Callie watched the press conference soon after it was broadcasted live but stopped halfway after Liam declared that he was wooing Gwyneth.To be precise, she was unable to do so because she smashed her phone into pieces.Her pretty face was contorted uglily as her spite and jealousy for Gwyneth flared violently. She was no mere acquaintance of Liam's—one might even argue that they were very close. While she had her fair share of infatuations and lovers since her venture into showbiz, her feelings for Liam had always been different.After all, she loved him ever since they were children, since her family was as wealthy and influential as the Luthers. Moreover, they used to live in the same mansion district, and their parents were acquainted.But now, Callie was gritting her teeth as she stared at what was left of the phone she broke.She called her manager to buy her another one, and after she did, she contacted her family. In the end, Callie's mother was acquainted with Liam's
Callie appeared so shy one would think that she was some noble daughter who never left her ivory tower. "I'm so surprised you came, Liam. I almost couldn't believe it when Daddy told me you were coming."Liam nodded—that was about the extent of courtesy he was obliged to offer.Chad stood nearby, unable to hold back a smile as he looked on. He could not help seeing them as the perfect couple right then and rubbed his hands eagerly as he smiled. "Liam, my darling Callie isn't exactly young, but she keeps declining any suitors we get her. As I understand it, you're divorced, aren't you?"Liam at first remained impassive, but the vein on his temples throbbed when he heard that.Meanwhile, Chad continued without a care, "Our families have been neighbors for years, and your grandmother is a good friend of Callie's mother. That's why—""Oh, what are you saying, Daddy?!" Callie cut him short, looking utterly embarrassed as if she wanted to hide right then. "It's your birthday. Why are
Upon hearing her offer, Liam shot a look at Callie and then at Chad.In the end, he decided against saying what was in his mind—he could afford Chad that much respect since it was his birthday.As he tapped his fingers on his champagne glass, his voice seemed to drown out the bustling banquet hall. "Thank you, Ms. Palmer, but my assistant will be coming by later."The invitation was as vague as the rejection, but they were all adult enough to catch the subtext.Chad tried to sit with them and endorse her daughter, but he was the main event, and someone came along to drag him off soon enough. The others around the table were all acquaintances of the Palmers and held seniority over Liam.However, seeing that the young ones were flirting, they were tactful enough to excuse themselves until it was just Liam and Callie left. The latter appeared bored and was playing with her food with her fork as she sneaked glances at Liam.It had been years since they met, but he was even more h
Liam laughed at Callie's words.It was not an icy laugh but an actual one. Even Callie was surprised he could laugh so tenderly because of what she said, and her pride suddenly did not matter just then—Liam was just so beautiful at that very moment.She could actually feel her cheeks burning, as it had been a while since she felt that embarrassed.However, she was not aware that Liam was not laughing because of her—he simply remembered Gwyneth, who was supposed to be his wife.And yet, why did he never hear her say such things to him? Now that he thought about Gwyneth, he had even less reason to stay—especially since he never had any intention of doing so.Finishing the remaining half glass of champagne, he rose to his feet, but Callie quickly caught him."Where are you going, Liam…" she murmured with a sinking feeling, as if she was in heaven one moment and had fallen into hell the next.She thought Liam cared enough about keeping up appearances to stay, but she was forced
Once Callie reached Elizabeth's apartment, she threw herself on the couch, almost on the verge of tears."What's this?" Elizabeth smiled. "Who hurt you?""Who else could?! Of course it's Liam!" Elizabeth's smile stiffened for a moment when Liam's name was mentioned, though she recovered in an instant. "What happened? How did he upset you?"Callie took a tissue from the table to wipe the tears in her eyes before turning toward Elizabeth and complaining about everything that happened at the banquet.It was obvious that her efforts to court Liam failed, and her affection in turn devolved into spite.Elizabeth was laughing in her head as she realized that, but she appeared to empathize with Callie as she sat beside her."Let me tell you a story, Ms. Palmer…"Callie looked at Elizabeth in curiosity, but stayed silent.Taking that as approval, Elizabeth told her about the fire incident—she had recounted it so many times by now she knew it backwards."I had permanent burn scars bec
Wesley nodded, and Gwyneth suddenly laughed.It was a beautiful look, but Wesley knew her well enough to tell that she was up to no good again.To no surprise, Gwyneth twirled the pen in her fingers pensively for a moment before saying, "Inform the gentleman that I'm interested in investing, but only if he would agree to my condition…"Wesley was sweating bullets from Gwyneth's smile—he could only hope that his boss did not go too far…"The said condition," Gwyneth then added, "is my participation in this program."Wesley heaved a sigh of relief, though he was not about to let down his guard just then."Yes, boss. I'll inform him right away," he said, and returned to the office to make the call."Of course! It would be our pleasure!"The man was all too happy to agree to it—who was he kidding?! Right now, no one was trending more than Gwyneth. If she took part in the variety show, the viewership would skyrocket!And with the agreement made, Hayden and Liam caught wind of it—th
Gwyneth was actually reluctant to cause issues—it would be ideal if the production crew did not film her at all.While she got her wish, Callie approached her within minutes. "Long time no see, Ms. Glen," Callie said with a voice completely different from her usual one. There were cameras, after all.Gwyneth ignored her and frowned as Callie called out to her again. "Ms. Glen…"Gwyneth opened her eyes while sighing inwardly—was it that hard for her to get some peace and quiet?"What is it?" she asked.Her cold demeanor left Callie gritting her teeth, but Callie was not about to show her true colors on camera. "Actually, I'm surprised that you would take part in this program, Ms. Glen… But a word of advice: know your place."To netizens who did not know the truth, Callie would actually seem kind since Gwyneth was not involved in showbiz—she might make mistakes since she would know how to handle herself in a variety show.However, Gwyneth knew all too well what Callie actual
After pressing the floor button and getting into the elevator, Gwyneth and Liam remained silent. They entered the room a short while later.When Gwyneth heard the door close, she turned around. She said, "I'm surprised that you would join the show. Since you're already here, let's do a good job together."Liam thought of something, but the fact that Gwyneth had more to say caught him off guard."After the show, we should part on good terms."'Part on good terms?'Liam's heart jerked violently. He was not happy to hear those words. He recalled that his wife had been distant from him lately, as opposed to when they had just returned from abroad. He felt as though a piece of his heart was missing and took a step forward involuntarily.He reached out to grab Gwyneth's wrist, but she took a step back, and her expression made it clear that she was irritated.She warned, "You shouldn't go too far, Mr. Luther."Liam creased his brows when he saw her actions and facial expressions. Fo