"Yes, Nicole was the one who saved me. She displayed remarkable courage and intelligence. Employing hot pepper water, she swiftly incapacitated the assailant." Callie still admired Nicole greatly when discussing this topic.

Brett fell silent, processing the revelation.

Callie continued, “And Nicole even provided me with hot pepper water and other tools for self-protection. Dad, you don't need to worry anymore. I won't be afraid to walk at night."

"Oh." Brett's emotions were subdued, his voice carrying a mix of sentiments. The previous night's events had been tumultuous, and he hadn't fully grasped how Callie had come across Nicole. He hadn't anticipated such an encounter between them. He sighed, surprised by the enduring kindness and bravery of Wesson's daughter after all these years.

“Dad, may I ask you something?" Callie spoke cautiously.

“What is it, Callie?"

“Nicole mentioned... She said you were the last person to see Mr. Lawrence. She also claimed that Wesson's death wasn't suicide, but murder. Are they true?"

Callie clung to hope, refusing to believe her father, who always preached kindness, could be involved in Wesson's death. As long as her father denied it, she would maintain her faith in him. Perhaps Nicole had erred or there was a misunderstanding in the matter.

On the opposite end of the line, Brett remained silent for an extended period.

With each passing moment of silence, Callie's heart grew colder. She felt a tinge of anxiety and uttered, “Dad, please respond..."

After a prolonged silence, Brett finally spoke. "Callie, this is not something for you to worry about. My only wish for you and your grandparents is to remain safe and secure."

"Dad!" Callie's tone suddenly sharpened. "I cannot bear this uncertainty. Tell me, is it true or not?"

Callie's voice quivered, sensing she was on the brink of a revelation that would shatter her cherished image of her father. All she desired was to hear her father absolve himself of any involvement, to affirm it was not him. She wished to hear nothing else.

“Dad, assure me, it's not your fault, right? They made a mistake, didn't they?" Callie persisted.

“I... Callie, it's not as straightforward as you believe, but I cannot divulge further." Brett replied, torn by inner conflict.

"Then what is it? Please, tell me, what's going on?"

Callie's emotions overwhelmed her, and tears streamed down her face.

"Dad... You always told me to be honest, right? You've lived by that too, haven't you? If it's just a misunderstanding, why don't you clarify it? Do we really need to live Like this, hiding and living separately?"

Callie tried to persuade Brett, hoping he would come forward and tell the truth.

"Callie!" Brett's voice grew louder as he announced, "I've told you, this isn't your concern. Just take care of yourself, and soon I'll take you abroad. Once we're there, we won't need to hide anymore."