Chapter 5 Bow To Thank Him

Deborah's expression froze completely. Even a fool could see that Caleb was deliberately keeping his distance, rejecting them over and over again. “Caleb, are you still mad at me?” Supported by a housekeeper, Jesse stepped forward, his cheeks flushed a vivid red. Just uttering a single sentence sent him into a fit of coughing. Five years, and he is still as frail as ever. Has the vast wealth of the Quixall family failed to nurse him back to health? With modern medical advancements, heart disease is hardly an incurable ailment anymore. Facing the person responsible for his imprisonment, Caleb was unexpectedly calm. “What do I have to be angry about?” His tone was light, almost indifferent. “I enjoyed your wealth and glory for twenty years—returning it was only fair. Your heart disease... it was caused by the mix-up, wasn't it?” Mockery flickered in Caleb's eyes. Though Jesse had been born with the condition, he had still pitifully complained to their mother, blaming it on the freezing cold that day. As if a single snowy day could chill someone into having heart disease. For a brief moment, Jesse's expression stiffened. He brushed aside the housekeeper's hand and said earnestly, “Please don't say such things, Caleb. I've never thought that way. I'm truly grateful that you took the punishment on my behalf, given my condition. I should formally express my gratitude.” He bowed deeply. As he straightened, his body swayed slightly. Instinctively, Caleb stepped forward, gripping his arm. But Jesse didn't use the support to steady himself. Instead, he deliberately threw himself forward, aiming for a dramatic fall. Nice try. A cold chuckle echoed in Caleb's mind as he tightened his grip, yanking Jesse upright with sheer force. Five years ago, he might have fallen for these underhanded tricks. But five years of brutal training, of taking hits and surviving, weren't for nothing. Caleb handled Jesse as effortlessly as wringing a chick, keeping him firmly in place. His lips curled into a smirk as he remarked, laced with subtle mockery, “You really should work out more. Otherwise, a light breeze might knock you over. How are you supposed to carry on the Quixall family name like this?” Jesse's expression darkened from the humiliation, a flicker of malice flashing through his eyes. The moment Caleb released his grip, Jesse winced, letting out a soft hiss of pain. Alarmed, Deborah immediately asked, “What's wrong?” The housekeeper, who frequently attended to Jesse, hurried over and carefully lifted his sleeve. Beneath the fabric, faint red imprints of fingers marred his pale skin. Without a doubt, Caleb's handiwork. “Mr. Jesse!” The housekeeper gasped, rushing to fetch the first aid kit. Jesse lowered his gaze, waving his hand feebly. His voice carried a soft, resigned vulnerability. “It's fine. If this helps Caleb vent his anger, I don't mind enduring a little pain.” Before Caleb could utter a single word in his defense, Raquel's voice rang out, sharp with accusation. “Caleb, what's wrong with you? How could you lay a hand on Jesse? You know he's not in good health! Apologize!” She stood by Jesse's side, shielding him instinctively, her eyes filled with distress—a look Caleb had never seen before. He stared at the woman he once loved. The face was the same, but everything else—the way she spoke, the way she moved, the way she looked at another man with such fierce protectiveness—was completely unfamiliar. The sweet moments of the past felt like nothing more than a fleeting dream. What once was his Achilles' heel had now become a blade, slicing straight through his heart. What was the point of defending himself? Caleb's eyes darkened, his voice smooth and detached as he uttered, “I'm sorry for causing you pain.” Sensing the tension thickening, Deborah quickly attempted to lighten the mood. “Caleb was just worried about Jesse. Now, why don't you freshen up and rest a bit? Dinner will be ready soon.” Almost over. Caleb met her gaze, unreadable. “No,” he replied flatly. “I only came to tell you that I won't be staying here anymore. Thank you for raising me these past twenty years. I consider my debt repaid. I wish you good health and smooth sailing in the future.” With that, he turned to leave. But before he could take another step, Deborah clutched his arm. “Caleb, what do you mean? You don't want me anymore?” The words struck a nerve. How ironic. They were the ones who abandoned me first. Caleb withdrew his hand, his voice calm but distant. “Thank you for your upbringing.” He turned to leave when he heard a thud.