Chapter 11: Making resolutions
"I don't have time to spend on you, so you have to listen very carefully. You're unfit," Mrs. Aurora declared with a cold edge.
"Unfit for the Lane family? How dare you," Caleb thundered, his anger simmering just below the surface.
"For that woman, you turned your back against me?" his grandmother says "How are you not unfit"
"No, grandmother, I did what was right, what I should have done long ago. It was you who dared to conspire against someone half your age, trying to destroy the bond between sisters and their relationship. You are the one unfit for the power you held," Caleb retorted, his voice unwavering, almost whispered at the end.
Mrs. Aurora was unimpressed. She clapped sarcastically. "Wow, you've outdone yourself, the paragon of justice, using tricky means to seize all the power for yourself. Well done. Do you want a reward? I can certainly arrange that! Going against your family for that woman and calling it justice?"
"I would go against my family if it was the right thing to do. In this scenario, you are wrong, and I am wrong. What I did was wrong, no matter the reason, and it does not have justification. I know that. But I did what I had to do," Caleb responded with a sense of conviction.
"Well, now that you've stolen both mine and your father's power, pushing us to the side and taking over completely, what are you going to do?" Mrs. Aurora challenged.
"Father knows, and he agreed. It was only you who did not want to release your authority," Caleb explained calmly.
Mrs. Aurora seemed momentarily taken aback. "Well, you have it all now. Will you get me arrested too for my wrongdoings?"
"No, but there won't be a next time. The outside world does not know you've lost your power, so your reputation is safe. That's all I can do for you, Grandmother," Caleb replied, maintaining his composure.
"Get out! Get out! Get out of my house, you ungrateful thing!" Mrs. Aurora shouted in anger.
"I just came to get Cole. I'll leave as soon as he's back," Caleb responded calmly, unperturbed by his grandmother's outburst hiding his inner turmoil.
After returning home with Cole, Caleb entered the living room just as his phone began to ring. The caller ID displayed the name "ALEX."
"Hello?" Caleb answered, his voice curious.
"Hey, what's up?" Alex greeted casually.
"Why did you call?" Caleb inquired, wondering about the reason for the call.
"Dude, you're not being very friendly, you know," Alex teased.
"I'll hang up," Caleb threatened with a smile in his voice.
"Okay, okay, fine. I'm coming from the court. We got the appeal, and with your backing, we can shift the judgment to house arrest," Alex announced.
There was a brief moment of silence before Caleb finally said, "Thanks."
Alex was so taken aback by Caleb's gratitude that he stumbled over his words, almost tripping on air. "What did you just say? 'Thank you' to me? Wow, this is my lucky day. I must thank sister-in-law for—"
Before Alex could finish his sentence, Caleb abruptly hung up, leaving his friend in the lurch. Despite being cut off, Alex continued to sport a happy expression, as though he had just won an award.
Meanwhile, Caleb couldn't help but scrunch up his face in response to the unexpected call. Just then, he felt a gentle tug on the leg of his pants.
"Silly?" Cole inquired, his little voice full of curiosity. He had noticed that his dad always made that funny face when talking to someone silly, something his dad had explained to him when he asked about it.
"Yeah, silly," Caleb replied with a chuckle, tousling Cole's hair affectionately. The unexpected call and their playful interaction brought a lighthearted moment to their day.
Once inside their apartment, Caleb noticed Amber was nowhere to be seen in the living room. He searched the room she typically used when she stayed over and found her fast asleep on the bed. He couldn't bring himself to wake her, so he left her there and headed to the kitchen, contemplating what to make for her. He wasn't sure if she had eaten yet.
As he pondered, the doorbell rang, and Caleb let out a sigh before going to answer it.
"David, why are you here?" Caleb asked, surprised to see his friend and personal assistant.
"I have an urgent matter to report to you, sir," David replied.
"Okay, come in," Caleb said, inviting him inside.
Once settled in the living room, David inquired, "Can we talk in private?"
Caleb nodded, acknowledging the need for discretion, and sent Cole to play in his toy room. Once alone, David continued.
"Mr. Evans attempted suicide in prison."
"What? Why?" Caleb asked, clearly taken aback by the news.
"It seems he somehow got news of his daughter's incarceration and the person who testified against her," David explained.
"But how did he find out about that?" Caleb questioned.
"The information was sent there by your grandmother. I know this because it was mentioned in his suicide letter," David replied hesitantly.
"So, you mean to say my grandmother was behind this?"
"Not exactly. I don't think she fully comprehends the consequences of her actions."
"But you said 'attempted suicide.'"
"Yes, he was saved, but he's currently undergoing treatment and is in critical condition."
"That's good. At least there's a chance for him to survive," Caleb acknowledged.
"Yeah, but should we inform the sisters?" David asked, seeking Caleb's opinion.
Caleb rubbed his forehead, deep in thought, and then said, "Don't tell them, at least not now. Let's resolve Lilian's case first. But make sure Mr. Evans receives the best medical care he needs."
"Already done," David replied, standing up. "That's all I had to say. I need to get back to the office. Be strong."
David stopped at the door and turned to Caleb, who seemed lost in his thoughts. "Hey," he called out, startling Caleb.
"You might want a hug. I'm available, you know. Don't listen to all that 'boys don't hug' stuff. You can cry on my shoulder," David offered, patting his shoulders. The two had been friends long before David became Caleb's assistant. Caleb had helped him when he faced adversity and almost dropped out of school due to offending a powerful individual. David had not come from a wealthy family, and Caleb's intervention had been life-changing.
To his surprise, Caleb returned the gesture, wrapping his arms around David for a brief moment. As they separated, Caleb coughed, trying to hide his embarrassment. "Don't tell anyone about this," he warned.
"About what?" David replied with a smile, heading towards the door. "Okay, thanks," Caleb whispered before David left.
Caleb stood there for a moment, reflecting on the recent events in his life.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone