Chapter 334 News of Death
In a corner restaurant, Toby sat across from Michael.
Overnight, Toby seemed to have aged a decade. He usually took great care of himself and managed his figure well, so he typically looked younger than his peers.
Michael looked at him. Toby had his head down, his eyes vacant and unfocused, his shoulders and back noticeably hunched.
Michael gently pushed the menu towards him. "Mr. Griffin, see if there's anything you want to eat."
Toby reached out, pressed the menu, and pushed it back. His voice was hoarse.
"Thanks, Michael. But I don't have much of an appetite. I've already booked my flight back to Valoria. After Calla's cremation, I'll take her ashes with me. I won't be coming back... This place is just too painful for me."
Michael didn't know how to comfort him. After all, even though he and Calla had been publicly known as a couple, there wasn't much affection between them.
He took a sip of his coffee. "Mr. Griffin, I'm really sorry about Calla. She did help me a lot, and she helped Eloise too."
A glimmer of hope appeared in Toby's eyes. "Michael, I have a favor to ask."
Michael put down his coffee cup. "Sure, Mr. Griffin. What is it?"
Toby seemed to have made up his mind. "Michael, I know you and Calla were together once. Shortly after you broke up, she got involved with Anthony. I know she didn't handle it well and didn't consider your feelings."
Michael shook his head. "I didn't take it to heart. She had the freedom to make her own choices."
Toby's voice was bitter. "I know you didn't care for her, but my foolish daughter still dreamed of marrying you. I knew she wouldn't succeed."
"Michael, her mother and I divorced many years ago. She was my only family in this world. For her life to end so abruptly... honestly, I'm not at peace with it. Calla wouldn't be either."
"I want to ask you to find the real culprit. She suspected Elizabeth caused her blindness. But I saw Elizabeth's alibi at the police station; she wasn't at the scene."
"I know you and Elizabeth are close. But if Elizabeth is the real culprit and has covered her tracks, then she's truly dangerous."
"Of course, if she's innocent, then the real culprit is still out there. I hope you can find this person and get justice for Calla."
After hearing Toby's lengthy spiel, Michael didn't know how to respond. Toby's words about Elizabeth were harsh to his ears, and he didn't like it.
He didn't like others criticizing his woman.
His enthusiasm vanished, and his tone turned cold. "Mr. Griffin, I'll think about it. Have a safe trip. Goodbye."
He stood up and left before Toby could say anything else.
Toby sat there awkwardly, unsure of which words had offended him.
Michael's tone remained polite, but it was filled with distance.
Toby knew Michael was angry.
He sighed, held onto the chair, and slowly stood up, heading out of the restaurant.
After leaving the restaurant, Michael went straight to The Jones Group.
In the CEO's office, the assistant was reporting the work schedule to Elizabeth.
Michael didn't wait for an announcement and stood at the office door.
The young assistant looked up and saw the tall, handsome Michael dressed in black. Her face immediately blushed.
Elizabeth looked up and saw Michael, pretending not to notice him.
The assistant knew this distinguished man must be here for Elizabeth. She quickly finished her report and left, closing the door behind her.
Elizabeth stood up anxiously. "Why'd you close the door?"
Michael watched the assistant leave and then looked at the closed wooden door before slowly walking towards the desk.
Elizabeth kept her head down, dealing with documents, ignoring him. In truth, her heart was racing.
After all, they had just shared an intimate moment the night before.
She clearly remembered why he had come to Whispering Pines Estates to find her. He had come to question her about Calla's blindness.
She didn't know how to face him, so she chose not to.
Michael didn't let her avoid him. He strode forward, turned her office chair to face him.
Elizabeth had no choice but to look up, impatiently. "You're here again? Is it about Calla? Are you here to interrogate me? Haven't you found the real culprit yet? Did Calla cry to you again? Why don't you go to the police station and check if my alibi holds up?"
Michael looked deeply into her eyes, trying to see something in those beautiful eyes.
Although he wanted to believe her, Calla was dead now.
Who would sacrifice their life to frame someone? That price was too high, too crazy.
Elizabeth didn't flinch from his gaze. Her eyes even showed grievance and determination.
Michael gave in. He didn't want to question her. He wanted to believe her. But she didn't trust him.
When did they reach this point? Neither of them trusted each other anymore.
What a sad realization. Michael felt a tightness in his chest.
Elizabeth also felt a deep bitterness in her heart.
She brushed his hand away and sat up straight at the desk. "Mr. Thomas, if there's nothing else, please leave. I'm busy."
Michael stood straight, speaking softly. "Calla is dead."
The words were quiet, but in the silent office, they sounded like a thunderclap to Elizabeth.
She instinctively stood up, too quickly, and her vision went black. She almost fainted.
Michael reacted quickly, reaching out to support her, calling out anxiously. "Elizabeth!"
Elizabeth held her head, trying to steady the dizziness.
Michael asked with concern. "Are you okay?"
Elizabeth sat down, holding her head, shaking it gently. "I'm fine." She looked up at him, seeking confirmation. "What did you just say?"
Michael's tone was somber. "You heard me right. Calla is dead. She jumped from the bathroom window in her hospital room, suffered severe head trauma, and died on the spot."
Elizabeth's face turned pale. She murmured, "How could this happen? How could she not actively seek the culprit? How could she die so easily? Wasn't she competitive? How could she let herself die so unclear?"
Michael, worried she might faint again, placed his hands on either side of her.
"Elizabeth, Calla is dead. Can you tell me where you were that afternoon? What were you doing? In the face of death, is this something you must keep secret from me?"
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