Chapter 33 Emma beaten again!

Caleb hadn't even reached Collins Castle when the phone calls started pouring in, all related to Emma. The initial calls were likely about Emma's publicity and status, but this particular call hinted at Emma's involvement in the news, undoubtedly connected to Alina.

In the confined space, thick with the scent of smoke, Caleb held a cigarette in one hand while Alina's number flashed on his phone. He appeared immensely irritated. Answering the call, a calm and light voice, belonging to the woman on the other end, greeted him, "Hello."

Caleb could sense the buoyancy in Alina's voice, implying that she was in a good mood. "Did something joyful happen?" His obsidian eyes glistened with an icy depth as he spoke.

Upon hearing Caleb's voice, Alina's tone turned sour, "It's you."

"What's the reason for your happiness? Tell me," the man's voice grew increasingly dangerous.

She was responsible for all the publicity, the reason Emma was invited to Collins Castle. Alina detected the indifference in his tone but remained unfazed. "Do you really want to know?"

"Alina, what were you doing at Collins Castle today?" Caleb's teeth clenched, and his questioning tone radiated anger. He probably suspected that she had done something to provoke him.

Alina, on the other end of the line, heard Caleb's anger and smiled like a cunning fox. She most likely anticipated his fury. Her tone grew lighter, "Aren't you the tattletale? Weren't you aware of it?"

Three years ago, both of them had forced her, a pregnant woman, into a corner. Wasn't this little retaliation against them well-deserved? Originally, she didn't want to get involved in all of this at the moment. But Emma continuously intruded into her life, overstepping boundaries time and time again.

"AIG is organizing a show for Emma, and within hours of its announcement, you've stirred up this commotion, Alina. Just tell me what you want from me instead of seeking my attention like this."

Caleb's greatest annoyance in life was when someone opposed his wishes. At this moment, he even suspected that Alina had married him with ulterior motives. He wondered what schemes she had planned.

Alina was left speechless by Caleb's words. "Mr. Collins, what do you think my intentions are?"

Caleb remained silent.

Alina continued, "I suggest you hurry to see her now. Otherwise, her illness might relapse if she gets angry. And, for your information, it is I who wants the divorce."

"Alina."

"Humph." Alina snorted coldly and promptly hung up the phone.

Caleb felt his temples throbbing, finding it difficult to comprehend this woman's actions. Tomas, who was driving ahead, sensed the oppressive atmosphere and held his breath, almost running a red light. "Damn it," Caleb gritted his teeth.

In the vicinity of Collins Castle, Jonah, the butler, awaited their arrival. Caleb already sensed an unusual atmosphere emanating from within. Faintly, the sound of a crisp slap echoed through the air, creating a chilling ambiance on this hot summer day.

Caleb's face darkened, and he took a step forward to enter the castle. However, after just two steps, he overheard Jonah say, "Master Caleb, Max's greatest regret was failing to fulfill the old Ms. Cook's mandate."

Caleb paused, his gaze sharpening as he looked at Jonah. Though Jonah merely inclined his head slightly, his demeanor conveyed a clear message. Caleb averted his eyes from Jonah, said nothing, and stepped inside.

Emma was sprawled in the center of the room, while Vanessa occupied the main seat. As she assumed her role as the hostess, Caleb's already gloomy expression grew even darker.

"Caleb," Emma turned her head upon hearing footsteps and saw Caleb standing there, her eyes filled with resignation.

Vanessa's gaze turned piercing when she noticed Caleb's return. Caleb pulled Emma up from the floor and locked eyes with the imposing figure in the main seat. "What are you doing?"

Vanessa observed him shielding Emma within his arms. "Have you divorced Alina?" Instead of answering Caleb's question directly, Vanessa shot back with her own sharp question.

Emma, standing next to Caleb, instinctively glanced at him upon hearing Vanessa's words.

Caleb remained silent, causing Vanessa's tone to grow colder. She frowned, and Emma's face paled. Things had escalated this far, and they still hadn't divorced? What was he hesitating about?

"Why did you bring her here?" Caleb avoided answering Vanessa's question and instead posed one of his own.

Tension filled the air as Vanessa slammed her hand onto the table. Her voice grew sharp. "Caleb, I used to think you were obsessed with that woman, but how dare you take a pregnant Alina to save her?"

Alina had claimed that the child was gone.

Alina had also mentioned being forcefully involved in the accident that day because Caleb's people wanted to take her to the hospital for surgery.

Vanessa slowly and gracefully advanced toward them, her gaze penetrating the two men with intensity. Caleb's pupils constricted in response to her words. How dare Alina reveal this to his mother?

Witnessing the change in Caleb's eyes, Vanessa's tone grew colder. "Your grandfather was aware of it all, wasn't he?"

Yes, the old Collins knew everything.

While the rest of the Collins family remained unaware, the old Collins had conducted an investigation into the crash that year. He didn't take action against Emma, but Caleb had actually been banished from Collins Castle. Initially, they all assumed it was because Caleb had neglected Alina, but now they realized that the old Collins truly wanted nothing to do with him. If Alina hadn't returned this time, the old Collins likely wouldn't have seen Caleb until his own death.

Vanessa suddenly raised her hand, followed by Emma's shriek as she covered her face.

Caleb immediately reacted, his anger ignited. Vanessa stared back at him as he lashed out, "From this day forward, you have no connection to the Collins family, and you'd better change your last name too."

The butlers and servants present dared not even breathe. Although the old Collins had nearly severed ties with Caleb before, Vanessa's stance was even harsher.

"Take this despicable bastard and get out of here," Vanessa hissed fiercely.

Emma's face would likely require multiple surgeries to recover from the forceful blow she had just endured.