Chapter 174: I Am Not Sulking
“Have you been crying?” he asked, brows knitting in concern.
Chelsea quickly brushed a tear away with her finger, her tone light. “No. You must be seeing things.”
Realizing she had no intention of explaining further, Caleb didn’t press the issue. Everyone had things they’d rather keep to themselves. He was no exception, and clearly, neither was Chelsea. Sometimes, asking too many questions didn’t bring comfort; it only risked reopening wounds better left untouched. And Caleb had no desire to be the kind of person who couldn’t sense that line.
“Do you want me to suppress the trending news?” Chelsea asked gently.
Because of the Quixall family’s scheming, the scandal surrounding Caleb’s so-called “violence” had been dominating the top of the trending searches, showing no sign of fading. If this continued, Caleb would soon be branded a public enemy—scorned, ridiculed, and condemned by those who knew nothing of the truth. He’d be caught in the crossfire of public opinion, left to face the fallout alone. And if no one stood by him, there was no guarantee he could weather the storm.
After a long moment of silence, Caleb lowered his eyes. “No need,” he said quietly.
Chelsea simply nodded. She understood. A man like Caleb didn’t need anyone’s pity; in fact, to him, pity was the greatest insult of all.
Her nonchalant tone caught Caleb off guard. Strange… Why do I suddenly feel so connected to her? It’s like we think the same way.
Completely unaware of his thoughts, Chelsea continued, “While you were unconscious, your sister kept insisting on seeing you. I turned her away each time.”
At the mention of Yelena, Caleb’s expression soured. Disgust flickered across his face. He didn’t recognize that woman as his sister anymore. The girl who once shielded him without hesitation had vanished long ago, along with whatever bond they’d shared.
Chelsea let out a quiet chuckle. “You know, you look just like a sulking child right now.”
Caleb blinked, startled. “I am not sulking.”
Chelsea raised her hands in mock surrender, a teasing smile on her lips. “Okay, okay. Whatever you say.”
Frustrated, Caleb turned his back on Chelsea. Something in Chelsea’s gaze immediately softened. Even when he’s angry… he looks just like Fabian. If Fabian were still alive, the two of them would’ve gotten along so well. Her expression dimmed. Eyes dropping to the bedsheet, she slipped into silence, lost in thought.
When she finally looked up, she noticed a shift in Caleb’s expression. “What is it?” she asked softly.
He clearly heard her, yet said nothing.
Concerned, Chelsea leaned forward, ready to reach for his phone, when she caught the faint tremble of his lips as he spoke. “Gianna… was in an accident.”
“What?” Chelsea’s breath hitched. Without hesitation, she grabbed her own phone and pulled up the news. The headline blazed across the screen: Phillip Sherman Breaks Down in Tears After Daughter Gianna Involved in Plane Crash.
The news report detailed that Gianna had boarded an international flight earlier that day. Tragically, just two hours after takeoff, the plane crashed, leaving five dead and eight others injured. Gianna was among the survivors, though she sustained significant injuries.
As soon as Phillip received the news, he rushed to the scene without hesitation. The moment he confirmed that his beloved daughter was among the injured, he completely lost composure. Witnesses described him breaking down in tears, overcome with guilt, and kept apologizing over and over. Many told him not to take it too hard, but he couldn’t collect himself and nearly collapsed from the weight of it all. Thankfully, he was stabilized, and Gianna was immediately transported to the hospital. She was now undergoing emergency treatment.
After watching the news, Chelsea was momentarily speechless. The last time she’d seen Gianna, the girl had been full of energy, bright and lively. Now, she was lying in the ICU, clinging to life.