Chapter 7 Always looking for you

Collins Castle, a centuries-old structure, shone brilliantly due to its meticulous upkeep. With Alina in tow, Julia returned excitedly and introduced her to Mrs. Collins, Vanessa Mills, in the living room. "Mom, look who I brought home?"

Vanessa's expression turned serious as she gazed at Alina. Setting down the teapot she held, she instructed Julia, "Julia, please check if the dessert Hana made for Alina is ready."

"Mom, Grandpa said to bring Alina back to him. We can eat afterward," Julia replied.

"Julia," Mrs. Collins' tone grew heavy and sharp, causing Julia to instantly shrink back. Alina, pulling her hand away from Julia's grasp, interjected, "Go ahead and check it out. I'm hungry."

Hearing this, Julia hurriedly ran off. Though her mother usually appeared gentle, she could be quite terrifying when truly angry.

Now alone with Alina, Mrs. Collins looked at her sternly and spoke in a disapproving tone, "You've been away for more than three years, and yet, upon your return, you've caused so much trouble. Alina, you need to exercise more restraint."

Alina couldn't help but feel disappointed. Mrs. Collins didn't seem concerned about where she had been; instead, she blamed her for the trouble that had befallen the Collins family. The atmosphere in this family was indeed cold, and part of Caleb's indifference stemmed from his own mother.

With a composed expression, Alina responded, "The troubles affecting the Collins family all come from my relationship with Caleb. But rest assured, we will resolve things soon."

Her words had an unexpected effect on Mrs. Collins, whose serious expression softened. "You're divorcing Caleb?"

"I believe that's what you'd like to see," Alina replied.

Mrs. Collins' anger started to show, but before she could say anything further, Alina respectfully bowed and said, "Mrs. Collins, if there's nothing else, I'll go see Max."

After speaking, she turned and left, no longer as cordial towards Vanessa as she once was. When she was unmarried to Caleb, things were fine, but after their marriage, Mrs. Collins always made her feel inadequate for her son.

Who could tolerate such a mother-in-law?

Max, the elderly Collins, lived in the heart of Collins Castle, the largest central building. The butler, Jonah, awaited Alina at the door and greeted her with utmost respect and gentleness, "Mrs. Collins, you're finally here. Master Max has been waiting for you."

"Jonah."

"Yes, Mrs. Collins?"

"How is Grandpa doing?"

"Live well," the old Collins said sentimentally, his words carrying a deep meaning.

He was Caleb's grandfather, but their bond seemed closer due to Alina's grandmother. Since Alina had entered the Collins family, she had been favored by the old Collins, which created jealousy and explicit or implicit displeasure among the other Collins members, especially Caleb's mother.

During a morning meeting at AIG, Caleb emerged to find Tomas waiting with an apprehensive expression. Caleb immediately sensed that something was amiss.

"What's wrong?" he inquired, his concern evident.

"Miss Hughes has been summoned to Collins Castle, and we don't know what might happen," Tomas informed him.

Caleb's tension heightened, understanding the implications. There were few individuals in Collins Castle who held any affection for Alina, particularly his mother.

Annoyance welled up within Caleb at that moment. Glancing at his watch, he declared, "Reschedule all my appointments."

"Yes, but you have to spend the evening with Miss Bell," Tomas added.

However, before Tomas could finish his sentence, Caleb shot him a look that caused him to swallow his words.

Caleb swiftly arranged his work and hastened to Collins Castle. Upon arrival, he found the maids diligently preparing dinner in an organized manner. It had been three long years since he last set foot in the castle, even during the past few Christmases.

As Caleb entered, Vanessa's gaze met his, her tone cold and serious. "What are you doing back here?"

Caleb remained silent. Over the years, he had been unable to return to Collins Castle, not only due to the old Collins, but also because of his own mother. Although she rarely displayed any fondness for Alina, she had taken care of those who mistreated Alina when she departed.

Simultaneously, Alina descended the staircase with the old Collins. Surprise flashed across her face when she spotted Caleb standing downstairs. Hadn't he been absent from Collins Castle for three years?

Then, a furious outburst shattered the silence. "What are you doing back? Get out of here."

Alina bit her lip, her emotions conflicting within her. Caleb stood there, rendered speechless.