Chapter 10
Five years ago, after a big fight with Dad, I stormed out, taking my things and leaving in a huff. We hadn’t spoken since, trapped in a silent standoff. Eventually, after a few video calls, things eased between us, but I’d stayed so wrapped up with Jason that I hadn’t found time to come back.[]
Standing at the front door now, a wave of nerves hit me–I nearly wanted to slap myself for not coming back sooner![]
“Caroline! Is that you?” ]
Emma, the housekeeper, came rushing out, instantly recognizing me. She opened the door excitedly, took my luggage, and welcomed me in.[]
“You said you’d come back, and your father’s been waiting every day. He tries to act casual, but I can tell–he really missed you. Are you staying for good this time?“]
Emma’s warmth was overwhelming, and her words made me smile despite myself. “Yes, I’m staying in New York for good.”
I walked quietly toward the sofa where my father was sitting.
“Well, you still know the way home?” He glanced up at me, unsurprised, and let out a cold huff. “So, you’ve been out all this time, too busy with your so–called ‘career‘ to think about inheriting the family business?”
“What are you talking about, Dad? That’s nonsense.“[]
“Nonsense? You don’t know what’s going on? The internet’s buzzing with accusations of you being some kind of mistress–it’s utterly humiliating!“]]
I sighed, finally understanding what he meant. [
“It’s all fake, Dad. Someone’s trying to mess with me. There’s a real mistress, but it’s not me. Besides, I never had an official title, anyway.”
He continued his sarcasm. “A secretary getting herself into such a mess–that must take some real skill.”
“Dad!” I frowned, hands on my hips. “Do you have to talk to me in that tone right now?“]
He scoffed, but I could see right through him. “Need any help cleaning it up?”
I wanted to laugh; my heart was warm, full of affection.
“No need. I can handle it myself. You’d better get ready to be annoyed by me every day from now on.”
He didn’t respond, just turned to leave. Emma chuckled from behind. “Sir, you secretly wanted Miss back all along, but you just won’t admit it. Every day, you’d mutter about her, and now that she’s back, you’re off after saying two words! I’ve never seen anyone as stubborn as you.“]
Hearing Emma’s teasing, my father paused, turned back, and snapped, “Not at all!“[]
But when he met my gaze, full of amusement, he looked away. “I wasn’t thinking of you every day. I was cursing you, you fool! Running off to a strange city over some man–serves you right to learn the hard way!“]
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Chapter 10
Before he could finish, I ran over and hugged him tightly.
In his warm embrace, my voice came out muffled, the weight of past hurts pressing down but softened by relief. “I had to try, Dad; otherwise, I’d never have given up. But now, it’s all over, and I’ve learned my lesson. Thank you for waiting for me. I’ll never disappoint you again.“]
I thought I heard a soft sigh from him. Then, those large, familiar hands that once disciplined me gently patted my back.]
“Keep your word, you little brat.“]
“In a few days, come to the company. I’ll have everything arranged for you.“]
Chapter 11
Chapter 11
That evening, I called Nico.[]
Even without me saying much, I was sure he knew what to look into.[]
At the end of the call, he casually dropped a bombshell on me.[]
“By the way, I found out who anonymously sent you that recording last time.“]
“Who?”
“Someone you know–Callan.“[]
Speak of the devil. Just a week after I returned to the Howard Group in my new role, I ran into Callan, who was on a business trip to New York.[]
We met at a business event. Even with acquaintances, it’s customary to have a proper introduction.
“Mr. Callan, this is Miss Caroline, the young heir of the Howard Group, whom I’ve mentioned to you
before.“]
I raised an eyebrow and extended my hand to Callan.]
Predictably, though somewhat unexpectedly, Callan showed no surprise. He simply smiled.
“Long time no see.‘
Later, we arranged to have dinner at a restaurant. Callan, ever the gentleman, poured me a glass of red wine. Then, as if unintentionally, he brought up a name I didn’t want to hear.
“You’ve been gone so long, Jason’s practically losing his mind.“]
“Oh? How so?”
“Well, first, he called off his engagement with Emily. Then he moved out of the family estate to live in the Moon Villa. Even though he keeps saying things like he wants you to regret leaving, it feels like he can’t stop thinking about you.” Callan chuckled.
“Sometimes, it seems like he loves you. But everything he’s done, his attitude–it doesn’t show an ounce of genuine emotion. Yet after you left, he’s been acting so strangely.”
I took a sip of wine, my gaze deep as it locked on Callan.[]
“Don’t you think you’re acting a little strange, Mr. Callan?”
“Coming all the way to New York, seeing me like this, and not even pretending to be surprised–yet you’re going on about someone else. Are you trying to gauge my feelings about Jason?”
My words hit the mark
and Callan fell silent.]
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Chapter 11
But I couldn’t understand why he kept circling around, watching my expressions as though he wouldn’t be satisfied until he saw indifference–or even disdain–on my face at the mention of Jason’s name.]
When we shifted to talking about his business trip to New York, I smiled. “Quite the coincidence, running into you here.”
To my surprise, Callan cut straight to the point. IIis usually gentle eyes glimmered with a sly smile.]
“Not a coincidence. I came here for you.“[]
Seeing my startled expression, Callan continued, “You just asked why I kept bringing up Jason. It’s because I wanted to confirm whether you two are truly done–so I can make my move.
“What?” I almost dropped my wine glass.]
Callan looked up, his gaze deep and shimmering. “I think I’ve made myself clear enough.“]
“Miss Howard, Jason doesn’t deserve you. So I’ve decided to fight for you myself.“]
