The room is locked

The room is locked
At this moment, his gaze at Callie was so intense it felt like it could tear her apart.

If looks could kill, she would undoubtedly be dead by now!

"I was just..." Callie began to explain.

But Shane abruptly stood up, clearly unwilling to hear any of her words or excuses, and stormed out of the dining room.

Callie tightly pressed her lips together and didn't follow him.

Shane was furious right now; if she approached him, he wouldn't listen to her calmly.

It was better to let him cool down first. She would explain once he had calmed down.

"Achoo—"

Callie covered her mouth as she sneezed!

Mrs. Ford noticed and asked, "Are you catching a cold?"

Callie nodded.

Mrs. Ford went to get her some cold medicine.

"Thank you," Callie said.

Mrs. Ford smiled warmly, "You're Mr. Robinson's wife. Taking care of you is part of my job."

At the mention of Shane, Callie lowered her eyes.

She put the pill in her mouth and washed it down with water.

After eating, she changed into clean clothes and headed out.

First, she went to the hospital. Once she confirmed that Gianna wasn't there, she met with Rafael.

She warned Rafael that Gianna was eyeing the Norris Family's inheritance and advised him to be cautious in case Gianna had harmful intentions for the sake of the property.

After all, Gianna was willing to kill her for money!

Rafael frowned, "Callie, you weren't like this before."

He knew Callie didn't like Gianna, even hated her.

He understood this; from Callie's perspective, she had every reason to resent Gianna.

But resentment was one thing; she never bad-mouthed Gianna in front of him.

Hearing Callie speak like this now, Rafael felt a bit disappointed.

Was she bad-mouthing Gianna because she, too, coveted the Norris Family's inheritance?

"What kind of person was I before?" Callie retorted.

Rafael replied, "You wouldn't stoop to getting involved with Gianna."

Callie finally understood—Rafael didn't believe her!

She took a deep breath. "Do you believe me if I say Gianna wanted to kill me?"

Rafael was visibly taken aback. This information was too shocking.

He knew Gianna was mean and vain, but murder? That was hard for him to believe.

"She doesn't have the guts!"

Callie didn't rush to explain. "I can prove it to you."

Rafael asked, "How? How will you prove it?"

Rafael asked, "How? How will you prove it?"

"Right now, Gianna thinks I'm dead. What do you think her reaction will be if she sees me?" Callie asked.

She already had a plan forming in her mind.

Rafael began to ponder. "She would be shocked to see you?"

Callie remained silent.

Rafael started to believe Callie a bit more. Otherwise, she wouldn't be so confident.

"I’m willing to help you," he said.

Callie replied, "Thank you."

"Are we really so distant now?" Rafael looked at Callie. His face was pale and haggard, his eyes dry and lifeless, showing the toll of his illness.

However, within those dry, hollow eyes, there was a faint glimmer of longing for familial affection.

Perhaps everyone craves warmth when they are vulnerable.

Rafael was no exception.

Callie remained expressionless and silent. The past had shaped her, and Rafael had never loved her like a kind father, never given her warmth. She couldn't muster any enthusiasm.

Rafael sighed, not forcing Callie.

After being estranged for so long, it was unrealistic to expect her to be affectionate towards him.

"Around five, Gianna will come by to bring me dinner," Rafael said.

Callie nodded to show she understood.

Time passed quickly, and soon it was five o'clock.

"Rafael," Gianna called as she entered, carrying a thermos.

Without Callie around, her mood was much better.

She believed that the Norris family's wealth would eventually belong to her son.

Her son’s, which meant hers as well.

"I followed the doctor's instructions and made this for you. It's a balanced mix of meat and vegetables. You need to eat more so you can recover faster," Gianna said.

As usual, Rafael got up.

Gianna eagerly came over to help him, thoughtfully placing a pillow behind his back to make him comfortable.

"I heard Callie is missing," Gianna said as she served Rafael a bowl of soup.

Rafael immediately looked up at her.

Gianna noticed his strange expression and smiled, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Realizing he had overreacted, Rafael quickly tried to cover it up. "I was just thinking the soup looks great today. You must have spent a long time making it, right?"

"Of course, I did. I spent hours on it. If you like it, have some more," Gianna replied as she poured more soup into his bowl. She then returned to the topic, "But don't you think it's strange that Callie just disappeared like that? Could something have happened to her?"

Rafael watched Gianna closely. He didn't need Callie to prove anything to him; Gianna's probing questions were enough to show she was hiding something.

Gianna had never liked Callie. Yet today, she kept bringing her up.

"She's fine. What could possibly happen to her? Besides, she disappeared for a few months last time too. Maybe she's just hiding somewhere again. What's the big deal?" Rafael's tone was calm, but there was a cold edge to his words.

It seemed that everything Callie had said was true.

Gianna really was trying to harm her.

"I'm just worried," Gianna probed cautiously, "If something really happens to her, you need to plan for the future."

"What do you mean?" Rafael glared at her.

"I mean, your only heir left is Myron. You need to think more about your son and not just your daughter. A married daughter is like spilled water. She's already Shane's wife, and the Robinson family isn't short on money..."

"Gianna, did you do something to Callie?" Rafael couldn't listen anymore and cut her off directly.

Gianna laughed, "Of course not..."

Before she could finish her sentence, she heard a noise behind her. Turning around, she saw Callie.

"Ah!"

She screamed in fright, "A ghost!"

Gianna, guilty and panicked, backed away in fear, "Don't come any closer!"

"You weren't like this when you wanted to kill me!" Callie stepped closer.

Gianna, still terrified, shrank back, "No, it wasn't me who killed you. If you're looking for someone, don't look for me!"

"Even if you didn't do it, you were the one who ordered it," Callie seized the opportunity to get a confession, setting her phone to record.

As long as she admitted it, it would prove that she indeed had tried to kill her.

Even though she hadn't succeeded!

Gianna would still be guilty of attempted murder!

Gianna kept shaking her head frantically. "Don't come after me, don't come after me!"

Seeing Gianna's crazed state, Rafael's face turned a deep shade of blue with anger. He shouted, "Gianna, are you out of your mind? You dared to commit murder? Do you have a death wish?"

Gianna snapped out of her daze a bit at Rafael's outburst.

She looked at Rafael, then at Callie. "You... you're not dead?"

"If she were dead, you wouldn't be alive either!" Rafael roared.

At this moment, Gianna was fully awake and boldly denied everything. "How could I possibly commit murder? It's all a misunderstanding!"

"Misunderstanding?" Callie let out a cold laugh. "You hired someone to ruin my reputation and take my life. I barely escaped death, Gianna. Do you think I would let you off so easily?"

Gianna feigned ignorance. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Gianna, did you really hire someone to harm Callie?" Rafael's voice had calmed down considerably, not because he was any less angry, but because he was no longer as agitated as he had been initially.

"Don't listen to her nonsense. How could I possibly do such a thing?" Gianna tried to appease Rafael. "You know what your daughter is like, don't you?"

"It's precisely because I know her well that I believe what she says," Rafael replied.

Gianna wanted to explain further, but Rafael cut her off. "I know what you're thinking. You want Myron to inherit the Norris Family's fortune. I don't have much time left, and I don't blame you for having such thoughts. But attempting to harm Callie, my daughter—do you think I can forgive you for that?"

"I didn't—"

"If you still want Myron to inherit the Norris Family's fortune, you should turn yourself in to the police. If you refuse, Myron won't get a single penny," Rafael said firmly. He wasn't indifferent to his son.

There was no way he wouldn't leave a path for his son.

He was forcing Gianna's hand.

He knew that as long as she was around, Callie and Myron could never truly be siblings.

With Gianna in the picture, Callie would never accept Myron as her brother.

Callie was older and more sensible, but Myron, spoiled by Gianna, was a troublemaker through and through!

He wanted to entrust Myron to her.

But first, he had to severely punish Gianna!

Rafael had it all figured out. Once Callie vented her anger, he could ask her to take care of Myron, and she wouldn't be able to refuse him.

He had already planned everything. The distribution of the Norris Family's assets was settled in his will. No matter how hard Gianna tried, it would be futile.

Gianna knew Rafael didn't have much love for her, but she never expected him to be so cold-hearted as to use the inheritance to threaten her into confessing for Callie.

"I've been with you for almost twenty years. Don't you have any trust in me? I've told you, I didn't..."

"Just tell me, are you going to confess or not?" Rafael cut her off, having no patience for her excuses.

Gianna stood there, trembling all over. Though their relationship had never been particularly loving, they had always been seen together, and he had been gentle and considerate towards her.

How could he be so heartless now?

"I gave you a son!" she shouted, her voice breaking.

Rafael remained calm in the face of her outburst. "I never denied that."

"Then why are you trying to destroy me?" Gianna couldn't believe that Rafael was doing this for Callie.

But the truth was right in front of her.

"As expected, you still love your ex-wife and your daughter. Myron and I are just extras. If that's the case... then I'll take Myron and leave!"

She still harbored a faint hope that Rafael would remember their years together and ask her and Myron to stay.

However, Rafael did not call her back.

Her heart turned cold!

They had shared a bed for many years, and though they were not married, their relationship was as close as one. Yet Rafael was so indifferent and heartless towards her!

Gianna's heart hardened as well! She gave Rafael a meaningful look before leaving.

"Dad..." Callie spoke up, surprised by Rafael's attitude towards Gianna.

"Don't worry, I'll give you an explanation for this," Rafael said.

Given Rafael's stance, Callie had nothing more to say. "In that case, I'll be leaving now."

With that, she turned around.

Rafael called out to her, "Can I still see your mother?"

Callie didn't look back. "I've told my mom about your situation. She doesn't want to see you."

With that, she walked out.

Outside the hospital, she stood on the steps and took out her phone to contact Cynthia. Fortunately, Cynthia was available, and they arranged to meet at a tea room.

Coincidentally, Callie arrived at the place and ran into Gabriel at the entrance.

Lately, Gabriel had been drinking heavily, and he looked much more worn out and less vibrant than his usual sunny and flamboyant self.

"Callie, are you here for tea too?" he asked.

Callie, who was supposed to meet Cynthia, felt a bit uneasy. "I... sort of."

"Let's go together then. I'm here for tea as well," Gabriel said, his expression listless and lacking energy.

Seeing him like this made Callie feel a pang of sympathy.

She wished she could tell him that Cynthia didn't leave because she fell out of love, but because...

But in the end, she was just an outsider.

"Are you here alone for tea?" Callie asked, puzzled. Gabriel wasn't known for being a tea enthusiast, so his presence at a tea house was strange.

She had chosen this place to meet Cynthia because it was quiet.

"A blind date," Gabriel replied, grabbing Callie's arm and pulling her inside. "Help me out, will you? I don't know how to turn her down."

Callie pushed him away. "You want to use me as a shield? No way."

"Why?" Gabriel thought it was a simple matter.

As long as his mother's arranged date saw him with another woman, the date would naturally be canceled.

It would save him a lot of trouble!

Callie said, "I have other things to do..."

She took out her phone, intending to call Cynthia to change their meeting location. However, before she could dial, Cynthia had already arrived. She saw Callie and, not noticing the person beside her, blurted out, "Callie..."

She stiffened, phone in hand, realizing she was a step too late!

Cynthia walked over with a smile.

Hearing this voice, Gabriel froze completely, unable to even move his feet.

"What's wrong? You don't look well," Cynthia asked.

Callie glanced to the side and said, "I have a cold."

"Did you take any medicine?" Cynthia asked with concern.

Callie didn't respond.

Cynthia noticed her odd expression today. "What's going on with you..."

"Cynthia." Gabriel suddenly turned around.

Cynthia froze! Surprise, shock, and a fleeting moment of joy.

Joy at seeing him.

But she quickly regained her composure, her expression turning cold and her tone devoid of warmth. "Why are you with Callie?"

Gabriel stared at her intently, noticing that she didn't show any concern or greeting.

Instead, she questioned him.

Callie quickly explained, "We ran into each other at the entrance. I was just about to call you when you arrived."

Seeing the phone in her hand, which matched her explanation, Cynthia believed her. It wasn't a deliberate setup for her to meet Gabriel.

"Let's go somewhere else," Cynthia said.

Callie agreed and started to walk over to Cynthia. But Gabriel, with his lips tightly pressed together, took a large step forward and grabbed Cynthia's wrist, pulling her inside. As he passed Callie, he said, "I need to talk to her. Stay out of it."

"Let go of me! I have nothing to say to you. I'm married..."

Gabriel pulled her into an embrace and kissed her, silencing her words.

Callie stood aside, watching them. She thought it might be good for them to talk things out.

Quietly, she turned and left.

She initially planned to take a cab back to the villa but changed her mind. She decided to find Shane and explain everything.

By now, Shane must have calmed down and would be willing to listen to her, right?

She got into a cab and told the driver to take her to Skyreach Corporation.

Upon arriving at Skyreach Corporation, she met Henry.

"President Robinson isn't here. He went to the old mansion," Henry said.

Callie asked, "Did he go there for something important?"

Henry replied, "I'm not sure. Butler Imani came personally to fetch him. I suppose the Old Master needed to discuss something with him."

Callie nodded in understanding.

Since she couldn't find Shane, she decided to head back.

At the old mansion, Shane Robinson's expression showed a hint of impatience.

Old Master Robinson continued playing chess, calling Shane over without saying a word.

"Grandpa, if you have something to say, just say it," Shane interrupted the old man's deep concentration on the chessboard.

Old Master Robinson seemed to remember his presence only then and chuckled, "Look at my memory. I called you over and got lost in my game."

He gestured for Butler Imani to pour two cups of tea.

After taking a few sips, he slowly began, "Actually, there's nothing much. I just wanted to let you know that I have a friend coming over for dinner today. Since I'm the only one at home, it wouldn't be very polite. So, I asked you to come and help entertain."

Shane frowned, "For something like this, you should call your son. It would be more appropriate."

His displeasure was evident.

Old Master Robinson's face turned slightly pale. He had two sons, and Shane's father, his eldest, had long passed away. Shane's words clearly referred to his younger son!

And he knew all too well what his younger son had done.

Even though he was the elder, he felt a lack of confidence in front of Shane.

After all, he had defended his younger son.

He let out a deep sigh.

He entrusted the entire Robinson Family to Shane for two reasons: first, Shane truly had the ability to make the Robinson Family better, and second, it was a way to make amends to him.

"Your second uncle is too soft-hearted to accomplish anything significant," Old Master Robinson said, shifting all the blame onto his second son..

In the future, when he was no longer around, Shane, without any reservations, might still show some mercy to his second uncle, considering their blood relation. If he needed to vent his anger, he could always target Dina, the second uncle's wife.

"Master, the guests have arrived," Butler Imani announced as he approached.

Old Master Robinson said, "Quick, invite them in!"

Butler Imani went to bring the guests inside.

"Old Robinson, it's been a long time."

The visitor was of a same age to Old Master Robinson, but he appeared to be in better health.

"You've been living abroad for many years, so we haven't had many chances to meet," Old Master Robinson said warmly.

Shane remained seated, barely lifting his gaze. When he saw the woman standing next to the visitor, his brows furrowed involuntarily.

Lydia also saw Shane and was visibly surprised.

It seemed she hadn't expected to see him here.

Due to the presence of the elders, she didn't speak first and obediently stood by her grandfather's side.

Even without saying a word, Shane's presence was powerful enough to make him noticeable to everyone in the room.

Nick spotted him immediately.

With a smile, he said, "Is this your impressive grandson?"

Old Master Robinson, not hiding his pride, laughed heartily and replied, "He's even better than his father and I were at his age."

Soon, Old Master Robinson's gaze fell on Lydia. "Is this your only granddaughter?"

Nick sighed, "Yes, she is. Her father passed away early due to illness, and her mother remarried long ago. It's just been the two of us."

Old Master Robinson couldn't help but sigh as well. Having lost a son himself, he understood the pain of an elder burying their child.

"We old friends have some matters to discuss. Shane, why don't you take Lydia for a walk around our garden?"

Shane immediately understood what he was up to.

Last time, he was called back and told to divorce Callie.

And now, they throw another woman at him. Isn't this just another way of matchmaking?

He was displeased, but out of respect for him, he kept his composure. However, there was no way he would cooperate.

Now, he suspected that Lydia showing up at his company was probably arranged by Old Master Robinson.

He stood up and walked out of the main hall, clearly not intending to take Lydia with him.

Old Master Robinson was about to explain, but Lydia spoke first, "It's okay."

After making sure Shane had walked far enough away, Old Master Robinson said, "He may seem cold, but he has a warm heart. You need to be patient."

"I will," Lydia replied with a sweet smile.

She was very pretty, with a charming smile, and being the only granddaughter of his good friend, Old Master Robinson was quite satisfied with her.

"Whether those two can work out depends on your skills, Mr. Robinson," Nick said.

"This will take some time. I've already explained the situation to you, so you'll need to be patient," Old Master Robinson replied, though he wasn't entirely confident. Nonetheless, he wanted to give it a try.

Callie had let him down, and he had no choice but to look for another reliable girl!

"Your grandson is just too outstanding, and since Lydia likes him, it takes time. Even if I don't want to wait, I have to be patient for Lydia's sake," Nick said, openly expressing his admiration for Shane.

Old Master Robinson had made these arrangements because he was absolutely confident in them.

He smiled at Lydia and said, "Feelings can be nurtured. You should spend more time with him. When he goes out, accompany him."

Lydia lowered her gaze and gave a shy smile. "I understand."

Everything that happened today was prearranged.

The main goal was to show Shane.

He stepped out of the house and walked to the backyard.

He made a call to Henry.

When the call connected, Henry's voice came through, "President Robinson."

"I need to ask you, the woman you found last time, did you check her background?" Shane asked. If he guessed correctly, Lydia's appearance at the company was likely orchestrated by the old man!

"I did check. She graduated from a prestigious university but has no work experience..."

"Her family," Shane interrupted coldly.

"...I only heard her say that she had been living abroad and just came back recently. I don't know much else. Did something happen?" Henry asked. "I've already sent her away. Is she bothering you again?"

Shane rubbed his forehead, his brows furrowed. "Henry, you're an idiot!"

He was cursing himself too!

How could he have believed Henry's suggestion to find a woman just to make Callie jealous?

Now, the trouble had arrived!

Henry was utterly baffled by the scolding.

"What did I do wrong?"

Shane had no patience to explain and hung up the phone directly.

On the other end, Henry was left completely confused!

Even if he had done something wrong, he deserved a clear explanation, but no to leave him clueless, even in death.

Unfortunately, no one could hear his inner thoughts.

And Shane certainly couldn't!

"Hey, what are you doing here? Come out quickly."

On his way back to the living room, Shane heard Butler Imani's voice. He walked over and saw Lydia standing in his room, holding the box he had placed next to his parents' photo.

His gaze turned dark instantly as he strode over.

His voice was chilling, "What do you think you're doing?"

Lydia, however, remained calm and unhurried. "I was just curious and wanted to see what's inside."

"You better put that down right now! This belongs to our Young Master, and it's very precious to him..." Butler Imani said sternly.

"This is clearly mine," Lydia declared righteously, her tone as convincing as if it were the truth.

In reality, it was the first time she had ever seen this item.

Yet she spoke with such confidence.

These were all lines taught to her by Old Master Robinson.

He had told her that the owner of this jade pendant was very important to Shane.

And that if she claimed to be the owner of this pendant, Shane would surely treat her well.

"What did you say?" Shane narrowed his eyes. "Yours?"

"Yes, my father left it to me, but I lost it. If you don't believe me, you can ask my grandfather. He'll tell you I had something like this," Lydia said, her head held high, showing no signs of guilt.

Her confident expression could easily convince anyone.

"If you say it's yours, then how did you lose it?" Shane asked, scrutinizing her.

"I don't remember exactly when I lost it," Lydia replied. "I was very young at the time, so my memory is a bit fuzzy."

She didn't directly explain how she lost it. After all, it had been so long. If she revealed it too quickly, it would seem deliberate, and Shane, being so smart, would definitely get suspicious.

By being vague and ambiguous, Shane would surely become curious.

Once he confirmed that the item was hers, he would believe that she was the one who saved him all those years ago.

"Maybe you just lost one that looks similar?" Imani asked deliberately, giving Lydia a chance to speak.

"No, I remember it very clearly. Look, this string is exactly the same as the one I lost. My dad gave it to me; how could I forget it?" Lydia's eyes looked pitiful as she continued, "This item means a lot to me. Can you please return it?"

Shane paused, not immediately agreeing. He walked over and took the box from her hand. Opening it, he looked at the item inside, recalling the clear eyes from his memory. A hint of warmth flashed in his gaze.

Even after all these years, he still remembered waking up from unconsciousness and seeing that face, those eyes.

"If it truly belongs to you, I will return it," Shane said, closing the lid and placing the box back in its place.

Originally, he had planned to leave, but now it seemed he had to stay.

He needed to find out if Lydia had been to the Robinson Family estate at the time he was rescued!

Lydia obediently pressed her lips together. "Alright then."

"Dinner is ready. Let's head to the dining room," Butler Imani said with a warm smile.

Shane turned to Butler Imani and said, "From now on, keep my room locked."

With that, he turned on his heel.

Butler Imani acknowledged his request and then glanced at Lydia.

The two exchanged a quick look.

Although Shane was angry, their goal had been achieved.

In the dining room, Old Master Robinson and Nick were already seated.

Seeing his granddaughter, Nick asked, "Did you remember anything while walking around?"

Lydia walked over to Nick. "Yes, I remember. Grandpa, you brought me here for a funeral when I was little. I even went into the water to save someone."

Shane quietly took his seat. When he heard Lydia mention going into the water to save someone, he lifted his gaze to look at her!