Stunned, Callie quickly hid her phone behind her back. "Grandma, what are you doing? You won't let me go out, and now you're taking my phone too?"

"I heard your conversation with your father," Laurie said sternly.

"Callie, I can't stand by and watch you do something harmful to your dad. He's your father. Don't be foolish..."

Callie was shocked to learn her grandmother had been eavesdropping.

“Grandma, I know he's my father, but should I cover up for him if he's done something wrong?"

“I'm not saying you should cover for him if it's wrong, but remember, he's your father, and he does everything for you. Why else would he err?" Laurie's voice, though hoarse, resonated with conviction. She didn't fully grasp the details of the situation, but she knew her son's nature. Brett wasn't a malicious person. If he had erred, it was for his child.

Laurie recalled the doctor's words that finding a match for Callie would be extremely difficult, perhaps impossible within her Lifetime.

Yet, not long after that conversation, Callie had traveled abroad for surgery. It was clear that Brett must have struck some kind of deal.

In Laurie's view, her son wasn't a villain. He had simply done what he felt necessary.

Callie, struggling with her grandmother's justifications, exclaimed, “Did he harm others just for my own benefit? Wesson has a family too. Does he deserve to die?"

Callie had inherited Brett's integrity and kindness but held herself to even higher moral standards.

Anguished, Callie declared, "If my father made such a choice for me, I'd rather not live. To use someone else's life for my own survival is tantamount to murder!"

There was a loud "Bang!" Following another dull thud, Laurie struck Callie with her cane.

For an extensive period, Callie had held a special place in her family's affections. She had never experienced physical reprimand, not even the slightest touch upon her fingertips. This was due to her father's affection for her and her grandparents' sympathy for her lack of a mother figure in her formative years, resulting in their indulgence toward her.

Amidst her son and granddaughter, Laurie decisively favored her son, displaying no hesitation in her decision. Her son was her own flesh and blood.

Laurie was resolute in preventing Callie from acting recklessly and betraying her son.

With an unexpected blow, Callie was brought to the ground. Her phone tumbled from her grasp and was confiscated by Laurie.

Sternly addressing her granddaughter, Laurie declared, "Callie, I may indulge you in many things, but you must never betray your father. Otherwise, I cannot regard you as my granddaughter."

After uttering those words, Laurie departed and securely locked the door behind her.

Callie gazed at the tightly secured entrance, tears trickling down her cheeks one by one. She couldn't comprehend the sudden change in her beloved grandmother, who had always been affectionate towards her.