Revenge Forged in Prison
Chapter 42: Please Leave
On the fourth day, the lock clicked open. Caleb knew Gianna had a key, but he couldn’t afford to let his guard down. What if someone had stolen Gianna’s key? With danger looming, even the slightest carelessness could be fatal. Peering through the window, he spotted a well-dressed woman with curly hair. He didn’t recognize her and wondered if she was Gianna’s family.
Out of caution, Caleb decided to retreat into his bedroom. He even locked the door from the inside to avoid unnecessary trouble. The woman stepped inside and called out sharply, “Is anyone here?” When no one answered, she sighed. “Come out. I won’t blame you. I know my daughter’s hiding some boy toy in here. If you’ve got any dignity, show yourself.”
Silence ensued. The lady grew somewhat annoyed. “I’m not known for my kindness! If you don’t come out now, don’t expect mercy!” She began searching room by room, leaving no corner unchecked. Caleb heard the adjacent door swing open, his pulse quickening.
Should I go out? She’s obviously just bluffing. If I step out now, I’ll just confirm that Gianna has been hiding me. However, if I stay, her mother will unlock this room with her key. We will still confront each other face-to-face.
Seeing no way out, Caleb turned the lock and braced himself for the truth. Things couldn’t get much worse. Honesty might earn him some leniency. Before Kathryn could even step inside, she spotted Caleb sitting on the edge of the bed. Her expression darkened instantly.
“Quite the actor, aren’t you! I called out to you so many times earlier, but you acted as if you didn’t hear a thing. Decided to face me now that you’re cornered?”
Caleb offered no excuses, his face unreadable. Kathryn was a cultured woman. She wasn’t the type to scream or throw hands. She pulled up a chair and sat across from him.
Caleb candidly revealed his background, including the fact that he had been imprisoned and was once the son of the Quixall family. He didn’t fear judgment. Hiding the truth now would only bring bigger problems later.
After listening, Kathryn arched a brow. “So you’re Caleb Jenkins?” Her scrutinizing gaze swept over him before her frown deepened. If his story is true, why does he lack the arrogance of a spoiled heir? Did prison grind that out of him?
Seeing that Caleb didn’t respond, she silently observed him. Suddenly, she began to speak. “Those clothes. Did my daughter buy them for you?”
Caleb didn’t lie. “Yes.”
Kathryn murmured, “No wonder…” The style had struck her as familiar the moment she saw him. Only her Gianna would pick something like that. “Handsome enough, I suppose. No wonder she went to such lengths for you.”
She stood, turning her back to him. Caleb blinked, confused by her reaction. Kathryn took a few steps before pausing.
“I’ll pretend I never saw you today. As long as you stick to your role and avoid causing trouble, I won’t pick a fight with you. Once the danger passes, leave on your own.” She glanced back, her eyes sharp. “I won’t risk everything for an outsider. If anyone asks about you, I’ll tell them the truth!”