Nicholas was still chatting incessantly with Lucian beside, attempting to leave a good impression on his future boss. He hoped to secure a good position, preferably in management. Then, he could just sit in his office daily, enjoying air conditioning and afternoon tea while directing his subordinates to do the work. "I've been granted our school scholarships every year, and the teachers always praise me as ... " he spoke enthusiastically when suddenly he felt a sharp pain in his leg.Immediately after, he was pushed out of the elevator and collided with the man holding his sister's hand. Paul quickly released Calista and caught Nicholas. Nicholas realized what had happened and turned abruptly, swearing, "Who kicked me?" But apart from his parents, everyone else in the elevator looked indifferent. However, his parents seemed even more bewildered."Nicholas, why did you go out? Come back in. The elevator doors are about to close." Lucian directly reached out and pulled Calist
The cigarette in Lucian's hand had burned out.He casually put the cigarette butt into the ashtray and said, "I know." Calista looked at him with a smirk. Though she didn't expose him, her mocking tone was quite evident. The meal ended in this awkward atmosphere. Then, Philip invited them to his home. Calista declined, saying, "I've been on the road all day. I'd like to go back to the hotel first. I’ll visit after I've paid my respects to Grandfather tomorrow." Gloria couldn't let this golden opportunity slip away. Calista had given her a polite response, but she might not visit tomorrow at all.She would not be able to see Calista at all. Who knew if Calista would come again if she returned to Capeton? This matter concerned her son's future, and she needed to keep a close eye on it. She immediately took Calista by the arm, pulled her towards the car, and began to chastise her."We're family. How can you stay in a hotel when you’re here? Although our house isn't spacious
Lucian came out of the shower, and his face fell when he saw the person lying on the bed. "What are you doing here?" Paul, who was reading a high school chemistry book he had somehow found, didn't even raise his head at the question."She doesn't want to stay with you." "I don't want to stay with you either, so if you insist on being annoying here, just go sleep on the floor." Finally, Paul reluctantly shifted his gaze away from the book, glanced at Lucian, and then lay down before him, closed his eyes, and went to sleep. Lucian wasn't used to the bed, but he had some trouble sleeping tonight. He sat on the sofa on the balcony, quietly smoking and looking at the scenery outside. Although the winter here wasn’t as cold as Capeton, it was damp and cold, with a biting wind. The balcony and the bedroom were separated by sliding doors, which were closed.The warm air from the air conditioner couldn't reach the balcony, and the hand holding the cigarette had long lost its war
Calista gritted her teeth. She would tear him apart if she weren't so weak right now. Was he calling her a cow? The nurse wouldn't indulge her. It was frustrating enough that she had to pull an all-nighter in the emergency ward.Now, she had to cater to this unreasonable family. She wouldn't even tolerate it if some big shot had come and questioned her methods, let alone this stranger. "How would I know if she's experiencing stomach or abdomen pain if I don't put some pressure on it." Lucian fell silent at her words. The nurse handed him a number and said, "Go to room 7." Calista was relieved when she saw Lucian's defeated look. She was about to walk over alone, but Lucian had already bent down to pick her up. "You're glad, aren't you?" Calista didn't want to bother with his questions. She turned around and answered, "No." "Then wipe that smile off your face. It's ugly." Calista glared at him and snapped, "I won't do that! I also have a perfect row of teeth! Do you w
As time passed, the atmosphere gradually became tense. Calista looked at the two on edge and said, "Isn’t the bowl hot? Also, I have a stomach ache. I’m not missing an arm or a leg that I need someone to wait on me.” She glanced at the bowl and ordered, "Put it down." She was infuriated! Nicholas looked at Lucian suspiciously and then at Paul.As a man with fairly good taste, he couldn't understand why these two men, who were more than popular, were interested in Calista. She was a tough woman made of steel. It may be a matter of preference. Calista sent everyone away after asking the doctor when she could be discharged, including Lucian, who had kept her company all night. She shut her eyes again, but the ward was so noisy, filled with people talking, eating, and the occasional pacing of doctors, nurses, and visitors. All these noises kept her from sleeping, and trying to fall asleep, Calista sat up and slowly began to eat her soup. She had been in the hospital for
"If I can't be the one to call the shots here, let's consult Uncle Philip," Calista suggested, her eyes flashing with intensity.She looked over at Philip, who was plucking grass, clearly trying to downplay his involvement."Let's find out if he's okay with laying his dad to rest in a place as ominous as this." Philip couldn't keep up the pretense any longer."Calista, perhaps we should heed your aunt's advice. We found this location quite favorable..." Gloria chose not to pursue the matter any further. The current circumstances were in her favor. She knelt beside Calista, prepared to provide comfort. Suddenly, Gloria heard Calista whisper, "Grandfather, we should leave you here for a few more days. I'll arrange for a more suitable resting place for you." Gloria widened her eyes in disbelief."Wait, didn't you say Philip was calling the shots here? He told you to follow my lead, and we're not budging on moving the grave." Calista stood up and declared, "I said we'd consul
Gloria continued her furious ranting. Just a few days ago, she had been the kind elder who looked after Calista. But now, she had undergone a complete transformation. Philip noticed Lucian's intensely gloomy expression and broke into a cold sweat."Alright, let's not talk about it anymore."He nudged Gloria. "Why are you being such a pushover?"Gloria couldn't stand her husband's submissive attitude and angrily shook off his hand. "Consider it for a moment. How's your business been since we relocated your father’s grave here two years ago? Could you afford a Mercedes, or is a tractor within your budget?" Finally unleashing his anger, Lucian shot back."I can't speak to how your last two years have gone, but if you keep pushing my buttons, I can guarantee the rest of your life won't be a walk in the park." His statement sent shivers down everyone's spine, although his tone remained calm and composed. It immediately calmed Gloria's agitated emotions like a bucket of ice-col
Zachary's emotions were running extremely high. He glared at Calista angrily. Calista was taken aback by his reaction, but she remained calm and continued, "I was just asking. There's no need to get so worked up." Zachary furrowed his brows and asked, "Did Gloria say anything to you? You know what kind of person she is. She'd do anything for money." Calista nervously curled her fingers on the armrest of the couch."If that's the deal, hand me a few strands of your hair. I'll run a DNA test and shut those rumor-mongers up with the results." Zachary's body trembled with a whirlwind of emotions. His fists clenched as he battled to contain the overwhelming feelings."You trust your money-focused aunt more than you trust me?" he questioned with frustration. Calista didn't say a word, but her determination to get Zachary's hair was clear. After a tense standoff of about five minutes, Zachary couldn't endure the atmosphere any longer.He pointed to the door and sternly ordered, "
Fabian said, "Mr. Ackerman was taken away by the Office of Inspector General this morning. Madam Cameron and the Bark family are reportedly the ones responsible."The Carter Group hadn't broken any laws, nor had they been financially entangled with the Ackermans for over a decade. Still, the long-standing ties between the two families ran deep. If Victor Ackerman had skeletons in his closet, Cade would have a hard time avoiding the fallout.Cade propped his hand against his cheek. "What about my wife?""Madam Cameron…" Fabian had to steel himself to answer Cade. "Madam Cameron left the country. She applied for a long-term visa."Even with reporters hounding him, that sentence rang loud and clear in Cade's ears.A long silence stretched before he let out a quiet, bitter laugh.He had never realized how much Cameron had orchestrated behind his back. The Ackermans or the media could trip him up for now, but her betrayal cut deeper. Every move had been calculated.And the most absur
Cade crossed the room as Cameron, already seated, leaned her cheek against her hand, skimming the menu. "Want a drink?" she asked casually.His heart skipped a beat.Cameron's appearance radiated deliberate perfection. From her flawlessly styled hair and expertly applied makeup to her impeccable outfit and carefully chosen accessories, every detail was considered. Even her expensive "Allure" perfume hinted at a desire to captivate.A private dining room meant for couples with only spouses in each other's company…Given the setup, sharing a drink seemed like an implicit invitation.Cade pressed his lips into a line, trying to ignore the rising curve of a smile. "Sure," he replied, his tone deceptively even. "We'll start with two bottles of Magnolia's Pulpit," Cameron said.Cade choked on his water, coughing as he asked, "Seriously?"Who would start a date with such a strong distilled spirit? With two bottles, no less.Cameron propped up her chin and raised an eyebrow. "Is that
Cameron stared at her screen, where Gale had just sent a single word. "Ready." Her lips curled up involuntarily.Cade noticed the smile. He didn't know who she was messaging, but it irritated him for some reason. After a long pause, he exhaled slowly and asked, "What if the Ackermans refuse to settle?"Cameron didn't bother to answer. She knew Violet and Victor would soon be in hot water, so she hadn't considered the aftermath. However, to Cade, her silence only confirmed his assumptions—she was reckless, unprepared, and acting purely on emotion. He clenched his jaw and finally stopped holding his breath. Then, suddenly, he pulled the car over with a sharp twist of the wheel. "Did you think it through before turning yourself in? What if the psych evaluation comes back clean, and the Ackermans insist on pressing charges? What then? You hurt Mirabelle badly. You think you'll have it easy in prison with the way they dote on her?" In contrast to Cade's exasperation, Cameron remaine
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