Chapter 3

Calista hadn't received a divorce certificate when she was serving her prison sentence, but she figured that she and Isaac had probably officially divorced a year ago.

Still, she thought that he had immediately married Caroline after she had set him free. So, why was he saying that he could live at the Halston residence or the Stone residence with her? Why did he make it sound like he was still her husband?

He and Caroline had sat together earlier, looking like an old married couple. Their body language showed that they were intimate and even carried hints of flirtation.

Calista was still trying to figure out what exactly Isaac meant when Caroline approached while holding Anthony's hand.

Caroline smiled gently and squatted slightly, saying to Anthony, "Tony, look. It's your mom."

Calista couldn't stop her eyes from prickling as she looked at Anthony. He was her flesh and blood, after all. She hurried forward, wanting to hold him.

However, as soon as she stretched out her arms to wrap them around him, he ducked behind Caroline and cried,

"You're a murderer! I don't want you to hold me!"

Calista's heart broke when she heard that. She had put her life on the line to give birth to him. He had a genetic heart condition and often fell sick because of his weak constitution. He'd only grown up safely under her tireless care. Yet now, he, too, misunderstood her so badly and thought she was a murderer.

Her voice trembled as she said, "Tony, I'm your mother."

Anthony burst into tears. "I don't want you to be my mom! I don't want the other kids to make fun of me for having a convict as a mom!"

Calista staggered backward, feeling devastated. Only then did Anthony poke out half a head from behind Caroline to peek at her.

Caroline immediately said, "Anthony doesn't know better, Ms. Stone. He didn't mean that, so don't take it to heart. I'm sure he's just a little shy because he hasn't seen you in two years. It'll only take a few days for you guys to get along. Blood is thicker than water, after all. Give him some time."

Her poised, gracious manner only made Calista seem petty and unsophisticated.

But to give Anthony some time?

Calista almost laughed. She didn't have much of that to give.

Caleb chimed in to console her. "Carrie is right, Liss. Don't hold this against Tony. He has spent most of his time with Carrie while you were behind bars. Carrie hasn't just done plenty for Halston Group over the past two years. She's also helped to look after the family and Tony, too."

Calista turned to look at Isaac. He had been there when Elizabeth had been pushed down the stairs. In fact, from where he stood, he would've clearly seen that Caroline was the one who had done it.

Isaac was her husband and the father of her child, yet he hadn't bothered speaking up for her at the time. Still, hadn't he explained anything to Anthony while she was away? Hadn't he at least defended her?

Isaac sensed the resentment in Calista's gaze. He could guess that she resented how he hadn't defended her despite knowing that he held power and could influence everyone with his words. He had the feeling that he had to say something to make his stance known.

After a long silence, he finally said, "Let's leave the past where it belongs. With the Halstons and Stones around, no one will dare mention the events over the past two years.

"We've discussed this. We'll sweep this matter under the rug and tell everyone that you were furthering your studies abroad. No one will say anything about you being in prison, so don't worry."

Martin added, "We shouldn't talk about the past anymore. We've been reunited as a family, so let's sit down for a nice meal. The bedroom has been tidied, so you two will have plenty of time to be together as husband and wife after the meal."

Calista was surprised to hear him say that she and Isaac were still husband and wife. Before she could ask about that, Isaac approached her and wrapped an arm around her waist.

She stared at him in shock and caught the iciness buried deep in his eyes. However, his words contradicted his frostiness.

He said, "We can celebrate any other time, now that Calista is back. It's not convenient at home. I'm worried that Calista will feel uncomfortable. I've already gotten a room at a hotel. It should be ready now."

He smiled gently at her and tightened his hold on her waist, pulling her toward the door with him. He acted like they were a loving couple who were reunited after a long time apart. It was almost as if he couldn't wait to be intimate with her.

And based on his remarks, he was clearly taking her to a hotel. Was he going to sleep with her?