Chapter 696



Cara responded with a tinkling laugh and reached out to playfully pinch his cheek. Her sharp nails pricked his sensitive skin.

Seemingly oblivious to his discomfort, Cara exerted more pressure. “Imprison you?” she scoffed. “Don’t be silly. I simply want you to come inside with me. Besides, this is your father’s house. There’s nothing wrong with being in your father’s house.”

“Take him,” Cara commanded the guard.

With that, Cara walked inside, her high heels clicking on the floor. The guard immediately restrained Calvin.

Despite his intelligence, Calvin was still just a child. He was no match for the adults who overpowered him and easily dragged him inside.

Fear swelled within Calvin as he was pulled toward the villa. It felt as though he were a prisoner being shoved into his cell.

Though the bright sunshine shone outside, entering the villa felt strangely cold and dim.

Calvin glanced at the phone watch he had cleverly tinkered with earlier.

While Cara was distracted, Calvin swiftly tapped a sequence of buttons on his watch, hoping that Kallie would realize something was wrong.

Meanwhile, Elma sat inside her room, cradling her sore, bruised arm. The dark bruises stood out starkly against her pale skin.

A wave of worry and guilt washed over Elma. She had never imagined Calvin would be brave enough to seek her out like this. Just yesterday, Jake and Cara had another heated argument.

In her anger, Cara had threatened to keep Elma locked away at home forever, never allowing her to return to school.

Even though Elma disliked being alone at school, right now, she longed to return. Being stuck at home without her father felt far worse than any lonely day at school.

Suddenly, a flurry of noise erupted outside Elma’s room.

The distinct click-clack of high heels echoed down the hallway. Elma felt a chill run down her spine and instinctively ducked out of sight. She strained her ears and could hear another voice mingling with Cara’s, though she couldn’t quite make out the words.

A flicker of hope ignited within Elma. Could that be her father’s voice? She longed to open the door but fear held her back. She knew better than to leave the room if it was her dad. Her mom would fly into another rage if she caught her outside.

Feeling trapped and defeated, Elma curled up in a corner of her room, letting out a quiet sigh.

Downstairs in the living room, Calvin kept a cautious eye on Cara.

With a smile, Cara offered Calvin a dessert. “Here, try some,” she said. “Most kids love sweet treats. Elma isn’t allowed to have these, even if she wants them.”

Calvin politely declined. “But I don’t care for sweets.”

Cara’s smile vanished, replaced by a flash of anger. She abruptly smashed the plate on the floor.

The sudden, sharp noise startled everyone in the room. Fearful of Cara’s wrath, the servants quickly averted their eyes and pretended nothing had happened, busying themselves with their chores.

Calvin looked around the room, a sense of unease washing over him. He wondered if this suffocating atmosphere was Elma’s daily reality. No wonder Elma was so sensitive and upset. Calvin decided to be direct with Cara. “When will you allow me to leave? If I don’t go home soon, my mom will realize I’m gone and contact the police.”

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