Nevertheless, Nicole's disclosures prompted a shift in Callie's perspective. Though uncertain of her father's involvement, she held firm in her trust in the Lawrence family's integrity. Should her father indeed be the last individual to have seen Wesson alive, she believed he should step forward to clarify matters. After all, Wesson had shown kindness to their family, especially to her father. It would be ungrateful to dismiss that.

Observing Callie's resolve, Laurie intervened swiftly, cautioning, “Callie, refrain from such assertions. This matter is unrelated to your father. Perhaps that woman misled you. Your trust in her may be misguided. You should be cautious."

Callie held her ground, retorting, "I find it improbable that Nicole would deceive me."

Callie's recollections of Nicole were characterized by benevolence.

Nicole had consistently treated her well. How could Nicole fabricate such claims? Furthermore, Nicole hinted that if her father persisted in concealment, authorities would obtain a warrant. This indicated substantial evidence implicating Brett as the Last individual present.

However, she hesitated to disclose this to Laurie, fearing Laurie couldn't bear the revelation.

Laurie tapped Callie's forehead, expressing frustration, "Callie, are you not thinking clearly? Just because she bestowed upon you some antiquated dolls in your youth, you accept her every word? That's your father!"

Laurie raised her voice. "How could you doubt your father and place your trust in a stranger?"

“Nicole never handed me used dolls. They were consistently new, with tags intact," Callie countered, her lips downturned in a pout.

Moreover, those dolls were exclusive editions unavailable to Callie's peers. Whenever she expressed admiration for something, Nicole made a point to remember and present it to her on subsequent occasions.

The dolls she received from Nicole had been brought to her ward during her hospital stay, serving as a tremendous source of comfort.

Moreover, numerous children coveted her collection, which made her treatment more bearable.

Hearing this, Laurie was even more angry. “She deceived you, but you are actually grateful to her!"

While Laurie cherished her granddaughter, her son held an equally significant place in her heart. He was the embodiment of her flesh and blood, and she vowed to protect him from harm.

Though Callie internally disagreed with her grandmother's assessment, she couldn't fathom her father being capable of such actions either.

Her emotions were in turmoil.

Despite her inner conflict, Callie remained gentle and compliant, unwilling to defy her grandmother. Consequently, she kept her thoughts to herself.

Laurie, however, remained uneasy and issued a stern warning, “I'm warning you, young lady, you are forbidden from contacting that woman again. Do you comprehend? Don't wait until she tears apart our family for you to realize your mistake, do you understand?"

Laurie had painted Nicole as a malevolent witch.

While Callie didn't share this sentiment, she was accustomed to avoiding confrontation with her grandmother. Thus, she simply nodded.