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
The SUV let out a resounding roar as the door closed. They weren't going particularly fast because Calista had yet to fasten her seatbelt. But, the noise was enough to attract the attention of half the hotel.By the time Lucian reached the entrance, all he could see was the red glow of the tail lights flashing in the darkness.His gaze remained fixed in that direction. The look in his eyes was darker than the starless night sky. His lips were pressed into a thin line in displeasure.An injured Lily came outside with the assistance of a staff member."I'll go get a car, Ms. Scott. Please wait a moment.""Alright."She stood by Lucian. Due to the ache in her ankle, she had to lean against the doorframe to keep her balance.She had to change out of her high heels into disposable hotel slippers, making her swollen ankle look even worse.He turned his attention to her and parted his lips. Lily knew he had something to say when she sensed his gaze on her. She interrupted him."You s
Hector had looked into Lucian during the auction. There was not a peep about Calista's marriage to him. All he saw was rumors about him with another woman. To him, Lucian was not a good person!Moreover, the two of them were already getting a divorce. What he was doing was tantamount to stalking. With that thought in mind, Hector squared up.His stance was casual as he poked his tongue in his cheek. He looked doubtful."Can't you tell she doesn't want anything to do with you? You're oh so rich and noble. You're well-educated, aren't you? Take a hint, eh?"Lucian rolled his eyes with a brooding intensity."Who do you think you are to interfere in our affairs?"His deep voice enunciated every word. From how he presented himself, he looked like a gentleman in a suit and tie who could be taken out with one hand.But deep down, he gave off a feeling of violent aggression. Both were hot-blooded men who didn't tolerate blatant provocation.Neither of them seeing eye to eye only added
Lucian opened his eyes. The white wisps of smoke escaped from between his lips.None of the lights in the living room were on. The only source of light that illuminated the room was from the street lamps outside the massive windows.The already dim glow was further obscured by the smoke that lingered in the air, casting a hazy veil over his vision. He cleared his throat and hummed in response. David quickly sent him the manuscript after hanging up.The brightness of his phone was rather harsh under the dim lighting. But, Lucian wasn't in the mood to switch the lights on.He simply checked through what he'd been sent despite the manor being equipped with smart home technology. All he needed to do was use the smart app to switch it on.It was just as he expected. Calista had been caught confronting Lily. But, it only featured a photograph of her raising her hand. There was no follow-up.The article's text sympathized with Lily and insinuated that Calista was arrogant and overbearin
The bodyguards didn't even flinch in the face of her questioning. They remained cold and businesslike."We received orders to protect you."Protect her? Was Calista supposed to believe that Lucian was that kind-hearted?"I don't need anyone's protection. Go back to wherever you came from. Stop standing at my front door."She had barely finished speaking when she noticed her neighbors snooping on the commotion with their doors open.The bodyguards stood stiffly in place. They sounded as emotionless as a robot."Mr. Northwood says that he'll come here himself if you don't want us around.""Calista could barely believe her ears. Great! Her appetite for breakfast was gone in an instant! She slammed the door shut with a resounding bang. She pulled out her phone from her bag and gave Lucian a call. The moment the man picked up, she vented her overwhelming rage at him."Have your men leave this instant, Lucian!""They can protect you while you're there."The man had seemingly just
Hector had gone to the hospital to get his wounds treated after leaving last night. But, seeing the earnest look Calista was giving him, he shook his head."No.""Take off your mask. Let me see your injuries."He glanced around the bustling entrance of the apartment building."Here? Should we move elsewhere?"The two bodyguards behind her were Lucian's men. Having them bear witness to his injuries was the same as his rival seeing the extent of his injuries."It's not like I'm asking you to take off your clothes. Why are you fussing about taking this elsewhere? Should I book you a hotel room too?""Well, you could …"Calista couldn't be bothered with his nonsense. She immediately ripped his mask off. Hector reacted the moment she moved but lowered it.He was a rough man. He worried that he might accidentally hurt her hand if he failed to control his strength.With the mask off, the injuries on his face could finally be seen. They looked even more alarming than they had seemed
Lucian looked down to watch Calista. The woman was frowning. Despite being forced to lean in his embrace, her eyes were fixed on Hector. It looked to him like she was focused solely on the man across from her.His hand slid from her shoulder to her waist. He tightened his grip to forcefully direct her attention back to him. His eyes were dark."Let's go."Jonathan had already parked the car next to the pair. All they needed to do was reach for the door to get in."No …"Before she could refuse, Lucian forcefully led her into the car. Hector's expression darkened. He wanted to stop the man but was stopped by the two bodyguards.In a blink of an eye, Lucian had ushered Calista into the vehicle and locked the doors. The car whirred to life and sped away from the hospital.Jonathan wasn't the only person in the car. David was also there.Hector's voice could be heard through the roar of the engine and reached the two people in the backseat who wore vastly different expressions."L