Chapter 49: The Shrimp You Peeled

The crowd had Caleb completely surrounded—there was no way out. But he didn’t want to resign himself to his fate.

“I don’t even have a grandmother! Where would I have gotten her money from?”

Joseph immediately countered, “How could you not have a grandmother? She’s practically paralyzed, and all she does is talk about you every day. Have you no heart?”

The crowd, now thinking of their own elderly relatives, grew even more furious at the idea of Caleb abandoning a frail old woman.

“If you don’t want to give the money, just say so. But pretending you don’t even have a grandma? That’s just low!”

“You used the money to play games at the internet cafe, didn’t you? Do you think winning a few more rounds could add a few more years to your life?”

“Kid, don’t you dare learn from him. He steals money to play games. He’s a walking, talking disgrace to his family!”

Caleb’s words didn’t clear his name; instead, they only made things worse. Feeling utterly drained, Caleb attempted to squeeze his way out of the crowd, but they were too worked up to let him move an inch. He had no idea when this would end. So he let them keep yelling, feeling like time itself had slowed to a crawl, dragging him into despair.

“Caleb, I’ve finally found you!”

A familiar voice rang out. Within seconds, Deborah appeared in front of him.

“I’ve been so worried I can’t even eat. Come home with me, okay? Stop being stubborn, please.”

The moment people realized the “bad boy’s” mother had shown up, they all stepped aside.

“Go on, give the money to your mom. Let your grandma live. Everyone just wants peace.”

Deborah paused. “Grandma? What grandma?”

The bystanders looked at each other, confused. Didn’t that guy just say Caleb ran off with his grandmother’s life-saving money? How did things take a turn so quickly?

Some people began to feel guilty, realizing they might’ve misunderstood the whole situation. One by one, they quietly slipped away, leaving only a few people who didn’t want to miss the rest of the drama.

Tears welled up in Deborah’s eyes. “Caleb, Jesse keeps asking for you in the hospital. Please come home and see him.”

Caleb hated this fake, weepy act of hers more than anything.

“It’s not that I don’t want to go back. But if I do, you people will eat me alive.”

Deborah looked genuinely shocked. “I care about you. Why would we ever want to hurt you? Your dad may have a sharp tongue, but he loves you too. Caleb, don’t be stubborn. I know how strong-willed you are, but can’t you give me a chance? Let’s try to live as a proper family again.”

Caleb’s eyes darkened with bitter amusement. “You want me to come back so you can test if I’m a match for a heart transplant. Isn’t that the same as asking for my life?”

Deborah froze. “It’s just a test. There’s no guarantee you’d be a match.”

Caleb nodded slowly. “Sure. I’ll go back with you—if every single member of the Quixall family agrees to be tested too.”

Deborah rubbed her hands awkwardly. “Caleb, I could do it, but your dad has to work. The company needs him. He can’t just take time off to get tested.”

Caleb waved her off. “Then don’t say anything else. I’m not going back. Because the only thing you care about isn’t me—it’s my heart.”

He’d barely taken a few steps when Deborah dropped to her knees.

“Caleb, I swear I never meant for things to turn out like this! Jesse’s in the hospital, but I’ve never blamed you…”

She sobbed, “He ate every single shrimp you peeled for him, and now, his life is in danger. He doesn’t have much time left. All I’m asking is for you to go see him. That’s all.”