Seeing her cautious and shocked expression, Shane deliberately asked in a teasing tone, "You don't remember what happened last night?"
The way he dragged out the words "last night" made it sound even more suggestive, leading her mind to wander.
"Last night?"
She vaguely remembered accompanying Shane to the hospital and falling asleep on the way back. After that, her memory was a complete blank.
How Shane had carried her to the room and undressed her, she had no recollection of it at all.
As she carefully assessed her body, she didn't feel any discomfort.
Having been through such experiences before, she knew what signs to look for if something had really happened.
Shane seemed to sense her thoughts and gently tapped her nose. "I wouldn't do anything without your consent."
Callie inexplicably felt a wave of relief wash over her.
"It's getting late. Time to get up!"
Knowing she would feel embarrassed, Shane got out of bed first and left the room, giving her some space.
Actually, he hadn't done anything.
But for some reason, Callie felt a small, warm feeling in her heart.
It was his thoughtfulness towards her.
Suddenly, she remembered she had a dance class. Glancing at the clock, she saw it was almost nine.
Without worrying about her lack of clothing, she quickly got out of bed and rushed to the bathroom. She noticed a scratch on her arm but didn't pay much attention to it. Such minor injuries would heal in a few days. After a quick shower, she put on clean clothes and hurried downstairs.
Shane was already downstairs. Seeing her, he said, "Come have breakfast." Callie Norris replied, "I'm late for work."
"You're already late. Just take the day off," Shane gestured for her to come over. She hesitated for a moment but eventually walked over and sat down.
Shane Robinson handed her a cup of hot milk. "Take a break at home today."
Callie Norris took the milk and sipped it. She responded softly, "Okay."
It wasn't that she was obeying Shane; she was already late and had to take the day off anyway.
"I have some things to deal with today, but I'll be back early tonight," Shane Robinson said.
It sounded like he was reporting his schedule.
Almost like a husband talking to his wife about his day.
Callie Norris tightened her grip on the milk cup. "Okay," she whispered.
She seemed a bit unaccustomed to such a harmonious atmosphere.
Shane Robinson headed to the company.
As soon as he arrived, his secretary informed him, "President Ford has been waiting for you since early this morning. It seems to be about yesterday's matter."
Shane replied directly, "I don't want to see him." "Understood."
The secretary left to meet Jenson in the reception area. "Mr. Ford, I'm terribly sorry, but President Robinson already have a scheduled appointment today that was set last month. It's really not possible to change it. Perhaps you could come back another time?"
"I just need a few words."
Jenson didn't want to create any tension with Shane over this matter.
He knew Shane's way of handling things, which is why he made this trip. He hoped Shane wouldn't hold last night's incident against him.
"There's really no way, President Robinson has already gone to his appointment," the secretary replied, maintaining a balanced and polite demeanor. "How about this? Next time, give me a heads-up before you come. I'll arrange a time for you. You see, coming unannounced like this, President Robinson is unavailable, and you've ended up waiting for nothing."
Jenson, being a shrewd person, understood that the secretary was just making excuses. No matter how nicely it was put.
It was clear he didn't want to see him.
Even with a pre-scheduled appointment, he had come all the way to the company, and they couldn't spare a few minutes for him?
It seems Shane was still upset about last night's incident.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have been so straightforward.
Feeling a bit displeased, he vented his frustration at his secretary, "Shane is busy, and you subordinates have sharp tongues."
The secretary continued to smile, "I'll escort you out."
"No need, I know the way."
He had come with sincerity, arriving early to wait.
But he was dismissed so abruptly. Naturally, he felt somewhat annoyed.
He thought it wasn't a big deal anyway. Miss Norris wasn't hurt, and Shane hadn't revealed her identity publicly.
Maybe Callie Norris was just a passing interest for Shane.
After a while, when he got bored, who would even remember her? This matter wouldn't just blow over.
Indeed, it wasn't a significant issue. Shane was angry, but not to the extent of clashing head-on with Jenson over such a minor incident.
The secretary came to report, "The person has been sent away."
Shane Robinson responded with a light "Hmm."
"By the way, should we continue monitoring Miss Norris?" the secretary asked.
Because Shane had asked Callie Norris to accompany him to an event yesterday, he had temporarily called off the surveillance on her.
The secretary didn't dare to make decisions on her own, so she needed instructions from her boss.
Shane thought for a moment and said, "No need."
He wasn't sure why, but he didn't want to keep her by using such methods.
He hoped she would willingly stay by his side.
...
Jenson thought that after some time, what happened yesterday would be forgotten. However, he didn't know that his daughter was not one to stay put.
She secretly investigated and found out that Callie Norris was a teacher at a dance studio.
So she went to find her.
Callie Norris, running late, called Principal Lopez, "I can't make it to the dance studio today. Can I take a day off?"
"Sure, but there's a girl here looking for you," Principal Lopez replied.
"Who is it?"
"I'm not sure. She said she's your friend."
Callie thought for a moment. She didn't have any close friends here, and her best friend Cynthia wasn't around.
A girl? Could it be the girl from last night?
She asked, "What's her name?"
At the dance studio, Principal Lopez looked at Cecilia Ford and asked, "What's your name?"
Cecilia Ford was getting impatient. "My name is Cecilia Ford. Where is she now?"
Callie, who had just heard the commotion, recognized the voice as the girl from last night.
She directly informed Principal Lopez, "Just tell her I've quit."
She wanted to avoid any future trouble. Principal Lopez responded, "Alright."
After hanging up, he turned to Cecilia Ford. "She won't be coming anymore. She said she's resigned."
"Why did she quit?" Cecilia Ford pressed on.
"Seems like she found another job?" Principal Lopez made up an excuse on the spot.
Cecilia Ford scoffed, thinking to herself, "Another job? More like she's being kept by Shane Robinson."
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became.
Fuming, she stormed out of the dance studio.
...
Callie Norris, with no work to go to, found herself bored at home. She saw online that there was a public lecture at the Visionary Research Center today, and she decided to attend.
Visionary Research Center specialized in heart research.
She was willing to participate in anything related to medicine.
Besides, she had the time.
Just as she was about to leave, Mrs. Ford called out to her, "Young Mistress."
Callie Norris turned around.
"Yes?"
"Are you heading out?" Callie Norris nodded, "Yes, I am."
"Wait a moment."
Mrs. Ford fetched a first aid kit and approached her, "Come here."
Callie walked over, eyeing the first aid kit in Mrs. Ford's hands. "Mrs. Ford, are you hurt? Where is the injury? Let me take a look..."
"I'm not hurt. It's you who has an injury. Before leaving, Sir instructed me to apply some medicine to your wounds."
Callie Norris glanced at her arm, "It's just a minor scratch. It's nothing to worry about."
"But Sir is concerned about it," Mrs. Ford said, looking at her intently. Otherwise, why would he have given such instructions?
Feeling a bit embarrassed under Mrs. Ford's gaze, Callie lowered her head slightly.
She obediently let Mrs. Ford apply the medicine.
Only then did she step out the door.
But as soon as she stepped out, she found herself blocked again!
The person who entered was none other than Callie's father, Rafael.
"Shane didn't touch Myron. Think about it, have you offended anyone else who might want to take revenge on your son?"
"Not Shane Robinson?" Rafael was clearly skeptical. "He's lying to you. If it wasn't him, who else could it be? I haven't offended anyone who would target Myron. It has to be Shane Robinson, no one else."
Callie Norris asked, "Do you have any evidence?"
"Didn't he hit Shane Robinson's assistant's car? He's still in the hospital, along with one of his lovers..."
"Alright, Dad, you should investigate this thoroughly," Callie interrupted, not wanting to listen to Rafael's assumptions, especially since they involved Belinda Ayers.
"Shane Robinson didn't make things difficult for you because of this, did he?" Rafael finally remembered to ask if his daughter had been implicated.
Callie's lips curled into a cold smile. "It's rare that you remembered me."
The sarcasm in her tone was so evident that Rafael could easily hear it.
"It's not that I don't care about you, it's just that I've been so busy with Myron's issues..."
To Callie Norris, his concern and explanations seemed insincere at this moment.
Why bother? "I have things to do, I'm leaving."
Callie didn't let him finish and cut him off directly.
Rafael wanted to say more but ended up sighing softly, turning away with a sense of dejection.
Sitting in the car, Callie turned her head to look out the window, feeling a twinge of indecision.
In the end, she decided not to contact Shane to ask about the matter.
Shane had mentioned that he would have his secretary look into it, and there hadn't been any updates. If there were any results, Shane would have informed her.
She continued to listen to the lecture.
Whenever something relevant to her needs was mentioned, she took notes. The lecture lasted for over two hours, and she stayed for the entire duration. After it ended, she walked out feeling a bit thirsty and spotted a cafe not far away. She crossed the street and headed over.
She ordered a glass of juice.
While waiting, she flipped through her notes.
Suddenly, she sensed someone standing by her table.
Looking up, she saw it was Cecilia Ford.
Callie Norris immediately became alert.
"So it's really you. I thought I might have been mistaken, but it seems we are truly fated to meet," Cecilia said, not bothering with formalities as she pulled out a chair and sat directly across from Callie.
Without beating around the bush, she asked, "Tell me, what exactly is your relationship with Shane Robinson?"
"Why should I tell you? What does our relationship have to do with you? Do you think you have any right to know?" Callie retorted sharply, having seen through Cecilia's true colors.
Cecilia's face twisted in displeasure. "Don't get too full of yourself. You're just a dance teacher with no family background. Do you really think Shane would marry you? You better stop dreaming."
Callie looked at her as if she were a fool. How brainless could this woman be to say something like that?
She thought to herself, is this just another woman infatuated with Shane Robinson's looks?
"If Shane Robinson can't marry me, then can he marry you?" Callie asked.
Cecilia immediately looked smug. "Of course, I'm much more suitable. My family background makes me a perfect match for him, unlike you." Callie Norris nodded seriously, "Oh."
Cecilia Ford frowned, "What kind of attitude is that?"
Callie Norris asked, "What kind of attitude do you want me to have?"
Cecilia Ford was momentarily speechless.
At that moment, the waiter came over and placed a glass of juice on the table.
Callie immediately started drinking it, eager to leave.
After finishing her drink, she stood up.
Cecilia blocked her way. "Stay away from Shane Robinson."
Callie Norris found it laughable. Not just laughable, utterly ridiculous.
"Are you even close to Shane Robinson now? Are you really sure that if I step aside, you'll marry him right away?
Just from what Cecilia said, Callie Norris could tell she had no idea about Belinda. Yet she was so confident.
Callie couldn't help but think to herself, beauty really is a curse.
All because of Shane Robinson's face. This woman must be crazy, right?
"You probably don't know this, but the party you attended was actually organized by my dad to introduce me to Shane Robinson. Who knew he would bring you along and mess up our plans? Otherwise, my dad would have introduced me to him long ago. It's all because of you that everything got ruined."
Callie couldn't help but clench her hand under the table.
This Cecilia had quite the impressive background. What shocked her even more was that the party had actually been a one-sided matchmaking event?
If Shane Robinson hadn't brought her along, Jenson would have introduced his daughter to Shane?
Cecilia hated her because she ruined the matchmaking? Shane had such a terrible temper; Callie really couldn't understand what these women saw in him.
Why were they all so eager to throw themselves at him?
"I really want to know, how did you fall for Shane Robinson?" Callie asked.
Cecilia replied, "He's really good-looking, and we're well-matched in terms of family background."
So, it was indeed because he was good-looking and rich.
Of course, a man with all the qualities of being tall, rich, and handsome would naturally attract women.
"So, would you leave Shane Robinson?" Cecilia pressed on.
Callie responded, "If he is willing to leave me, I would leave him immediately."
"..."
Cecilia was speechless. "What do you mean? Are you saying Shane is clinging to you?"
Before Callie could respond, Cecilia sneered, "As if you deserve him."
Callie thought for a moment. Maybe she really wasn't a good match for him.
"Well, I hope you manage to win him over soon."
With that, Callie stood up.
She deliberately smeared Shane's reputation, "Oh, and let me tell you a secret. Shane Robinson has some peculiar habits. He's a real creep, likes to hit women, has a chaotic private life, and, well, he's got some issues down there. Don't be fooled by his polished public image; behind closed doors, he's a mess."
"You're talking nonsense," Cecilia retorted, not believing her. "Why haven't I heard any of this?"
"He keeps up his cold and aloof facade in public. How could he possibly show his true colors so easily?"
Callie laughed, "I wish you luck boarding his sinking ship."
She smoothly exited the café, leaving.
A seed of doubt was planted in Cecilia's heart.
If Shane was really normal, why hadn't he ever gotten married or had a girlfriend publicly introduced?
Could it be that what Callie Norris said was actually true?
Shane Robinson was indeed handsome, but she didn't want to marry someone with a hidden ailment. She still hoped for a happy life.
..
Callie returned to the villa.
She saw Shane's car already parked at the entrance.
Had he come back already? She glanced at the time. It seemed a bit early today. She walked inside.
Not finding anyone in the living room, she went upstairs and knocked on Shane Robinson's door, but there was no response from inside.
Just as she was about to turn and leave, the door opened.
She turned around and saw that it wasn't Shane Robinson.
And it was…
"What... What are you doing here?" Callie Norris was stunned.
The secretary remained calm and replied, "I came to pick up something for President Robinson. I need to get back to the office, so I'll be leaving now."
After speaking, the secretary walked out, casting a subtle glance at Callie Norris before quickly heading downstairs.
Callie Norris frowned. Although she felt something was off, she didn't think too much about it. After all, the person was Shane's secretary.
Entering Shane's office was probably like being at home, right? So, entering his room should be understandable too?
"Ma'am."
Mrs. Ford's voice came from downstairs.
Callie went downstairs.
"You really came back," Mrs. Ford said with a smile.
Callie nodded, "Yes, I'm back."
She sat on the sofa and asked casually, "Mrs. Ford, does the secretary often come to the villa?"
"No, very rarely, almost never," Mrs. Ford replied. "It's usually Henry who accompanies Mr. Robinson."
Callie Norris nodded in acknowledgment.
"Why did you suddenly ask about this?" Mrs. Ford's tone was both gossipy and teasing. "Could it be because she's a woman? Are you jealous, Young Mistress?"
Callie was shocked . "..."
She sighed with a mix of helplessness and amusement. "Mrs. Ford."
Mrs. Ford chuckled. "Alright, I'll stop teasing you."
Feeling a bit hungry, Callie went to the fridge to find something to eat.
She spent some time watching TV in the living room.
Shane, who had promised to come back early, broke his word.
He didn't return.
The two of them met in the morning.
Callie casually asked, "What time did you get back last night?"
"Something came up and delayed me," Shane explained.
Callie didn't mind.
They sat at the dining table, eating breakfast.
It seemed like both of them had something to say, but neither knew how to start.
"You..."
"I..."
They both spoke at the same time.
Shane said, "You go first."
Callie asked, "Have you found out who hit Myron yet?" She added, "My dad's been pushing me about it again."
She didn't want Rafael to come to her about this matter anymore.
"My secretary hasn't gotten back to me yet," Shane Robinson said.
Callie Norris nodded in understanding. It made sense that they couldn't proceed without more information.
"By the way, what did you want to say?" Callie asked, scooping some porridge into her mouth.
Shane's hand, resting on the table, subtly tightened around his napkin, revealing a hint of nervousness.
It was rare to see Shane in such a state.
The reason Shane had come back late last night was because he had taken care of today's tasks in advance.
He wanted to have some free time today. He had looked up online how to court a girl.
The advice was to be bold, attentive, and take the initiative.
Now that his relationship with Callie had improved, he wanted to take it to the next level. So, he had to put in some effort. "Um, if you're free, would you like to go see a movie with me?"
The truth was, he had no experience in pursuing women.
He really didn't know how to court someone.
Callie nearly spat out her food in surprise! She stared at Shane in shock.
She couldn't believe those words had actually come out of his mouth. Shane tried to maintain his composure. "Why are you looking at me like that?" Was this woman mocking him?
Shane's brow furrowed slightly, and the tips of his ears turned red.
Callie Norris shook her head, "You're not joking, are you?"
"Why would I joke?" Shane's face was a bit cold. Did he look like he was joking?
Callie laughed. Oh my, the high and mighty Shane, was he having a moment today?
Shane Robinson, "..."
He really wanted to tear that smile off her face.
Was his behavior that funny?
If Callie could hear his thoughts, she would definitely answer, "Yes, it is really funny. You actually asked me to a movie."
Callie took one look at him and saw his inexperience. "There aren't many people watching movies in the morning. The evening shows are more lively."
Shane, "..."
He hadn't researched this, and besides, he hadn't specified that it had to be in the evening.
"Evening it is then," Callie said.
Shane stood up, his pride showing again. "Suit yourself."
With that, he left the dinning room.
This woman was really annoying. He invited her, so why couldn't she just agree?
Why did she have to pick a time? Seriously...
Callie found this side of Shane inexplicably adorable. Sure, it's a bit cute.
Callie Norris went to work and, during her free time, looked up the latest movies. She picked one that she liked—a mind-bending detective thriller.
After work, she hurried back home.
Shane was at home.
Callie didn't know if he had gone out at all today.
Anyway, when she left in the morning, Shane was at home.
And when she came back in the evening, he was still at home.
She took the initiative and suggested, "Shall we go see a movie?"
Shane's gloomy expression finally softened a bit at her suggestion, though he still didn't look entirely pleased.
He had been waiting for her for too long.
"Okay." Shane grabbed the car keys and opened the door.
Callie got into the car, fastening her seat-belt as she asked, "What kind of movies do you like? I'll buy the tickets online."
Buy tickets in advance?
Shane, pretending to know everything, said, "Just pick what you like. Can't we buy tickets at the theater?"
"We can, but it's usually cheaper to buy them online in advance. Some theaters even have promotions where they give you free soda and fries. It's a better deal."
"Are these things expensive?" Shane asked.
Callie just sighed, "..."
Alright then! Shane never had to worry about prices.
After all, he was rich.
So, they bought the tickets when they arrived at the theater.
A new romantic movie had just been released recently. There were many young couples to watch it, also many show times available.
"Which movie would you like to see?" the cashier asked.
Shane Robinson replied, "The one that's showing right now."
They got two tickets for the romantic movie.
Callie waited nearby, and it wasn't until they entered the theater that she realized it was a romance film.
They found their seats and sat down. All around them were couples. They hugged and kissed each other without a care in the world and snuggled close to each other.
Callie didn't dare to glance sideways.
She could only think to herself, being young is wonderful.
Though, she was actually quite young herself. Life had just worn her down, making her feel like she was in her thirties.
The couple next to her had the girl resting her head on the guy's shoulder, watching the movie while feeding him popcorn.
Besides the sound of the movie, there was also the crunching of popcorn in her ears.
Callie glanced over and quickly looked away, only to find Shane was looking at her. She calmly turned her gaze back to the big screen.
Shane leaned in close to her ear, his actions in the dimly lit theater appearing incredibly intimate. In a hushed voice, he asked, "Do you want to feed me too?"
Callie was speechless.
She almost blurted out, "Shameless!"
Being in a public place, she restrained herself.
Pretending not to hear him, she continued watching the movie.
Shane Robinson glanced at her face, a slight smile playing on his lips. He pulled back but reached over to hold her hand.
His palm was warm.
Strong and firm.
The moment he wrapped his hand around hers, she tensed up completely.
Callie's heart started to race. She couldn't handle such intimate, couple-like behavior.
Instinctively, she tried to pull away.
"Don't move, watch the movie," Shane Robinson said, eyes fixed on the screen.
Callie turned to look at him, the light from the screen flickering across his face, casting shadows that danced in and out of view.
thankuuu