Chapter 20: Drop the Pretense
Caleb was at a loss for words. He tried to break free with all his might, but Deborah clung on even tighter. She cried loudly, “Hubby, come help quickly! Caleb is trying to leave us again!”
The sound of hurried footsteps rang out, followed closely by George’s stern voice. “What are you doing? Caleb, you’re being unreasonable!”
Jesse and Yelena also reprimanded Caleb. “Caleb, how could you treat Mom like this? Have you lost your humanity?” “Caleb, please heed Mom’s words. Mom is getting old. She can’t bear your antics anymore…”
Caleb was plagued by a splitting headache, with a faint throbbing pain in his chest. In a daze, he heard a stern rebuke from George. Before he could react, a heavy blow landed on the back of his head.
“Ah! Caleb is going to be okay, right?” asked Deborah.
George spat, “What could possibly happen to him? He’s nothing but a rebellious child. Once he wakes up, he’ll still be at the mercy of our family.”
After an indeterminate amount of time had passed, Caleb was awake. The blow from George’s stick had hit him right where it hurt. The fact that he could keep his eyes open was nothing short of a miracle. His fingers were numb, and he couldn’t move his limbs. He could vaguely hear the sound of someone sobbing, so he lowered his gaze and saw Deborah crying.
She said, “I’m sorry, it’s my fault. I had no idea your father would…”
With how things have turned out, why is she still saying anything? How fake. Caleb closed his eyes, choosing not to witness the insincere expression on Deborah’s face any longer.
“Take a good rest. I’m going to make you something to eat.” Deborah wiped away her tears, pushed the door open, and stepped out.
Caleb had his eyes closed, feigning sleep. Suddenly, the room door creaked open, followed by the slow, approaching sound of footsteps. The visitor observed him for a while, then placed an item on the bedside table. The sound of rustling plastic echoed in the room.
The disturbing noise lingered, annoying Caleb. He abruptly grabbed the person’s hand and opened his eyes. “Jesse, what are you doing?”
Exposed, Jesse panicked. “Why are you…” He immediately changed his tone and said, “Caleb, why are you all…” Мол, Арг
Chapter 20: Drop the Pretense
Caleb was disgusted by Jesse’s pitiful expression and loosened his grip, turning to the bedside table. “Are you changing my medicine?”
Just moments ago, his limbs were numb and immobile, but the moment Jesse arrived, fueled by a surge of resentment, he could move freely again. What a miracle! Maybe I should thank this guy, hah.
Lowering his head, Jesse said in a small voice, “Yelena said this medicine works better. It can help reduce the inflammation of your wound.”
Caleb glanced at him. “No need. I would rather die than live to suffer your humiliation.”
Tears welled up in Jesse’s eyes. “Caleb, what have I ever done to you? Why do you have such a strong grievance against me?”
Overwhelmed with anger, Caleb smirked. “I took the blame for the person you killed in a car accident back then.”
For a moment, Jesse felt a pang of guilt, but he argued back, “Caleb, that’s what you owe me. I’m the rightful son of the Quixall family. You’ve taken my identity for twenty years. It’s only fair for you to atone for this wrongdoing.”
At last, he revealed what he truly wanted to say. Caleb had long since seen through Jesse’s character, so hearing him say those things didn’t come as a surprise. However, Caleb still wanted to address something in person.
“Jesse, I owe you nothing. Entering the Quixall family was never my wish. Besides, the happiness I’ve experienced doesn’t even compare to the hardships I’ve endured. You have my fiancée, and you’re also the next heir to Quixall Group. The entire Quixall family revolves around you, treating me as if I’m just an accessory to you. What more do you want?”
Jesse blinked, appearing somewhat innocent. “You’re still alive, Caleb.”
21:42 Mon, Apr 7 > Revenge Forged in Prison