Chapter 5

Danielle's hand stiffened around the steering wheel, but she didn't deny the accusation right away. After a few moments, she said, "Yes."

Caleb hadn't expected her to admit to it so easily.

Before he could say anything, she continued, "Yale may seem carefree and easygoing, but he's actually very thoughtful and gentle. He's always felt sad that he can't have children of his own. If given the opportunity, I'm certain he'll do an excellent job at raising this child."

"We can always have more children in the future," she said gently, trying to comfort him. "We can keep the next one, and you can raise them yourself. How does that sound?"

Caleb's lips curved up into a cold, bitter smile.

When he didn't argue or make a scene, she simply assumed that he'd agreed to her suggestion. Turning the car in the direction of the auction house, she said, "Let's go pick out some jewelry. You shouldn't keep dwelling on negative thoughts."

He didn't refuse and let her drive him to the auction house. However, the moment they entered the hall, he spotted Yale waiting nearby.

Looking carefree as usual, he walked straight over the moment he saw Danielle and patted her on the shoulder. "Why did you insist on bringing me here, Ellie? I'm not interested in any of this stuff."

They were so comfortable with each other that Caleb felt like a third wheel.

Some time later, the bidders had just taken their seats when a piercing scream suddenly rang through the air.

"Someone's robbing us!"

A group of masked robbers burst into the store with guns. The venue descended into chaos, and people scattered in every direction.

Amid the chaos, one of the robbers grabbed Yale, who was closest to him, and pressed a knife to his throat.

"Hand over the star lot, or I'll kill him right now!" he roared.

Danielle was mortified. Before anyone else could react, she frantically stepped forward to negotiate. "Let him go! Take me instead! I'll be your hostage!"

The robber considered her offer for a moment. Then, he declared, "Throw in another five million dollars, and I'll make the trade!"

"Alright. I'll have the money transferred right away!" Danielle agreed without a second thought.

Then, without even glancing at Caleb, she reached over and shoved the latter toward the knife-wielding criminal without a shred of hesitation. Meanwhile, Caleb couldn't do anything as he stumbled toward the robber and was forced to take Yale's place.

For a moment, Caleb's entire body went rigid.

In Danielle's eyes, his life was worth less than the man she claimed was her close friend.

The robber immediately seized Caleb and pressed the cold blade against his throat. With the slightest pressure, a thin line of blood formed at his throat.

After being rescued, Yale retreated behind Danielle, trembling with fear. His bold, carefree demeanor had vanished completely.

"Don't worry, Caleb! The police will be here soon!"

Danielle was shouting in Caleb's direction, but her eyes never left Yale. She examined him from head to toe, desperate to make sure he hadn't been frightened or hurt.

Just as Caleb had begun to grow numb with despair, Adrian arrived with a large group of police officers. They quickly subdued the robbers and rescued Caleb from being held at knifepoint.

Caleb had narrowly escaped death, but he didn't feel relieved at all. Instead, he was completely heartbroken.

Danielle was too busy comforting Yale, and she hadn't spared Caleb a single glance throughout the entire ordeal. As soon as the authorities subdued the robbers, she rushed Yale straight to a private hospital.

…

Caleb sat alone in his hospital room, looking thin and worn.

"Mr. Graham, everything has been finalized with the divorce lawyer," Adrian quietly reported as he went to Caleb's side. "The process of withdrawing all your shares from Sutton Corporation is also underway. Ms. Sutton should receive the news about the share withdrawal and divorce documents by tomorrow evening."