Late in the afternoon, just before the end of the workday, Pierre called Calla into his office."Mr. Garland, is there anything I can help you with?" Calla asked, standing in front of Pierre's desk.Since the last incident, Calla and Pierre had been interacting more like friends in private. She no longer avoided him, perhaps thinking they could be platonic friends. She was grateful for his concern.Pierre looked up and said, "I need a favor from you. Are you free tonight?""I don't have any plans. What can I help with?" Calla smiled, realizing it was a personal matter.Of course, she agreed readily, believing friends should help each other out."Do you know Nelson Lowry of Riverford's Skyrise Group?" Pierre asked.Calla thought for a moment and replied, "Mr. Lowry Senior of Skyrise Group is a household name in Riverford. He's highly respected and devoted to charity. He has funded the construction of many remote schools in Riverford. Plus, he has represented Riverford at the K
Calla had always lived a frugal life, so this was her only evening gown. She remembered spending 600 dollars on it back then, which had made her heartache.Putting on this dress again, Calla stood in front of the full-length mirror and gazed at herself for a moment. Her face and figure were still the same as two years ago, but she felt like she was no longer the same person.The dress boasted an off-shoulder design, leaving a large expanse of her fair skin exposed around her neck. She put on a platinum clavicle chain and a pair of small platinum stud earrings. She bought these simple and modest pieces of jewelry over the years, and they were the only ones she owned. They felt pretty good on her, giving her a fresh and elegant bearing.Time was running short. As such, she tied her hair into a ponytail, secured with a silver rhinestone-adorned clip. Finally, she slipped into silver high-heeled sandals. Checking herself in the mirror, she saw a young and graceful figure. Calla nodd
Pierre's arm, though strong, still didn't feel as powerful as Mercer's to Calla. His words were kind, but they couldn't provide the intense sense of security Mercer once gave her.Realizing this, Calla suddenly shook her head. Why was she still thinking about that jerk? She should just forget him completely.Despite her thoughts, she unconsciously touched her lips. She recalled the forceful kiss from a few days ago.Soon, they stepped onto the red carpet and entered the villa. An elderly couple in their 60s stood at the entrance, greeting guests. The elderly man, likely Nelson, wore a suit that exuded authority and nobility. Despite his head of white hair, he still looked vigorous. The elderly woman beside him was his wife, Melinda Spencer. Dressed in a deep red silk dress and adorned with emerald jewelry, she looked elegant and kind.The couple's etiquette was impeccable. They exchanged warm smiles occasionally, revealing a deep and harmonious connection between them. They app
Thinking of this, Calla suddenly became flustered as she feared seeing Mercer."What's wrong?" Noticing Calla's pallor, Pierre put an arm around her shoulders in concern."Nothing, I feel a bit dizzy," Calla lied."Shall I help you get a seat over there?" Pierre suggested.That seemed like a good idea. Sitting in a corner might help her avoid Mercer later.Calla nodded, and Pierre gently supported her arm as they walked toward the lounge area in the corner.But as luck would have it, they had only taken a few steps when two people approached them.Calla looked ahead and realized there was no way to avoid them. She felt a bit awkward.The man wore a black suit, and the woman wore a red mermaid dress. The man's eyes coldly fixated on Pierre's hand supporting Calla's arm. The woman, holding the man's arm affectionately, stared sharply at Calla.Their gazes made Calla uncomfortable but she straightened her back, thinking, "They were the ones who wronged me. Why should I feel uneas
"You—" Sophie was struck silent with anger from Pierre’s words, her face turning pale. Disregarding her, Pierre walked up to Mercer and said, "Mercer, I’ll give you an explanation later, but not now." With that, Pierre took Calla’s hand and led her to a lounge area in the corner. Calla glanced coldly at Sophie and Mercer, then followed Pierre obediently. After they left, Sophie tugged Mercer’s arm and complained, "Mercer, just look at your cousin. He doesn’t respect me at all!" "I think what he said was right," Mercer replied calmly. Sophie was furious but didn’t dare to lash out. She half-whined, "Mercer, that woman is someone you didn’t want. Regardless, she's not important. But Pierre's dating her after your divorce. It’s so disrespectful to you. And that woman, she jumped into Pierre’s arms so soon after you left her. Isn't she moving on too quickly?""Are you done?" Mercer's face darkened."I'm stating the facts here!" Sophie muttered sharply under her breath.Mer
By now, most of the guests had arrived. The emcee on stage began to speak, and the guests expressed their best wishes to Nelson and Melinda.Then, Nelson stepped forward to speak. "Everyone, thank you for attending our wedding anniversary celebration. I truly appreciate each and every one of you."After Nelson spoke, the crowd applauded.He then continued, "As you all saw on the invitation, tonight is also a charity auction. My wife and I will be auctioning some of our collected paintings, antiques, and memorabilia. "All proceeds from tonight's auction will be donated to the Riverford Red Cross. The funds will be used to improve the lives of children from impoverished families."Of course, I'm sure all of you have compassionate hearts. Tonight, guests who are willing to do so can make donations. I have assigned someone to keep a record of all contributions. Thank you."Then, the emcee took to the stage once more. "Ladies and gentlemen, those who wish to donate can do so over her
Calla's words enraged Sophie. She furiously retorted, "What did you say? Are you looking for a fight?"With that, Sophie raised her hand to strike Calla. Calla, however, grabbed her wrist and coldly said, "Sophie, haven't you had enough? I've put up with you for a long time! You want Mercer, right? I've already given him to you. Getting him to marry you is up to your capabilities."Calla initially wasn't sure if Mercer had married Sophie. But Pierre's earlier comment made it clear that Sophie wasn't part of the Garland family. That meant Mercer hadn't married her yet.She didn't know why Mercer hadn't married Sophie, nor did she care. But she was tired of Sophie constantly harassing her, acting like she was her arch-nemesis.With that, Calla let go of Sophie's wrist and pushed her, walking straight toward the door."Calla, even if Mercer hasn't married me yet, he still dumped you!" Sophie shouted behind her.Calla didn't stop. She walked out, thinking she wouldn't lower herself t
Hearing Calla's words, Mercer frowned and asked, "Did Sophie give you trouble?""Why are you pretending to be so innocent? Don't you know what your woman is like?" Calla questioned angrily.Mercer frowned deeper and hesitated before saying, "Don't worry, I'll warn her not to bother you in the future. But you must stay away from Pierre!""That's none of your business!" Calla firmly refused."There's a limit to my patience. Don't test me!" Mercer warned with a stern face.Calla sneered. "Mercer, who do you think you are? We’re already divorced. From now on, we will go our separate ways. What right do you have to tell me who I can or can't be with? I will keep seeing Pierre. I like Pierre, and I might even move in with him. I—"Before Calla could finish, Mercer raised his hand and slapped her!Dizzy from the blow, Calla staggered, almost falling.Mercer had only meant to reprimand her, but he didn't expect to hit her so hard. He reached out to steady her, but Calla shoved him, cau