Mistaken shadi

Old Master Robinson had already anticipated this.

At that moment, Butler Imani seemed to understand as well. "You wanted me to find a heart..."

Before he could finish his sentence, Callie emerged with a medical kit.

Butler Imani immediately fell silent.

Old Master Robinson stood up from the sofa, leaning on his cane, and said to Callie, "Follow me."

With that, Old Master Robinson headed towards the study.

Callie placed the medical kit on the table and followed him inside.

Sitting down in the chair behind his desk, Old Master Robinson's expression turned sorrowful. "Shane's parents passed away early. I raised him. During his school years, he stayed in the dorms, and after graduating from college, he moved out of the old house to take over the company. He's been so busy ever since that he hardly ever comes back."

Old Master Robinson's voice was low. Shane's father was his eldest son, and the pain of outliving one's child never truly fades, no matter how many years pass.

There were reasons why Shane was reluctant to return.

He could already foresee how Shane would deal with his second son's family after his death.

Shane had held back until now purely out of respect for him.

He needed a woman by Shane's side, someone who could teach him about love and soften his heart.

Someone who could make him let go of his hatred.

Both the palm and the back of the hand are flesh; he didn't want to see his family members killing each other.

"Grandpa," Callie didn't know how to comfort him.

Old Master Robinson had always been kind to her.

Even though it was her father's greed that led to her marrying into the family, Old Master Robinson never looked down on her.

The Old Man raised his hand, signaling her not to worry, that he was fine. "I agreed to let you marry into the family because I know you're a good child. Your grandfather was a loyal and kind man, and as his granddaughter, you must have inherited those traits. That's why I want you to stay by Shane's side and take care of him."

"Grandpa, I think the person who stays by his side should be someone he likes. Only then will it truly be good for him..." Callie spoke from her heart.

But to the Old Man's ears, it sounded like she was backing out, trying to find an excuse to leave Shane. At his age, what hasn't he seen?

It was easy to manipulate her. "I know you're in a tough spot."

Old Master Robinson pulled a document from the drawer and handed it to her. "Your mother needs a matching heart, right? I've found one for her. It's already been sent to the hospital. As long as you sign this agreement, your mother can have the surgery immediately. I'll cover all the surgery and subsequent treatment costs."

Callie first felt a surge of joy, but then she realized it couldn't be that simple. Her eyes fell on the document.

It was a guarantee.

An agreement that she would not divorce Shane.

"I've heard your mother's condition is critical. If she doesn't get a new heart soon, even a miracle won't save her. Hearts aren't easy to come by; it's not just about money, especially since you don't have any." The Old Man knew very well that to keep her obediently by Shane's side, he had to exploit her weakness.

Callie tightly clutched the paper in her hand, her mind in turmoil, unsure of what to do.

It dawned on her that this was the real reason the Old Man had called her to the family estate today.

"Grandpa, why do you think I can take care of him?"

"I've told you, because you're Mr. Norris' granddaughter. I believe in you."

Callie tried her best to stay calm, but she was still incredibly flustered.

Her mother's illness couldn't be delayed any longer.

The sooner the surgery, the better the recovery.

She was already married to Shane Robinson. For her mother's sake, she accepted it. "I'll sign."

"Good, I knew I wasn't wrong about you. You'll make Shane happy," the old man said, a rare smile appearing on his usually stern face.

Callie pressed her lips tightly together, saying nothing.

In her heart, she thought, Grandpa, you're wrong. I'm not the one who can make Shane Robinson happy.

That person is Belinda Ayers.

"I'll notify the hospital right away to schedule your mother's surgery as soon as possible," Old Master Robinson said, picking up the phone.

Callie stood there, feeling both nervous and hopeful.

After the Old Man hung up the phone, she asked, "Grandpa, can I go to the hospital too?"

It was out of filial piety, and the Old Man agreed. "Alright, go ahead."

Given today's events, Shane probably wouldn't accept her coming home anyway.

She couldn't help but sigh.

"Thank you, Grandpa," Callie said sincerely, full of gratitude.

The Old Man waved his hand and said to the butler outside the door, "Imani, prepare a car for her."

"Madam, please follow me," Butler Imani said.

Callie followed Butler Imani out.

Sitting in the car, she still felt like she was dreaming.

Everything had happened so fast, it felt unreal.

But when she arrived at the hospital and saw everything arranged by the Old Master, she snapped back to reality. This was not a dream.

Her mother could really have the surgery.

After a night of danger, the surgery was finally successful, though there would be a long period of observation and care afterward.

Seeing her mother lying in the post-operative monitoring room, a sense of relief washed over her. Her mother was finally saved.

Having stayed up all night, she returned to her department. As she walked through the corridor, someone called out to her.

"Dr. Norris."

She turned around to see Nurse Hall from the same department.

Nurse Hall walked over to talk to her. "You left early yesterday, so you missed Dr. Ayers' self-important speech. She really thinks she's something now that she has backing."

Callie lowered her eyes slightly, choosing not to comment on Belinda.

"I don't think Dr. Ayers is as pretty as you. What do you think Shane sees in her?"

Callie Norris didn't want to get dragged into gossip. "Dr. Ayers is very pretty. President Robinson might like her, and there must be something attractive about Dr. Ayers. We shouldn't talk behind people's backs."

Nurse Hall pouted. "Well, they called it a farewell party yesterday, but really, it was just her showing off. Everyone knows that spot should have been yours..."

"Nurse Hall, I have things to do," Callie Norris interrupted.

Such talk could easily cause trouble if overheard.

Sensing that Callie didn't want to continue the conversation, Nurse Hall dropped the subject. Mornings were the busiest times at the hospital, with patients already lining up at the registration window.

They each went to their respective duties.

Callie had surgeries scheduled for the morning. After two hours of rest, she entered the operating room. After two surgeries later, combined with a sleepless night, she was utterly exhausted. During her lunch break, she was just about to catch some sleep when a nurse came over. "The director wants to see you in his office."

"Is it urgent?" she asked.

If it wasn't, she could go later.

"I'm not sure. I'm just passing on the message. You'll find out when you get there," the nurse replied with a smile.

Callie responded with a quick, "Alright, I'm on my way."

She got up and headed to the dean's office.

Upon reaching the door, she knocked. Hearing a response from inside, she pushed the door open.

"Dean."

The dean was sitting behind his desk. When he saw her, he put down what he was working on, looking a bit hesitant but knowing he had to speak.

"Dr. Norris, have you somehow offended Shane Robinson?"

"Dean, why are you asking me this?" Callie Norris felt a faint sense of foreboding.

"You should know that being blacklisted in the professional field means..." The dean hesitated, "It means your career as a doctor might be over. No hospital will dare to hire you."

Callie was stunned by this sudden turn of events.

Her hands clenched and unclenched repeatedly. "Dean, I love this job, and I can't afford to lose it."

"Even if I wanted to help, I can't." The dean felt regretful. He had always admired Callie's dedication and skill as a doctor.

But he didn't have the power to protect her.

"If you want to keep your job, you need to talk to Shane. You offended him, so apologize. It's better than losing your job," the dean advised kindly.

"I..."

She hesitated.

She knew very well that Shane's prejudice against her couldn't be resolved with just an apology.

Shane's treatment of her wasn't just because she almost damaged his precious item last night. He was also unhappy about her being his wife.

This was probably his way of retaliating for last night's incident and trying to force her to willingly agree to a divorce.

She took a deep breath. "I understand."

"Figure it out yourself," the director said.

Callie returned to her department, feeling utterly lost.

Asking Shane for help probably wouldn't work either. After all, his goal was likely to force her into a divorce.

She had already signed an agreement with Old Master Robinson.

If she agreed to Shane's demands now, she would be breaking her promise.

Suddenly, she felt a wave of nausea, but it passed quickly.

After composing herself, she opened her laptop and tried to apply for jobs at other hospitals. However, as soon as they saw her name, they immediately rejected her.

At this moment, she truly felt the power of the words "career blacklist."

But she couldn't afford to be jobless. She didn't have many friends, and the only person she could think of was Gabriel. After much hesitation, she took out her phone and dialed Gabriel's number.

The call connected quickly.

"Callie?" Gabriel's voice came through the line.

"Do you have some time? I'd like to meet with you," she said, trying hard to suppress the hoarseness in her voice and make it sound normal.

Gabriel agreed immediately, "Sure."

They arranged to meet at a restaurant.

Callie gathered her things and left the hospital.

She arrived first.

Gabriel walked in, assuming she was there to discuss the heart transplant. As soon as he sat down, he said, "I haven't found a heart yet."

Taking this chance, Callie informed him, "My mom's surgery has already been done."

"What?" Gabriel was utterly surprised.

"When did this happen? How come I didn't know?"

"Yesterday," Callie replied. "I haven't had the chance to tell you."

Gabriel blinked, then smiled with relief. "It's good that the surgery is done. Everything went well, right?"

She nodded.

Noticing the troubled look on her face, Gabriel asked, "Is something wrong?"

She had no choice but to speak up, "I'm going to lose my job."

Gabriel was shocked and then filled with righteous anger.

"What? Dean Jenkins dares to fire you?"

"I offended someone."

Gabriel asked, "Who? Who did you offend? I'll make sure you get justice!"

Callie hesitated for a moment, thinking Gabriel might know Shane. Finally, she said a name, "Shane Robinson."

Gabriel almost spat out the water he was drinking. "So, because of him, you're about to lose your job?"

Callie nodded.

"Why did you offend him? Was it because of Belinda?" Gabriel couldn't think of any other reason.

Shane had gotten married without a wedding, and since he never acknowledged it, it wasn't publicized. Only the Robinson and Norris families and a few close individuals knew about it.

Even Gabriel didn't know.

Callie knew she would eventually divorce Shane, so she never mentioned it to Gabriel.

The only connection Gabriel could think of was Belinda.

Before Callie could respond, Gabriel continued talking to himself, "It's the first time I've seen Shane care so much about a woman. He must be blind to have fallen for Belinda."

Who Shane liked didn't matter to Callie.

After all, everyone has their own preferences.

Maybe, just maybe, Shane likes someone like Belinda.

But hearing his words, it was clear that he was quite familiar with Shane. Callie Norris cautiously asked, "The man you had me treat last time, was he Shane?"

She had her suspicions when she found out Henry was Shane's assistant.

Asking Gabriel was just a way to confirm her guess.

"Yes, but don't tell anyone," Gabriel trusted her.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have asked her to help last time.

Gabriel thought for a moment, "I'll put in a good word for you with Shane."

Callie hesitated, wanting to explain her relationship with Shane but unsure how to start. In the end, she just said, "Thank you."

"Oh, come on, we're friends," Gabriel laughed. "You said you'd treat me to dinner last time."

Callie smiled, "Alright, dinner's on me."

Skyreach Corporation.

After finishing the meeting, Shane walked into his office.

Henry approached him, "President Robinson, I saw Miss Norris having lunch with Gabriel."

"Who?" Shane turned his head, his pupils clearly showing surprise. "Callie knows Gabriel?"

Henry wasn't entirely sure either.

He was equally puzzled when he saw the two of them laughing and chatting over a meal. It was a surprise to him as well.

If he hadn't happened to pass by that restaurant, he wouldn't have found out.

"How about we call Dr. Byrne and ask him?" Henry suggested.

Shane responded with a nonchalant "Hmm."

Henry went to make the call.

About twenty minutes later, Gabriel arrived at the company.

As soon as he walked in, Gabriel said, "I actually have something I wanted to talk to you about..."

"Do you know Callie?"

Gabriel was cut off mid-sentence. He paused and nodded, "Yes, I know her. She's my junior from Medical School. She was the one who treated your injury last time."

Shane leaned back into the brown leather sofa, his dark eyes flickering, his long, thick eyelashes trembling slightly. So it was her that day?

This was indeed unexpected.

"By the way," Gabriel walked over and sat down, "Shane, could you be a bit nicer to her?"

Shane raised an eyebrow, his posture relaxed and casual. Those who knew him well understood that the more relaxed he appeared, the deeper his thoughts ran.

Was Gabriel really that close to Callie?

He felt an inexplicable sense of displeasure, one he couldn't quite understand or explain.

In a low voice, he asked, "Are you speaking up for her? What's your relationship with her?"

"Senior and junior. We graduated from the same medical school. She's two years younger than me. I heard her dad had a mistress and treated her and her mom poorly. She worked part-time jobs to pay for her tuition. She's had a tough life," Gabriel intentionally spoke up for Callie.

Taking this opportunity, he hoped Shane would let Callie off the hook.

He didn't want her to lose her job.

"That's why I've been looking out for her. We're good friends, Shane. Considering she has a sick mother who needs a lot of money for treatment, could you forgive her this once? Without a job, she can't survive."

Gabriel didn't hold back, "I don't know what she did to upset you, but could you do me this favor?"

Shane's face remained impassive, but inside, he felt a slight stir.

It did sound a bit tragic.

However, that was not a reason for him to forgive her.

He leaned back more comfortably, a lazy, somewhat playful tone in his voice, "If she wants my forgiveness, she can come and ask for it herself."

Gabriel could tell that Shane was still fuming. He tried to explain, "She wouldn't come to me unless she had no other choice."

He knew that Callie didn't like to trouble others.

Shane snorted. No other choice?

If she were truly desperate, why didn't she come to him directly?

She must not be at her wit's end yet!

"Shane..."

Gabriel wanted to speak up for Callie, but Shane cut him off, "I've already said, she needs to come to me herself."

His tone was clearly impatient.

Gabriel understood that continuing the conversation would be pointless. "Just don't make things too hard for her, considering she once treated your injuries."

Shane cast a cold glance his way. "Do you like her?"

Why else would he speak up for her?

Were they that close?

Could Gabriel be the man Callie was involved with?

Gabriel quickly clarified, "No, it's not like that. I mean, I do like her... No, to be precise, I admire her. She's quite likable. Back in school, a lot of boys liked her and pursued her, but she turned them all down. She's very self-respecting, a good girl. If I didn't already have someone I liked, I might actually like her, haha..."

Shane cast a mocking glance, thinking, "Are you blind?"

Which eye of yours saw her being virtuous?

Would a good girl go looking for a man on her wedding night?

To cheat on her husband?

His face darkened at the thought.

Gabriel didn't notice Shane's change in demeanor. He sighed inwardly, feeling helpless.

After leaving the company, he stood at the entrance and made a call to Callie.

...

After parting ways with Gabriel, Callie went to the hospital to visit her mother. On the way, she received a call from Gabriel.

He apologized, saying he couldn't convince Shane.

Callie, knowing Shane's temper, said, "It's okay, don't worry about it."

After hanging up, she composed herself and walked into the inpatient department.

As soon as she entered, a nurse saw her and said, "Your mother is awake."

Callie was thrilled. "Really?"

The nurse nodded, "Yes, go see her. I was just about to call you."

"Thank you."

Her mother had been moved to a regular ward. Callie pushed open the door and saw her mother with her eyes open. She hesitated for a moment, then quickly walked over.

"Mom..."

Callie wanted to smile at her mother, but she was too emotional, and tears started to fall.

"Callie..." Caitlin weakly raised her hand.

Callie quickly stepped forward and held it.

This was probably the most comforting thing for Caitlin.

"Mom is sorry..."

Caitlin knew how severe her illness was. The fact that she could get better now meant Callie must have agreed to Rafael's demands and married into the Robinson Family.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have had the money to pay for her treatment.

Caitlin's eyes reddened. "Seeing you make sacrifice like this, I'd rather die..."

"Mom," Callie tightly held her mother's hand, "without you, there wouldn't be me."

If her mother hadn't suffered complications during childbirth, injuring her body and making it impossible to have more children, Rafael wouldn't have despised her and sought other women outside.

"Are you... doing well in the Robinson Family?" Caitlin looked at her daughter, cautiously asking.

She was afraid that Callie would be looked down upon by the Robinson family.

Callie forced a smile to reassure her mother. "I'm doing well. Grandpa and Shane treat me very well. Don't worry. You need to focus on getting better." She pretended to be cheerful.

Caitlin murmured a response, looking quite tired.

She still needed rest, so Callie stayed with her. Once Caitlin fell asleep, Callie quietly got up and left.

Outside, the sky had already darkened.

Despite the heat, she felt a chill. She knew there were some things she couldn't avoid.

Like Shane. There was no way to escape it. She took out her phone, ready to contact him. Whatever he wanted to do, she was prepared to face it.

However, when she was about to make the call, she realized she didn't have his number. She had no choice but to head back to the villa.

But as she reached the entrance, she saw Shane Robinson's car.

He was at the villa?!

She had already made up her mind, but the thought of facing him made her hesitate.

His violent outburst from yesterday was still fresh in her memory!

Taking a deep breath, she mustered the courage to step into the house.

As she pushed open the door, she was greeted by Mrs. Ford.

With a warm smile, Mrs. Ford asked, "Back from work?"

Callie nodded and glanced inside, only to see someone sitting on the couch, his face hidden from the view.

Mrs. Ford said, "Mr. Robinson is here."

Callie changed her shoes and walked in, forcing a smile as she greeted, "Good evening, Mr. Robinson."

Shane put down the financial magazine he was reading and glanced at her.

His tone was dripping with sarcasm, "Mr. Robinson?"

This woman, refusing to divorce him yet acting so distant?

Was she playing hard to get?

Callie had already apologized once, but she sincerely repeated, "I didn't mean to touch your things. I'm really sorry."

"Do you really think that just saying sorry will make me forgive you?" Shane leaned back lazily, his legs elegantly crossed.

For some reason, seeing this woman humble herself before him brought a strange sense of satisfaction to his heart.

He enjoyed watching her act so cautiously and carefully in front of him.

It was almost fun to see her squirm.

If Callie knew what he was thinking, she would definitely curse him out as a pervert!

But in reality, she was just a pitiful soul, forced to bow her head and beg for survival.

Callie steadied herself and looked at him for two seconds. For the sake of her job, she forced herself to be pleasant.

She took the initiative to pour a glass of water and brought it over, pulling a smile at the corners of her lips. "President Robinson, please don't hold a grudge against me."

Her forced smile was met with Shane's disdain. "Your smile is really ugly."

Callie tried to relax her expression, but facing this man, she simply couldn't.

She bit her lip and tried her best to please him, lowering herself, "I'm sorry."

"If you want to apologize, you should show some sincerity. For example, by leaving voluntarily?" Shane's face remained expressionless, but his words were incredibly harsh.

From his perspective, Callie was an intruder.

She should just leave!

But—

She didn't mean to intrude.

Everyone knew that Shane was unwilling, unwilling to marry her. Did she willingly agree to this marriage?

Who ever understood her, or considered her feelings?

Her eyes, usually so beautiful and clear, were now brimming with tears.

When Shane met her gaze, it felt like something pricked his heart, making it hard to breathe.

For a moment, it felt strangely familiar.

He pretended to remain calm and looked away.

His tone softened slightly, "What, are you trying to act pitiful to gain my sympathy?"

Callie fought back the bitterness, trying to keep her voice steady. "It's not that I don't want to divorce you. I signed an agreement with your grandfather. I can't leave you."

In the past, she would never have shared her personal matters to gain sympathy, but the situation now didn't allow her to be too proud. "My mom was sick. It was your grandfather who helped treat her. I had no choice but to stay by your side. Do you think you're the only one who didn't want this marriage?"

Shane narrowed his eyes, a cold glint in them. "What, you didn't want it either?"

"Of course not. If it weren't to save my mom, I would never have agreed to marry you!" She held back her bitterness. If she weren't forced, she wouldn't be in such a miserable state.

Shane sneered. So, she didn't want to marry him; she was forced into it?

Why did that make him so upset?! Marry me, and you feel wronged?" His voice was almost a growl as he spoke.

"Yes," she answered calmly.

Her response completely infuriated Shane!

Veins bulged on his forehead. Since when did she get a say in this marriage?

Who did she think she was?

What right did she have to refuse!?

A woman with a tainted past, what face did she have to be unwilling!?

To him, it was an outright insult!

"Is marrying me such a torment for you?" His smile was cold and sinister, making him look especially menacing.

Thankuu