Chapter 443
Chapter 443:
There was a beat of silence, and then Yelena spoke, her words clipped, her voice brittle. “Dad? Are you home yet p>
The smile slipped from Callum’s face as if someone had flipped a switch. He sat straighter, his fingers gripping the phone just a little tighter.
His voice sharpened with concern. “What’s wrong? Did something happen? Is everything okay at home p>
Yelena took a steadying breath and explained that she couldn’t make it home that night. She then added, “Dad, Grandma seemed to have misunderstood me. I swear I’m not avoiding coming home—I’ve just got a lot going on at the lab. But I’m worried… Do you think she’ll give Mom a hard time? If you’re back already, can you check on her? If not, I’ll take some time off and come home p>
Callum’s expression darkened instantly. “No one messes with your mom, Yelena. Not on my watch p>
The mere suggestion that someone—anyone—might be troubling his wife lit a fire in him. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. You don’t need to take time off,” he added quickly. “You’re an adult now—you’re not obligated to explain every little thing to the family p>
Yelena bit back a smile, as though she’d already predicted his response. Still, she pressed on. “But what about Grandma? You know how she can be p>
Callum cut her off with unwavering resolve. “I’ll handle your grandma. Leave it to me p>
There was a brief pause before Callum’s tone softened unexpectedly, as if struck by a new thought. “Yelena, you’re still at school, right? You probably don’t have much spending money. I’ll transfer you some later. Treat yourself and your friends to something nice p>
Yelena was about to refuse, but Callum steamrolled right over her protest. “I just got back home. We’ll talk later. Take care of yourself, okay p>
“Alright,” Yelena conceded, knowing there was no point arguing when her father was in dad mode. “Just… make sure Mom’s okay p>
gⲁ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀.𝗰0𝗺; 𝓁𝒾𝓈𝓉 𝗌𝑒𝓃𝓈𝑒𝑔𝓮𝓁
“I will,” Callum answered. There was a warmth in his voice that made Yelena’s chest feel a little lighter.
The call ended, and Yelena tucked her phone into her pocket, a quiet smile tugging at her lips. Problem resolved. She turned and headed back to the lab, her steps light with relief.
Just as she reached the door, her phone buzzed. She pulled it out to check the notification and froze mid-step. “$1,000,000 has been deposited into your account p>
Erica and Corbett, both seated nearby, turned toward her in unison.
Erica’s eyes widened, and she stared as though Yelena had grown a second head. Her mouth opened and closed a few times before she finally said, “Was that… your ringtone p>
Yelena glanced up, her face perfectly calm despite the chaos of her thoughts. “Yeah. Just a ringtone. Who’d actually send me that much money p>
Corbett arched an eyebrow, clearly biting back a grin.
“Yelena, you might want to pick a less intense ringtone next time. That one’s borderline traumatic p>
“Good point.” Yelena nodded, her tone distracted as she hastily turned off the notification sound.
When Callum stepped into the house, Elianna was already lounging on the sofa, watching TV. The earlier scolding she had given Donna seemed forgotten, or at least set aside for the moment.
Upon spotting her son, Elianna’s expression brightened. “Callum, you’re back p>
Callum returned her smile with a nod. “Mom, I just got back from Wesity. While I was there, Donna called to remind me to pick up a bottle of wine for you—Sunhaven Vineyards. She said it’s your favorite p>
With a flourish, Callum produced the bottle from behind his back like a magician unveiling his best trick.
Elianna’s eyes immediately sparkled, the wine drawing her attention like a beacon.