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
The following day, Calista had just finished her lunch at Justa when Jacob approached her."Claude, want to grab a coffee? Someone's interested in meeting you." Jacob didn't provide details, but Calista had a hunch as they drove onto the familiar road. As she entered the private room, Calista was not surprised to see the man who often appeared on television and in various interviews."Mr. Beaumont," she greeted. It was none other than Augustus Beaumont, the Director of the country's most prestigious museum. Augustus looked at Calista and responded kindly, "You appear even younger and more beautiful in person than on television. I feel content seeing young talents like you in this field." Calista replied, "Mr. Beaumont, you're too kind. I still have much to learn from you. My grandfather told me I should grab any chance to see the artifacts you've restored. It's the only way to truly grasp the heights of this profession." Augustus chuckled and humbly responded, "Well, it's q
Calista hurriedly walked out of the cafe with her belongings. Lucian stopped her."Where are you going? I'll give you a ride." Calista cast a contemptuous glance at Lucian and then shifted her gaze to Lily."You're quite a piece of work. You haven't even settled things with her, and you already have a backup plan." Calista spotted Charlotte standing next to Lucian's car and eavesdropped on his conversation with Lily.She couldn't help but relate to her former self, much like the current Lily, yearning for Lucian's affection. Lucian furrowed his brows and retorted, "Charlotte's just helping her dad with a project proposal. She's not my new romantic interest. I'm not into her." Lucian's expression softened and continued, "If you care about her ..." Suddenly, Calista interrupted, "I don't care. There's nothing to do with me, and please don't add to my regrets about marrying you." Calista's response provoked Lucian, causing him to release his tightly clenched hand slowly.
Calista didn't reply to Paul's last message, and he didn't send another message to her either. He was waiting for her response. Paul rarely acted so stubbornly. He used to think he would wait until Calista was on board in the CrossTime project's design and then take things slowly.However, his recent strong intuition was pushing him, telling him that if he let things continue, he would miss out on her again. Finally, Calista responded, "We can have dinner another time." After sending her reply, Calista stared into the space in front of her for a moment before tidying up her things. On the other hand, Hector drove back home after leaving Justa. The call had come from Hazel, who informed him that their mother, Patricia Calloway, had somehow learned about his affection for a married woman.Patricia was now furious at home and had become emotionally unhinged. Hector advised Hazel over the phone, "Don't spread rumors in front of Mom. Wait until I get back, and we'll talk." Hec
Calista didn't stay put for long before the manager of the Luminary Lounge rushed out to meet her, his expression urgent. "Mrs. Northwood, please come with me quickly. Mr. Northwood is in critical condition." She was puzzled and instinctively asked, "Is he dying?" The manager was left speechless. It wasn't until she entered the private room that she understood the manager's urgency. Lucian was sprawled across a table littered with empty liquor bottles, and alcohol had spilled all over the table. He showed no sign of disgust despite the mess. His coat was tossed on the sofa, leaving him with just a shirt. The shirt's sleeves were carelessly rolled up to his elbows, and several buttons on the collar had come undone, exposing a large expanse of his chest. Lucian held a glass with a blank expression, his gaze dazed. The last vestiges of his sobriety kept him from succumbing to a drunken slumber. Calista rarely drank so she couldn't discern anything wrong with Lucian's conditi