Calista didn't alight from the car, and Lucian didn't force her to. However, he was already exerting pressure on her by refusing to budge from his place at the door.The pair were left in a stalemate. It was much colder in the mountains than in the city. The wind whipping around them felt akin to a knife cutting against the skin.In the end, it was the sudden ring of a cell phone that broke the silence. It was Calista's phone.The name flashing on display was "Paul Baker". The letters seared themselves into Lucian's eyes. The man's casual expression turned grim. She picked up the phone."Did you need something, Paul?"She sounded far less lifeless than she did when speaking to Lucian."A friend of mine gave me a bunch of fireworks. I wanted to ask if you'd be interested in them. We can go somewhere to set them off."In truth, Paul had gone out of his way to buy the fireworks. He knew Calista was alone in Capeton and recently had a falling out with her uncle's family before the N
Lucian put his phone away and refused to spare Calista another glance. He simply turned and got back into the car.She lagged slightly behind when the man impatiently said, "What? Do I need to open the door for you?"Despite his harsh tone, there wasn't much anger to be heard. It sounded more like he was venting his frustrations after having been wronged.Calista violently smacked her forehead with a resounding crack. Her skin immediately reddened from the impact. It was clear how harshly she had hit herself from the sound alone.Sure enough, the weather had been so cold that it froze her perceptiveness. Why else would she think that Lucian would feel wronged? She would sooner believe that spirits walked the earth.She opened the car door and got in. She couldn't help but rub her sore neck when her gaze landed on the console between the driver and passenger seats.Had she gotten into such an uncomfortable position on her own? Lucian noticed her gaze."If I had known you'd be thi
It had been six days past the New Year. Everyone had spent more than enough time with friends and family.It was going to be all hands on deck starting tomorrow. Jacob had organized a team-building exercise for the staff at the workshop that would take place at a golf course.They had originally planned on going mountain climbing. But after days of snow, the roads had become slippery. There were also a few workshop staff that were getting on in years.It led to a unanimous decision to switch to golf, a less intense sport. Those who didn't enjoy playing golf could go on a leisurely walk. Calista hadn't expected to run into Paul and Cade there.Both men were dressed in sportswear and seemed to have only just left the golf course. Sweat still beaded their foreheads. Paul noticed her first."What a coincidence, Calista. Here to golf?""The workshop is having a team-building event," she replied.Paul figured she had just arrived due to how neat she appeared. He jerked his chin to ges
"They want me as a designer for the CrossTime project and are offering 200 thousand dollars in design fees. I don't have to be on shift. Meetings will be conducted at my own time. They're also offering an advance on my paycheck."Yara choked.Once she recovered, she said, "Are you an idiot? That's such a good job opportunity. Why are you even thinking about it? Say yes! What boss is that amazingly generous ….? CrossTime project. CrossTime project," she muttered to herself twice.Then, she shot Calista a teasing look and winked."Isn't that the project the Bakers are working on? Did Paul come to see you?""Is the design fee that high?"Calista wasn't familiar with that particular sector. If the offer was unreasonably high, she wouldn't take the job. Despite her financial slump, that wasn't the way she wanted to earn money."It's alright. Nothing outrageous given your worth. Once the show gets broadcast and gets good ratings, you'll be a celebrity. Your presence could boost the pr
Zachary's breaths grew heavy."What is all this about a DNA test, Calista? You would rather trust a stupid machine than your father?"Calista held the brown paper envelope up to the lights overhead to try to make out its contents."Do you think I have a stepfather because I have a stepmother? Or, have I always had a stepfather?"He sucked in a breath."I know your aunt hasn't been treating you well, and your relationship with Nikolette isn't the best either. You have reason to resent me. But, to doubt that you aren't my daughter because of this …""I thought so too. That's why I decided to go on with the test. You called just in time. Let me read you the results.""Calista!" Zachary shouted to stop her.With how loud he got, his voice shifted in tone.There was a resounding rip. Calista had torn open the envelope to make sure he could hear her. She skimmed over a major chunk of unintelligible text and fixed her gaze on the test results."The test results state that the probab
Charlotte pouted. She didn't know how to respond. What she had done was impulsive. In hindsight, it was terrifying to think about.She cautiously turned to glance at Lucian. The longer she stared at him, the more delighted she felt. No one dared to save her then. Only he had jumped in. It was simply fate.The girl's infatuation was clear for all to see. Calista noticed, calmly retracted her gaze, and got back to placing her order.Seeing that Calista had only briefly paused when she noticed Lucian before resuming as usual, Paul didn't bother to ask if she wanted a change of tables."When are you planning to move your grandfather's grave, Calista? My grandfather knows a skilled fortune teller. If you need help, I can get the fortune teller to make a trip to Fort City. Or, we can have him moved here in Capeton. It'll be closer and you can visit him anytime you like."She didn't mention that grandfather's remains had already been moved by a certain someone with no sense of shame."
Lucian's remark brought a sudden hush, and an awkward silence settled over the table. Ironically, Lucian, the instigator of this awkward moment, seemed utterly unaware of the tension in the air. He maintained his composure and continued sipping his red wine with elegance. Finally, Calista's meal arrived.A handsome young waiter in a suit with a bowtie placed a delicately presented steak in front of her, his long and well-proportioned fingers gracefully leaving the edge of the plate. "You have beautiful hands," Calista complimented the waiter. His hands were model-worthy. Just yesterday, Lucas posted on his social media that he was looking for a stand-in male hand model. Calista wondered if this waiter might be a good fit. The waiter blushed, taken aback by the compliment.While it wasn't the first time someone had complimented his hands, it was the first time a customer had done so in person, especially coming from such an attractive young lady. "Thank you," he replied.
Calista grinned as she looked at the highly emotional Lucian and spoke mockingly, "Mr. Northwood, how can I repay the three million dollars if I'm not making money?" Lucian was surprised."I never asked you to repay." He had initially suggested that Calista repay the money to dissuade her from going through with the divorce. However, he didn't bring it up again once she was determined to divorce. Furthermore, the new divorce agreement he prepared didn't include that provision. Calista had rushed to sign the divorce documents without reading them carefully. Somewhat unexpectedly, Calista paused momentarily before speaking, "It's better to clarify. That money was originally agreed upon as a loan." "So, have you decided to work at Paul's company?" Lucian asked. "Yes," Calista replied. Lucian looked at her and chuckled softly, "Is it for the money or him?" Calista was annoyed. She snatched the contract from his hand before Lucian could mock her. "What does it have to do
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,