before, so he helped with many things, and soon Leif was settled in the hospital.

After discussing with the doctor, they decided to use some medication for treatment. Leif was so young that staying in the hospital would allow for immediate treatment if any adverse symptoms appeared.

Leif finally calmed down, he had some formula and fell asleep.

Suddenly, her phone rang. She picked it up, and as soon as she heard the voice on the other end, her face turned instantly vigilant!