Chapter 233 Determination
Elizabeth's voice was tight with anger, practically hissing through her teeth. "Jennifer, don't get your hopes up! One day, everyone's gonna see what you've done!"
Jennifer's reply was dripping with sarcasm. "Elizabeth, this case is closed. You can't change a thing now."
Elizabeth shot back, her voice bitter. "Jennifer, the truth might take its time, but justice will catch up. Your brother in prison would never hire a hitman, let alone wire money to one. You did all this, pretending to be him!"
Jennifer chuckled, full of herself. "Even if you uncover the truth, so what? As long as Kieran takes the fall, it's got nothing to do with me!"
Elizabeth's tone turned icy. "Jennifer, just wait. Your smugness won't last. Don't get too cocky! The law won't let any criminal off the hook! Karma's coming for you!"
Jennifer laughed loudly. "Elizabeth, I'll be waiting for your revenge. I'm actually curious to see what you've got left."
It was the weekend at the Thomas family mansion, and the guests at Mary's birthday bash were sipping drinks and chatting away in the grand hall.
This was Calla's first big event since moving into the Thomas Mansion, so she was extra attentive.
She checked over the food and drinks, the hall setup, and the guest list.
Mary was thrilled.
In past years, William's wife had always organized her birthday parties.
This year, Mary handed the reins to Calla, partly to see what she was made of.
Calla had called Michael early that morning, reminding him not to be late.
Worried he might forget, she also shot him a text.
She thought, "It's his mom's birthday; he better not be late."
But Calla was wrong. Michael didn't show up early; he strolled in just as the party was kicking off.
He looked like he'd rather be anywhere else.
Mary had Michael and Calla by her side, mingling and toasting with the guests.
Everyone was curious about Calla.
Mary smiled and introduced her. "This is my future daughter-in-law Calla, a brilliant neurosurgeon."
Then she pointed to Calla's belly and added, "I'll be a grandmother in four months!"
The guests congratulated Mary, and she was all smiles.
Calla kept a constant smile on her face too.
Tonight was her debut as Michael's future wife, bringing her one step closer to her goal.
With Mary publicly acknowledging her, Calla could finally relax a bit.
She glanced at Michael, standing on Mary's left.
His lips were pressed tight, and he looked cold and impatient, downing drink after drink.
Calla knew better than to draw too much attention.
She kept her head slightly bowed, holding a glass of juice, standing beside Mary with a gentle smile.
The guests were buzzing about Calla.
"Ms. Griffin has such grace, clearly well-educated."
"I think I've seen her before... I once saw her with Anthony and thought she was his girlfriend! Turns out she's Michael's fiancée! I must have been mistaken. Ms. Griffin definitely suits Michael better."
"Speaking of Anthony, where is he? Why isn't he at his grandmother's birthday party?" someone asked.
A guy chimed in, "Is he trying to avoid suspicion?"
Another quickly hushed him. "What are you talking about?"
Michael overheard and froze for a moment.
Anthony and Calla? When did they even meet? Did they have a chance to be together?
When and where did they secretly meet without him knowing?
Why had Calla never mentioned her connection with Anthony?
Calla noticed Michael's pensive look and started to panic.
She hadn't expected anyone to see her with Anthony.
She thought she had covered her tracks perfectly.
Was Michael now suspicious of her and Anthony?
She quickly moved to Michael's side and whispered, "Michael, I've been busy organizing Mrs. Thomas's party, so I asked Anthony for help. I'm new here and not familiar with her preferences and dietary habits. Anthony knows her better than I do..."
Michael raised his hand to cut her off, "I don't mind. You don't have to worry about it."
Just as Calla was about to relax, another thought hit her: Did he say he didn't mind because he truly believed she and Anthony were innocent, or because he didn't care about her at all?
At that moment, Michael wanted to sigh with relief.
Could there be something between Calla and Anthony? Could Calla have already been with Anthony? Was there a chance the baby Calla was carrying was Anthony's?
If that were true, it would be great.
Maybe then, Elizabeth might be a little more willing to forgive him.
Just then, Anthony walked over, dressed in a suit and wearing a proper smile. He raised his glass to Mary. "Grandma, I wish you good health and happiness!"
He then turned to Michael and Calla, saying, "To Michael and my future sister-in-law, I wish you an early marriage and a loving relationship."
Mary happily held Anthony's hand. "You're becoming more sensible."
Michael, however, gave Anthony a meaningful look.
Anthony showing up now seemed like he was trying to cover something up.
If they were innocent, there wouldn't be a need to clear things up so urgently.
Michael glanced at Calla's belly.
He wondered, 'Is the baby really mine?'
He distinctly remembered that the woman beneath him that night at the club was Elizabeth. How did it become Calla when he woke up?
Could he have been set up?
After all, Michael could never get aroused by Calla's face.
That night was full of oddities.
Michael wished the woman that night was Elizabeth and not Calla.
In that case, his body and feelings would still belong to Elizabeth.
He could face Elizabeth more calmly in the future, without carrying so much guilt and regret.
Although Michael repeatedly told himself to stay away from Elizabeth and not to disturb her life anymore, he was deeply conflicted.
Michael secretly decided that once Calla gave birth, he would immediately do a paternity test.
Becoming a father without knowing for sure? No way!
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
