Jacob keenly sensed that something was amiss between the two of them and asked, "Who is this, Claude?" Calista turned around and was about to speak when she heard Lucian behind her say, "I am her husband. It's raining, and I've come to pick her up." He even pulled her into his arms as he spoke. "Yes, he's my husband."Calista's expression froze, and she forced a smile, saying, "He's a bit shameless, Mr. Xanders. I hope you don’t mind." Jacob chuckled at her words. "Don't be annoyed. He's just concerned about you. This place is not easy to find." This street was filled with such ancient and picturesque buildings, and the restaurant he had chosen wasn't popular. It wasn’t located on a busy street, so it was hard to find. Looking at Claude's reaction, she didn’t expect him to be here. This meant she hadn’t shared her location with him. It was evident that he cared a lot about her. Calista could only nod in agreement. After sending off Jacob, she immediately put on an anno
Calista was caught off guard until she saw the flats in the box. Only then did she realize Lucian’s intentions. In just a few seconds, Lucian had grabbed hold of her ankle. His palms were warm, and Calista could feel the heat through the thin fabric. She pulled her foot back uncomfortably and whispered, "I can do it myself." This would usually make people swoon in TV shows, but it felt awkward in real life, especially with two strangers watching them. She wished she could dig a hole and hide inside right then! And judging by the envy in their eyes, they probably found this moment incredibly sweet! Calista refused to admit it was her problem. It must be Lucian. He was too flawed. This romantic gesture felt out of character for him, making her feel weird. His head was lowered, and Calista could see his long and dense eyelashes, as well as the contours of his nose and jawline. He tightened his grip as she struggled and furrowed his eyebrows."Don’t move," Lucian said with a
Calista had been eager to see how thick-skinned Zachary could be to make up tall tales that could be debunked at a moment's notice. But the waiter pushed open the door. All three people inside turned to look at her …She smiled as she walked in and took her seat beside Lucian. She would've preferred to sit elsewhere but it was the only empty seat available."What were you discussing?" she asked.Lucian smirked."We were discussing your close bond with your sister and how you've spoiled her." The man was aware of Calista's family's circumstances. He knew when her mother had passed away and when her stepmother came into the picture.He also knew when Zeke had punished Calista for Nikolette's sake, down to what day she failed to show up at school. He knew every detail.The woman looked up to see Zachary throwing her nervous looks. He looked ready to answer for her. "Yes, we do have quite the bond. After all, it's been so many years and she's still up and kicking," she said plac
Calista snapped back to her senses as he inched closer. She found her gaze fixed on the man's lips and unconsciously leaned back. But as soon as she moved, Lucian pulled her into his embrace."Ten minutes."There was no rhyme or reason to his words. And yet, she understood what he meant.The man's scent was familiar to her despite the lack of intimacy throughout their three years together. She had no choice but to lean against his chest and listen to the sound of his steady heartbeat.Apart from the thumping of his heart, the world was silent.At that moment, she found herself unable to push him away. Perhaps it was because of the exhaustion from the recent argument that she felt drained.She relaxed and allowed herself to lean fully against Lucian."He used to treat me like that too."It had been a long time since then. She needed time to recall the details carefully. Calista spoke slowly but Lucian didn't interrupt her. He didn't show a trace of impatience.If the executives
The attendees of the auction were all from the same social circle. They were people who met one another regularly.Upon hearing that, someone immediately chimed in, "Are you sure? How did you know?"The invitations were only presented at the entrance and Lily was just climbing up the steps."Her invitation fell to the floor when she got out of the car. I happened to see it and it looked like it said 'Northwood'."Northwood was not a common surname. It was also associated with someone of great influence and status. Who else could it be but Lucian Northwood?"They've both been on the news before. The dancer fell off the stage and was carried away by Mr. Northwood. Now she's attending the auction with his invitation. Something seems to be going on."The noblewoman who was chatting with Selena knew about Lucian's marriage and said with righteous indignation, "These people don't know anything at all. There they go running their mouths again. It's like they forgot all their morals back
Calista, who had wanted to play matchmaker, blinked in confusion. She stared wide-eyed at how calm Selena was with her blatant lies. How was she supposed to react? When on earth had she thrown up?And compared to Lily, who could barely catch her breath, she was well enough to knock out a cow! She didn't look ill at all.But, Calista's series of thoughts barely affected the media's focus. They had their cameras aimed at her. Among the paparazzi were well-informed individuals who had heard about the goings on.Only, they hadn't seen the two of them together or received any sort of official announcement. Thus, they remained uncertain of the news' authenticity.Now that Selena Jenkin, the mother-in-law, had confirmed it herself, there was no longer any doubt."Mrs. Northwood, are you aware that Ms. Scott is here at the auction with your husband's invitation?""Do you think Ms. Scott is aware of your marriage to Mr. Northwood?"A majority of the journalists crowded around Calista whe
Hector Calloway thought he had the wrong person at first. He shot Calista a casual glance when she first walked in. He couldn't be certain then. Now, he was sure it was her."I thought you looked familiar when you walked in. It is you."He sat down in the chair next to her with his legs spread out in front of him in a bold manner."Have you seen the catalog? Is there anything you like? I'll buy them for you."A catalog was placed on each seat. The booklet provided details about the items being auctioned for the day. Calista was just about to respond when Lucian spoke coldly. It was as if he were looking to pick a fight."I believe that isn't your seat, Mr. Calloway."It was only then that Hector noticed Lucian. He raised a brow."Who's this, Calista?"The two men locked eyes. One was arrogantly assertive while the other was cold and composed. There was a dark look in Lucian's eyes as he wrapped his arm around Calista's shoulder in a possessive manner."I'm her husband.""Husb
There was a striking look in the woman's eyes. The way she smiled provocatively resembled a sly fox.Lucian thought about what Calista had said before. It was about how she wasn't going to let him have it both ways. He frowned.In the time they were exchanging quips, the auctioneer had enthusiastically begun to announce the bids once more.Calista raised her bidding card once more, adding the minimum increment allowed. It was as if she were trying to tease a cat.Others who were interested in the bracelet could feel the growing tension in the air and stopped competing for it. It wasn't worth offending someone for a bracelet.The pale-faced Lily gritted her teeth. She could tell what Calista was up to and decided not to bid any further.In the end, it was Calista who got the bracelet. The auction continued, but she got up and left the venue.Calista was a conservator restorer and often worked with jewelry worn by ancient dignitaries and nobles. The craftsmanship was exquisite and
With Cade covering Cameron's mouth, there was no chance for her pointed words to offend anyone in the room. His palm was cool to the touch. It was a sensation she disliked. So, she couldn't help but tilt her head.When Cade noticed her movements, he gently stroked her cheek as if he were calming a child who was throwing a tantrum.Victor spent years in a position of authority, giving him an air of unspoken authority. His gaze hardened, and his lips pressed into a firm line as he watched Cade. "Cade, don't jeopardize the long-standing relationship between our families over a woman.""If that's how you see it." Cade glanced at the door. "Aren't you doing the same for a woman?"Victor snorted contemptuously. "How can a cheap girl who was merely adopted be worth anything compared to Mirabelle?""How is my daughter, a Yorksworth, worth any less than yours?" Blaire stood at the doorway as she took in the occupants of the home with her sharp gaze. She had been feeling restless ever sin
Mirabelle frowned. "Excuse me?"As soon as she finished speaking, Cameron walked up to her, grabbed her by her hair, and forcefully bent her over.Cameron held up the guest list Monica had sent her and shoved it in Mirabelle's face. "Call them. Tell them to be there by 3:00 p.m., or else…"She tightened her grip threateningly. "You can kiss this head of hair goodbye."Mirabelle pressed down on her scalp where it had been pulled, her voice distorted with pain when she spoke."Let go, Cameron! Are you out of your mind?""Didn't I tell you not to involve anyone else in our feud?""Can't take it anymore?"Mirabelle endured the pain of turning her head to flash a disdainful sneer at Cameron."This is just the appetizer. If you go against me, you'll eventually crawl out of Capeton with your tail between your legs. I'll call your business partner right now and pin the catastrophic failure of this event on you…"Seeing Mirabelle's condescending expression brought Cameron back to the
The kiss lifted the dark cloud that hung over Cade's mood over the past few days.The next day, as Fabian brought in documents for him to sign, Cade asked, "When is Cameron's show?"Fabian was taken aback for a split second but quickly replied. Fortunately, he was well-prepared and kept track of Cameron's events for the year in advance."Has the invitation been delivered?"Fabian swallowed, almost wanting to laugh to mock Cade. Given Cade's strained relationship with his wife, Cameron would sooner invite a dog than have him around. However, all Fabian could do was revel in Cade's misery in his mind while keeping a businesslike facade."It was probably already delivered. The front desk brought in a stack of mail yesterday. I haven't sorted it out yet."He had already sorted out the mail this morning. Everything had gone straight to the trash."Clear my schedule for the day. Make reservations at a restaurant for a celebratory dinner.""Yes, sir."On the day of the show, Monica
That was obviously an excuse to get Cade out of the picture. Knowing what Mirabelle had done to Cameron in the past, leaving the two of them alone was out of the question. Besides, it wasn't convenient for him to move the car, so he refused without a second thought."Get the attendant—"However, Cameron cut him off before he could finish."Ms. Ackerman is a guest. You should fulfill her requests if she has any."Cade cast her a cold glance. "Shut up." Why should he dance to Mirabelle's tune?Cameron stared at him. "Run along."He gritted his teeth as rage crossed his face. After a brief pause, he sneered and turned to leave. As soon as the door shut behind him, Mirabelle's calm expression slipped. "Did you make me come here just to show off how much you two love each other?""You call that love? I think we have different definitions of what 'love' is then. He's nothing more than…" Cameron's fingers lightly traced the cup's rim as she smirked and said, "A lap dog.""You fu
Cameron crossed her arms over her chest and gave the bouquet in Cade's hands a nonchalant glance."What are you trying to pull, Mr. Carter?""Fabian said it was Women's Day today.""So what?"There was silence all around. The sound of soothing music could be heard through the door. Cade was silent for a while. "We're not getting a divorce, Cameron."It was the same old topic that Cameron had grown too weary of. She turned around and felt for the cigarette box on the table. There was already a layer of cigarette butts in the ashtray next to it. Judging by the color of the lipstick marks, more than half of them were hers.Cade frowned. He clearly disapproved of her smoking but kept himself from stopping her.Smoke curled from between her lips. The flickering embers of the cigarette reflected in her eyes, softening her indifferent gaze. Through the thin haze, Cameron's lips curled into a wide, unrestrained smile. Every time she smiled in this way, it always filled Cade with a
Cade began unbuckling his belt as he spoke. When it came to this sort of thing, men often had a strong sense of competition, especially in the presence of a woman they were interested in."Such a dark atmosphere isn't right for our situation."Cameron didn't like him to begin. In such a dark atmosphere, there was no telling what kind of grotesque creature she might imagine him to be. It would be strange if she felt attraction for him.She leveled a steady stare at him. Cade's shirt was half undone, showing his tense muscles underneath. Under the influence of alcohol, his skin took on a faint reddish hue. There was a heart-pounding tension in the air as if something was about to ignite. Occasionally, his slightly heavy breaths could be heard."You haven't been working out recently, have you?" Cameron asked.Cade was confused.Cameron pressed her hand against his chest, right below his ribs, and gave it a little push. After a moment, she commented, "Your muscles are a little soft
Cade tossed his phone onto the table in frustration when he saw who entered. He pressed his hand against his brow."Leave. You should see Diane for a work uniform.""Are you feeling unwell, Mr. Carter?" Rosalia approached the desk with a glass of milk in hand. "I learned how to give massages. Why don't I…" "Get out."Cade abruptly got to his feet and avoided Rosalia's outstretched hand, causing the milk to spill all over him. He glanced down at his now-stained shirt with a dark expression and pressed his lips tightly together. After a long pause, he asked through clenched teeth, "Did my wife ask you to send this up?" Every syllable was pronounced with the gnashing of teeth.Rosalia froze under his piercing gaze."It really was Mrs. Carter who asked me to bring it to you, sir," she stammered."Leave. From now on, you will not enter my study unless you have permission."Rosalia had come to work as a housekeeper to land herself a wealthy husband. She had even bribed the manager
On the next day, Cameron was discussing the fashion show with Monica when she suddenly heard a familiar voice from behind. "Cammie…" It was Blaire.Although Monica didn't fully know about Cameron's past, she didn't like Blaire at all. What kind of mother wouldn't protect their own child, after all?However, it wasn't appropriate for her to intervene as much even though she was Cameron's close friend. After all, it was Cameron's family matter.Monica stood up with her notebook in hand and said, "Well, I just remembered that there's still a few more invitations to send, so I'll go and take care of that. Let's discuss more about the fashion show later."After saying that, she glanced at Blaire and left without even greeting her.Cameron got up and nodded at Blaire. "Is something the matter?"She thought that her distant attitude last night had made it clear enough that she didn't want any more involvement with the Yorksworth family. She didn't expect that Blaire would come and loo
Cameron pushed the door open. She looked tired as she laid down her bag. As she changed her shoes, she caught sight of the food on the dining table out of the corner of her eye."Diane, didn't I tell you I wasn't coming back for dinner? Why did you make so much food?"Diane glanced upstairs. "It's for Mr. Carter. He hasn't eaten yet."The moment Cade was mentioned, Cameron dropped the topic. She rubbed her sore shoulder as she headed upstairs. "I see.""Madam…" Diane called out hesitantly, looking troubled. "Mr. Carter asked you to call him down for dinner when you got home.""Me? Call him down for dinner?" Cameron stopped in her tracks and turned around in confusion. "Why?""Mr. Carter seems to be upset. Did you two have another fight?""So If he's in a bad mood, I'm supposed to go upstairs and invite him down to eat? Should I also say 'Your meal is ready, my liege!' while I'm at it?" Cameron scoffed. Her sarcastic smirk quickly faded. "He can eat if he wants. If he doesn't,