Chapter 12 True purposeOld Master Robinson had already anticipated this.
At that moment, Butler Imani seemed to understand as well. "You wanted me to find a heart..."
Before he could finish his sentence, Callie emerged with a medical kit.
Butler Imani immediately fell silent.
Old Master Robinson stood up from the sofa, leaning on his cane, and said to Callie, "Follow me."
With that, Old Master Robinson headed towards the study.
Callie placed the medical kit on the table and followed him inside.
Sitting down in the chair behind his desk, Old Master Robinson's expression turned sorrowful. "Shane's parents passed away early. I raised him. During his school years, he stayed in the dorms, and after graduating from college, he moved out of the old house to take over the company. He's been so busy ever since that he hardly ever comes back."
Old Master Robinson's voice was low. Shane's father was his eldest son, and the pain of outliving one's child never truly fades, no matter how many years pass.
There were reasons why Shane was reluctant to return.
He could already foresee how Shane would deal with his second son's family after his death.
Shane had held back until now purely out of respect for him.
He needed a woman by Shane's side, someone who could teach him about love and soften his heart.
Someone who could make him let go of his hatred.
Both the palm and the back of the hand are flesh; he didn't want to see his family members killing each other.
"Grandpa," Callie didn't know how to comfort him.
Old Master Robinson had always been kind to her.
Even though it was her father’s greed that led to her marrying into the family, Old Master Robinson never looked down on her.
The Old Man raised his hand, signaling her not to worry, that he was fine. "I agreed to let you marry into the family because I know you're a good child. Your grandfather was a loyal and kind man, and as his granddaughter, you must have inherited those traits. That's why I want you to stay by Shane's side and take care of him."
"Grandpa, I think the person who stays by his side should be someone he likes. Only then will it truly be good for him..." Callie spoke from her heart.
But to the Old Man's ears, it sounded like she was backing out, trying to find an excuse to leave Shane. At his age, what hasn't he seen?
It was easy to manipulate her. "I know you're in a tough spot."
Old Master Robinson pulled a document from the drawer and handed it to her. "Your mother needs a matching heart, right? I've found one for her. It's already been sent to the hospital. As long as you sign this agreement, your mother can have the surgery immediately. I'll cover all the surgery and subsequent treatment costs."
Callie first felt a surge of joy, but then she realized it couldn't be that simple. Her eyes fell on the document.
It was a guarantee.
An agreement that she would not divorce Shane.
"I've heard your mother's condition is critical. If she doesn't get a new heart soon, even a miracle won't save her. Hearts aren't easy to come by; it's not just about money, especially since you don't have any." The Old Man knew very well that to keep her obediently by Shane's side, he had to exploit her weakness.
Callie tightly clutched the paper in her hand, her mind in turmoil, unsure of what to do.
It dawned on her that this was the real reason the Old Man had called her to the family estate today.
"Grandpa, why do you think I can take care of him?"
"I've told you, because you're Mr. Norris’ granddaughter. I believe in you."
Callie tried her best to stay calm, but she was still incredibly flustered.
Her mother's illness couldn't be delayed any longer.
The sooner the surgery, the better the recovery.
She was already married to Shane Robinson. For her mother's sake, she accepted it. "I'll sign."
"Good, I knew I wasn't wrong about you. You'll make Shane happy," the old man said, a rare smile appearing on his usually stern face.
Callie pressed her lips tightly together, saying nothing.
In her heart, she thought, Grandpa, you're wrong. I'm not the one who can make Shane Robinson happy.
That person is Belinda Ayers.
"I'll notify the hospital right away to schedule your mother's surgery as soon as possible," Old Master Robinson said, picking up the phone.
Callie stood there, feeling both nervous and hopeful.
After the Old Man hung up the phone, she asked, "Grandpa, can I go to the hospital too?"
It was out of filial piety, and the Old Man agreed. "Alright, go ahead."
Given today's events, Shane probably wouldn't accept her coming home anyway.
She couldn't help but sigh.
"Thank you, Grandpa," Callie said sincerely, full of gratitude.
The Old Man waved his hand and said to the butler outside the door, "Imani, prepare a car for her."
"Madam, please follow me," Butler Imani said.
Callie followed Butler Imani out.
Sitting in the car, she still felt like she was dreaming.
Everything had happened so fast, it felt unreal.
But when she arrived at the hospital and saw everything arranged by the Old Master, she snapped back to reality. This was not a dream.
Her mother could really have the surgery.
After a night of danger, the surgery was finally successful, though there would be a long period of observation and care afterward.
Seeing her mother lying in the post-operative monitoring room, a sense of relief washed over her. Her mother was finally saved.
Having stayed up all night, she returned to her department. As she walked through the corridor, someone called out to her.
"Dr. Norris."
She turned around to see Nurse Hall from the same department.
Nurse Hall walked over to talk to her. "You left early yesterday, so you missed Dr. Ayers' self-important speech. She really thinks she's something now that she has backing."
Callie lowered her eyes slightly, choosing not to comment on Belinda.
"I don't think Dr. Ayers is as pretty as you. What do you think Shane sees in her?"
Callie Norris didn't want to get dragged into gossip. "Dr. Ayers is very pretty. President Robinson might like her, and there must be something attractive about Dr. Ayers. We shouldn't talk behind people's backs."
Nurse Hall pouted. "Well, they called it a farewell party yesterday, but really, it was just her showing off. Everyone knows that spot should have been yours..."
"Nurse Hall, I have things to do," Callie Norris interrupted.
Such talk could easily cause trouble if overheard.
Sensing that Callie didn't want to continue the conversation, Nurse Hall dropped the subject. Mornings were the busiest times at the hospital, with patients already lining up at the registration window.
They each went to their respective duties.
Callie had surgeries scheduled for the morning. After two hours of rest, she entered the operating room. After two surgeries later, combined with a sleepless night, she was utterly exhausted. During her lunch break, she was just about to catch some sleep when a nurse came over. "The director wants to see you in his office."
"Is it urgent?" she asked.
If it wasn't, she could go later.
"I'm not sure. I'm just passing on the message. You'll find out when you get there," the nurse replied with a smile.
Callie responded with a quick, "Alright, I'm on my way."
She got up and headed to the dean's office.
Upon reaching the door, she knocked. Hearing a response from inside, she pushed the door open.
"Dean."
The dean was sitting behind his desk. When he saw her, he put down what he was working on, looking a bit hesitant but knowing he had to speak.
"Dr. Norris, have you somehow offended Shane Robinson?"
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