Not naturally cold hearted

Not naturally cold hearted
Moira, feeling like she had caught something big, smirked triumphantly. "I bet you're just a fake judge who knows nothing. You're wasting the contestants' efforts and the parents' time. I'm really curious, how did you even get this position?"

Her words were loaded with insinuation.

"What else could it be? Look at her, so weak and fragile. She must have slept her way to the top..."

Before the person could finish, Callie's sharp gaze cut through the air, silencing them instantly. Even the male judge, who had always supported her, was taken aback by her sudden fierce demeanor.

Callie, who had always appeared gentle and meek, now had a look of steely determination in her eyes. The contrast was stark.

"You say I can't dance. But what if I can?" Callie asked.

Moira scoffed in disbelief. "There's no way you can dance. If you can, I'll clean the entire sports center by hand."

Callie, in a soft and timid voice, asked, "Do you really mean that?"

Seeing Callie's seemingly nervous demeanor, Moira's confidence soared. "Of course I mean it. Everyone here can be my witness."

"Yes, we can testify to that," someone from the crowd chimed in.

In truth, everyone hoped to witness a miracle. They wanted Callie to be qualified so their children wouldn't have to compete again.

Of course, some parents of children who didn't perform well hoped for a second chance.

But most parents didn't want a redo!

"What song do you need?" The male judge had figured it out by now. Callie's earlier display of weakness must have been an act!

She wouldn't dare say such a thing unless she was confident. She wouldn't have spoken so boldly otherwise.

Callie chose a song she was particularly good at.

Moira was taken aback.

"You, you dare to dance?"

"Why wouldn't I?" Callie unbuttoned her coat, revealing a dress perfect for dancing underneath.

Moira's eyes widened. Had she been prepared for this all along?

How else could she be wearing such a suitable outfit?

"You..."

The male judge stopped Moira, saying, "We can't let anyone disrupt this competition. Let's see if Miss Norris can dance."

His words echoed the sentiments of the crowd.

Callie walked to the center of the stage. As the music started, everyone watched with bated breath.

Although she didn't have a burning passion for dance, her early training made it second nature to her.

As the music played, she began to dance gracefully, transitioning from slow, gentle movements to more intense, passionate ones.

Each move was precise, her dance elegant, and with her stunning looks and perfect figure, it was a visual feast!

The male judge's eyes were glued to her.

In the corner, Shane's eyes flashed with amazement. He knew she could dance, but seeing it in person was a whole different experience. She was incredible.

Her confidence was utterly captivating!

Everyone's eyes followed Callie, completely drawn to her performance.

Moira's expression shifted from shock to disbelief, her face turning from pale to an angry shade of red, and finally to a deep, livid color.

When Callie finished her dance, everyone was convinced of her talent.

After all, she had the credentials and danced beautifully, completely disproving Moira's claims that she was unqualified and couldn't dance.

Callie had proven herself with her actions.

"It seems someone was deliberately trying to make things difficult for Miss Norris," the male judge suddenly spoke up.

Everyone agreed, remembering how Moira had been so assertive and aggressive earlier. It was clear she had been trying to cause trouble, and now all eyes turned to her.

Moira had intended to embarrass Callie, but now the embarrassment was all hers.

She was furious.

At the same time, she realized what was going on.

This was Callie's scheme.

Callie had deliberately set her up, knowing she couldn't dance, and then struck back!

Moira had never been so humiliated, never taken such a big fall.

Clenching her fists tightly, her eyes blazing with anger, Moira shouted, "Callie, you've schemed against me time and time again. This isn't over!"

Callie's gaze was sharp as she looked at her. "Likewise."

"I remember you saying that if I could dance, you'd clean the entire venue by hand?"

Moira was trembling with rage, her voice shaking. "You did it on purpose, so it doesn't count."

The sports center was enormous; it would take her at least two days to clean it all by hand. She couldn't bear the humiliation. How could she face her colleagues afterward?

What would they think of her?

She had tried to frame Callie because she had first manipulated her, leading to Damian's downfall. Moira couldn't swallow that. She had wanted to embarrass Callie, to make her a laughingstock but...

She had felt the urge to strangle Callie more than once!

Callie stepped closer. "I can let you off cleaning the venue, as long as you honestly answer one question for me."

"What’s the problem?" Moira asked, sensing there might still be a way out.

"Did you send a message to Myron? Did you get Gianna out of jail and hide her?" Callie asked, getting straight to the point.

Moira looked completely baffled. "Who is Myron? Who is Gianna?"

Callie narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing Moira for any signs of lying. "Don't play dumb."

"Why would I pretend?" Moira genuinely seemed clueless. "Who are Myron and Gianna? What would I gain from capturing them?"

Moira's denial left Callie with no visible cracks to exploit. For the moment, she was at a loss.

"Since you won't admit it, then fulfill your promise and clean up the entire venue. Everyone here can bear witness, so you can't go back on your word."

With that, Callie stepped off the stage and told the staff, "It's getting late. Let's not waste any more time. Have the students compete one last time."

By now, even a fool could see something was amiss.

Moira had tried to frame someone else, only to have the tables turned on her!

Inside, Moira was on the verge of breaking down, but she had to keep up appearances.

She became the laughingstock of this mishap.

Her face was so red it seemed like it could bleed.

Her hatred for Callie grew even stronger.

But she had to endure it for now!

After the competition ended, Callie handed her scorecard to the male judge. "I have something to attend to, so I'll leave this with you."

The male judge was more than willing. "Don't worry, I'll take care of it."

Callie thanked him and turned to leave.

Just as she was about to exit through the side door, Moira suddenly appeared out of nowhere, blocking her path. "Callie!!!"

Callie wasn't surprised by her appearance. She looked at her calmly. "Moira, I'm sorry for using you at the beginning, but if I had to do it all over again, I would still do the same. After all, Damian kidnapped my child. You hold a grudge against me, so you used Myron to try to harm my child again. Moira, this enmity between us is irreconcilable!"

Although Moira wouldn't admit it, Callie was convinced it was her.

After all, Moira resented her for using her.

And being one of Damian's people, she had every reason to do so.

Apart from her, Callie couldn't think of anyone else who would go to such lengths to deal with her!

"I didn't harm your child. Stop falsely accusing me, and I'll remember this grudge too."

"Before you come for revenge, why don't you clean up the floor of the venue first?" Callie didn't waste any more words on her and walked past her towards the door.

Moira was furious and felt utterly humiliated by Callie.

And it was indeed a humiliation!

"Callie Norris!"

Moira no longer cared about her image; she just wanted to tear Callie apart.

She lunged forward and grabbed Callie's hair. Callie had expected Moira to be angry, but she hadn't anticipated her to act like a wild woman, yanking her hair.

Callie's body was about to be pulled to the ground.

At that critical moment, a shadowy figure rushed in and caught her. One strong arm wrapped around her waist while the other hand secured the spot where her hair was being pulled. Then, with a swift kick, Moira was sent stumbling backward.

Moira staggered several steps before finally falling to the ground in a heap, utterly disheveled.

She lay there for a long time, unable to get up, her thigh and butt aching terribly!

The pain in her abdomen was excruciating, as if her intestines were twisted into knots, sending sharp stabs of agony through her body.

Her face turned pale, and her features contorted in pain.

Callie looked up and saw the man before her. His chiseled features and stern demeanor were striking, and his deep, piercing eyes were now sharply focused on Moira.

A relaxed smile spread across Callie's face, and her tensed body began to loosen.

From around the corner, another man observed the scene. His steps faltered for a moment, but then he strode forward with determination!

A male judge walked over, holding Callie's forgotten clothes. He was there to return them and happened to see Moira pulling Callie's hair. Just as he was about to step in to help, someone else beat him to it.

"Here are your clothes," the male judge said, handing them over.

As Callie reached out to take them, Shane quickly intercepted, grabbing the clothes without a word of thanks. Instead, he shot the judge a cold glance.

The judge had noticed how Shane had been staring at Callie with a captivated look while she was dancing. Wasn't this just an excuse to strike up a conversation?

Callie thought Shane was being rude. After all, she had indeed forgotten her clothes. She smiled at the judge and said, "Thank you, you've helped me a lot today."

"No problem," the judge replied with a modest smile. He then asked, "And this is...?"

"My husband," Callie answered.

Today, Shane was keeping a low profile, making the judge think he was just an ordinary guy. The judge couldn't help but give him a once-over look.

Other than being a bit taller and more handsome, was there really anything special about him?

And there was one thing he lacked compared to her—he wasn't as gentle.

One look at his cold eyes was enough to tell that he had a bad temper.

"Miss Norris..."

Just as the male judge was about to say something, Shane wrapped his arm around Callie and said, "We need to go."

He cut off the male judge mid-sentence.

Callie glanced at Shane but said nothing, obediently following him.

Once they were in the car, she finally spoke up, "Why do I get the feeling you're upset? You seemed hostile towards that male judge."

Shane started the car in silence.

Callie knew Shane's temper well. Since he didn't respond, she didn't press further.

After all, his temper was notoriously bad.

She changed the subject, "I think Moira is the one trying to harm Leif this time. She might have someone backing her."

It was her guess.

Because Moira had the motive.

"Moira can't get Gianna out of prison, but Damian can. Your grandfather can too. Your uncle can make it happen. I think someone is supporting her from behind the scenes, which is why she could pull this off," Callie analyzed the situation.

Shane agreed with Callie's idea.

At this point, nothing they did would surprise him.

"They want to take over the company. From now on, you should have bodyguards with you when you go out," Shane said.

Callie nodded. "But what about your situation...?"

"I'm fine," Shane replied, suddenly pulling the car over to the side of the road.

Callie looked at him curiously. "Why are we stopping? Do you have something to take care of?"

Shane gazed deeply at her.

"Is there something on my face? Why are you looking at me like that?" Callie asked, touching her face. Did she have something on it?

Without warning, Shane leaned in and kissed her on the lips.

Her eyes widened, her long eyelashes fluttering.

The kiss was deep, though brief, but in that moment, Callie felt her heart nearly leap out of her chest!

"What's gotten into you?" she asked, suddenly feeling his passion.

Shane looked at her. She rarely dressed so sensually; she usually had a natural, understated beauty. It was the first time he had seen her so alluring and seductive, especially with her dance moves.

"You dance beautifully," he said in a deep voice.

Callie was speechless.

So he just...

"Do you have a lot of hobbies?" Shane asked, clearly surprised by her.

She had so many shining qualities.

A charm that could capture any man's heart.

Callie smiled, a mix of helplessness and relief. "My dad made me learn all of them."

"Your dad must really love you," Shane said as he restarted the car.

Callie turned to look at him and said, "What if I told you that my dad made me learn all these things just to attract you? Would you still think he loves me?"

Screech—

Shane slammed on the brakes.

"What did you say?" Shane was shocked by her answer.

"Our family's company never really faced a crisis. My dad just used that as an excuse. From the beginning, he planned to marry me into the Robinson Family. He made me learn dancing, piano, painting, swimming... so many things, all to turn me into a talented girl to win your favor. He said being a doctor had no future for me and that I should marry a good husband instead." Callie now gradually felt that maybe Rafael wasn't so bad after all. Perhaps he was really trying, in his own way, to ensure she had a good life.

Thinking of him, she took a deep breath.

No matter how many unpleasant memories there were, thinking of him still brought a twinge of heartache and longing.

Shane stared at Callie for a few seconds before suddenly breaking into a smile.

His voice was deep and vibrant.

Callie found his behavior baffling. "Why are you laughing? Are you making fun of me?"

"No," Shane replied. "I'm laughing at myself for falling into your dad's trap."

Callie was silent for a moment before she too began to laugh.

"So, do you like me as I am?" she asked.

Shane's expression turned serious as he answered, "Yes, I do."

Then he added, "I like you for who you are."

He meant that even if she didn't have those qualities, he would still like her. But having them certainly added to her charm.

Callie didn't dwell on it. After all, she was who she was.

The conversation shifted back to Moira. "She failed this time, but who knows what tricks she'll pull next."

"I'll have Henry assign people to monitor the Robinson family's every move," Shane said.

His voice was soft and calm, without a hint of emotion, as if those people were insignificant.

Callie knew she couldn't help him much. "The best I can do is try not to cause you any trouble."

When it came to work, she felt utterly powerless.

"Oh, by the way, I need to go to the hospital." Callie hadn't visited Myron yet. "I know you hate him for giving Leif those drugs. I do too, but my dad entrusted him to me. I can't just ignore that."

Shane didn't say anything, but the car was already heading towards the hospital.

In no time, they arrived. Callie thought Shane probably didn't want to see Myron, so she said, "I might be there for a while. You should head back."

Shane indeed didn't want to see Myron. "I'll send a driver to pick you up," he replied.

"Okay," Callie answered.

She stood on the steps, watching Shane drive away before turning to enter the hospital.

She called Caitlin to confirm the room number and quickly found it.

Pushing open the door, she saw Myron lying on the hospital bed.

His face was still swollen, with a bruise around his right eye socket!

His arms and legs were wrapped in bandages.

Callie knew Shane's methods well, having been on the receiving end herself.

She walked in and asked, "Feeling any better?"

Myron was awake and, upon seeing Callie, immediately asked, "Did you know?"

Callie knew he was referring to Shane having someone beat him up.

She answered honestly, "I didn't know."

Myron's expression darkened. Understandably, anyone would feel terrible after such a beating.

Callie moved to the bedside, pulled up a chair, and sat down. "How are your injuries? What did the doctor say?"

Myron didn't answer her question. Instead, he looked at her and asked, "If you had known, would you have stopped it?"

Callie fell silent.

She didn't know.

Myron didn't blame her. After all, she had to think of her own child first.

"My arm is broken. The rest are just surface wounds. It's clear Shane just wanted to give me a beating to vent his anger for his child. He didn't want to kill me."

Callie said, "Take good care of yourself. I'll handle the company's affairs for now."

She tucked Myron in.

Myron nodded, "Got it."

Suddenly, his phone vibrated. Instead of checking it immediately, he turned to Callie and said, "I'm thirsty. Could you get me a glass of water?"

Callie stood up, "I'll get it for you."

Finding the thermos empty, she said, "I'll go fill it up."

Myron nodded again.

Once Callie left, he took out his phone and saw a message from the same unknown number: "Do you want to see your mother?"

Without hesitation, Myron replied, "Is it possible?"

"Even though you didn't complete the task I gave you, I'll be merciful and allow you to see her once."

"Thank you," Myron responded, feeling a surge of excitement.

"Meet at the stables behind Copper Ridge Road at midnight tonight."

"Okay."

Myron's heart raced with excitement.

He had been worried about Gianna.

Before, Gianna was at least safe in prison, but now even that safety was uncertain.

Callie walked back in and noticed his excited expression. "What's the good news? You look so happy," she asked.

Myron hurriedly tried to cover up, "Nothing..."

"Really?" Callie handed him a glass of water, her tone clearly skeptical.

Myron's eyes darted around nervously before he quickly found an excuse. "It's just work stuff. The issue from last time has been resolved."

Callie nodded, "You did a great job."

"But it was your idea," Myron admitted, a hint of jealousy in his voice.

He had to acknowledge that Rafael had good judgment in appointing Callie to manage the company. Even though it wasn't her strong suit, she was a quick learner.

"I'm just a few years older than you, so I have a bit more experience. In a few years, you'll surpass me," Callie encouraged him.

Since Rafael's passing, Myron had matured significantly.

A rare smile appeared on his face. "I'm fine here. You should go back and take care of Leif," he said.

"Alright, but contact me if you need anything," Callie said as she stood up. "And don't forget to drink your water."

Myron immediately reached out with his uninjured hand to pick up the cup. "I won't forget."

Callie nodded and stepped out of the hospital room, closing the door behind her.

In the hallway, she ran into Caitlin, who was carrying some food, presumably for him.

"Are you here to see Myron?" Caitlin asked, smiling warmly at her daughter.

Callie nodded, glancing at the items in her hands. "Did you make this?"

"The hospital food is neither tasty nor nutritious," Caitlin replied.

Caitlin's attention to Myron exceeded Callie's expectations.

Was she really treating Myron like her own son?

Caitlin seemed to notice Callie's thoughtful expression and gave her a playful look. "Are you jealous?"

Callie shook her head. "No, after all, he's Gianna's son."

It was undeniable that Gianna was the reason Caitlin and Rafael's marriage had been ruined.

Caitlin had long since come to terms with it. After all, he was already dead, and Gianna had faced the consequences of her actions.

Myron was just a child; he had no control over his birth.

Besides, he wasn't a bad person.

After spending some time together, she had developed some feelings for him.

Even though Caitlin had Callie, she had also lost a child before.

She had a compassionate heart.

Callie noticed that her mother might be thinking about something unpleasant and said, "Mom, I'll take care of you when you're old."

Caitlin smiled and gave her a light tap, "You're a mother yourself now, and still so cheeky."

"Are you heading back?" Caitlin shifted the conversation.

Callie nodded, "Yes, I've seen Myron."

"Good. I'm here, so you don't need to worry about things here. Just take good care of Leif," Caitlin advised.

Callie acknowledged, "Got it. I'll be heading back then."

"Go ahead," Caitlin waved her hand.

Callie had only taken a couple of steps when Caitlin suddenly remembered something and called her back, "Wait a moment."

"I checked the dates, and it seems there aren't any good days for a wedding coming up soon. They say it's better to wait until October when the weather cools down. What do you think?"

Caitlin asked.

She had visited several places, and they all suggested that the cooler days in October would be ideal.

"I understand," Callie replied.

She wasn't in a rush. Leif was still young, and Shane and the Robinson Family had so many things going on. It really wasn't the right time for a wedding.

"I think we should do it sooner rather than later. I'm afraid something might happen," Caitlin said, hoping to get the wedding done quickly so she could put her mind at ease.

Callie replied, "I'll discuss it with Shane."

Caitlin nodded in agreement.

Callie left the hospital, where the driver was already waiting for her at the entrance. She walked over and got into the car, casually asking, "Did Shane send you?"

The driver confirmed that he did.

"Let's go," she said, leaning against the window.

When she got back home, she washed her hands and went to check on Leif, only to find Mrs. Ford holding him.

"Mrs. Ford," she said in surprise.

Mrs. Ford smiled and replied, "Mr. Robinson asked me to come over. He said it wouldn't do to have no one here to take care of things."

Shane didn't trust strangers, so he had called Mrs. Ford to help out.

Callie was pleased to hear that Mrs. Ford was there. Back at the villa, Mrs. Ford had always been very kind to her.

"You're such a big help," Callie said with a warm smile.

She gently took baby Leif from her arms. He was awake, his tiny eyes blinking curiously.

Suddenly, his little face scrunched up, and Callie knew he had just done his business. She playfully pinched his tiny nose. "Did you make a stinky?"

Mrs. Ford offered, "Let me change his diaper."

But Callie insisted on doing it herself. She always felt she owed her son more time and care, and now she had the chance.

"I'll go get some water then," Mrs. Ford said.

Callie nodded and laid Leif down. She disposed of the soiled diaper in the trash can and pulled out some wet wipes to clean him up.

"Did Shane go out?" she asked casually.

Mrs. Ford nodded. "Yes, he got a phone call and left."

"Oh."

Callie squatted down to wash Leif's bottom, making sure he was all clean. Leif seemed to enjoy the fresh feeling and was quite happy, not showing any signs of wanting to sleep.

Callie sat on the couch with him, who could now sit up on his own. She held a toy and played with him, making him giggle with delight.

Mrs. Ford suddenly asked, "Young Mistress, you've hidden it well. You've been living in the villa for so long, and I had no idea you were pregnant."

She was utterly astonished when she saw the baby.

Knowing that Callie had given birth, she was speechless for a long time!

It was hidden too deeply.

Callie smiled but didn't explain; the situation was too complicated.

"I'm very happy. I've never seen Mr. Robinson so gentle," Mrs. Ford said.

When she arrived, Shane was holding Leif, and she was utterly stunned!

Such a high and mighty, cold person was holding a baby so carefully.

At that moment, she thought she was seeing things.

She knew Shane's change was all because of Callie.

She had taken care of Shane for many years, and he only started to change after Callie appeared!

Callie, while playing with Leif, said, "He was born with a cold personality, not very approachable."

Mrs. Ford shook her head and explained, "No, it's not that. Mr. Robinson lost his parents very early. He lacked the warmth of a family, which made him seem cold. It's not that he's heartless or doesn't understand emotions."

Mrs. Ford sighed, "You've heard about the recent events, haven't you? The Old Master wants the second son to take over the company, pushing him out of his position as CEO. Over the years, Mr. Robinson has always respected the Old Master, but now even his last remaining family has betrayed him."

Callie knew about Shane and the Robinson family, but not in such detail.

Listening to Mrs. Ford, she realized how little she truly understood or cared for Shane.

"Now that you and Mr. Robinson have a child, you must take good care of each other," Mrs. Ford said.

She knew Shane only appeared cold; he wasn't heartless.

It was just that his environment had made him seem unapproachable.

"I understand," Callie replied.

"I'll go wash the baby's clothes," Mrs. Ford said as she went inside to tidy up.

Callie, however, fell into deep thought.

These days, she could feel that Shane longed for family affection.

She realized she hadn't been caring enough for him.

The clock on the wall ticked away.

It was almost 1 a.m., and Shane still hadn't returned. Leif had long since fallen asleep.

She had been waiting for Shane for quite a while and was starting to feel a bit drowsy.

Just as she closed her eyes, the sound of the door opening startled her awake. She immediately sat up and looked towards the entrance. "Shane Robinson?" she called out.