Chapter 231
In the private room at Massachusetts General Hospital, the smell of disinfectant filled the air.[]
Mrs. Hayes leaned against the headboard, her gaunt fingers tracing a photo album showing Callie just after marrying into the Hayes family–back then she wore an elegant navy dress, standing solemnly at the family mausoleum laying flowers at the ancestors‘ memorial.]
“Ma’am, Miss Hartwell is here,” the butler announced quietly.
Mrs. Hayes jerked her head up. The door opened and Callie entered in a dark green coat, her hair pulled back flawlessly.
After all this time, the eagerness to please in her eyes had been replaced by composure.[]
“Callie…” Mrs. Hayes struggled to get out of bed but stumbled to her knees instead.[]
Callie instinctively stepped forward, then stopped.]
Still kneeling, Mrs. Hayes grabbed at her coat hem, tears streaming down: “I’m so sorry… I was wrong…“]
Callie looked down at this woman who had once struck her with her cane, now prostrate at her feet like a withered leaf.
She bent to help her up, but Mrs. Hayes clutched her wrist.]
“This was meant for the eldest daughter–in–law…” Mrs. Hayes trembled as she slipped a jade bracelet from her own wrist, trying to put it on Callie’s. “I should have given it to you from the beginning… I was blind…“[]
The moment the jade touched her skin, Callie suddenly pulled her hand away. The bracelet hit the floor and shattered in two.
“Have you forgotten?” She looked down at the broken pieces, her expression growing distant. “Three days after the wedding, you said I was too common, that I didn’t deserve this bracelet.“[]
Mrs. Hayes‘ crying stopped as she suddenly remembered that day–how she’d given the bracelet to Mia Castellano in front of the entire family when she came visiting.
“It was all that bitch’s fault!” Mrs. Hayes wailed, grabbing at Callie’s coat. “She deceived Declan, destroyed our family…“]
“Do you really believe this is all Mia’s fault?” Callie interrupted. “But you knew everything that was happening, didn’t you? You allowed all of it.“[]
Mrs. Hayes gasped heavily, avoiding the topic as she pulled out documents from under her pillow: “This is Hayes Corp’s last 5% stake… if you’ll just help Declan…”
“So this is your real purpose.” Callie pushed the papers back, shaking your misery would make me feel sorry enough to help you.“[]”
“Too bad Hayes Corp’s debts are too massive. I won’t clean up this mess.“]]
head. “You used your life to guilt me into coming here, hoping that seeing
“No, no…” Mrs. Hayes‘ eyes were bloodshot. “Callie, you were married for years–don’t you have any heart left at all?“]}
“Whether I do or not, you know better than anyone.” Callie straightened her coat and turned to leave. “I’ve paid your medical bills–consider it thanks for three years of your ‘care. That’s enough.“]]
Mrs. Hayes felt the metallic taste of blood rising in her throat. She forced it down, grabbing Callie’s purse strap: “Callie… I’m begging you… at least… at least go see Declan…“]
“There’s no need.“[]
As she closed the door, she heard the heart monitor’s long, flat tone inside.[]
Medical staff rushed past her. She stepped back twice, but didn’t turn around.[]
The next morning, news of Mrs. Hayes‘ death reached her.[]
“Callie, do you want to pay your respects?” Gabriel placed a cup of coffee beside her. “If you want to go, I can come with you.“]]
“Na need. There’s no point. I still have the final touches on this design to finish–no time for irrelevant things.“]
૨૧નુ(૧૧૧
“No, Callie. I
Sensing the person
I only
theside her grow quiet, Callio glanced over: “Gabriel, do
you think
I’m too
too cruel?”
think you’re very
brave.”
