Paul's shirt was partially undone in the bathtub. The thin fabric clung to his body after being soaked in water, revealing his toned chest muscles.He turned to face the door after being startled by the commotion. His gaze was calm and composed, and his disheveled appearance made him look a little sexy. Calista was held close to him in his arms, her face as pale as a ghost. It was hard to tell if it was due to the cold or if the effects of the drug hadn't worn off yet.Her eyes were glossed over, and her reactions were slower than usual. Lucian narrowed his eyes. His expression darkened as he walked over and lifted the woman, who was soaking in cold water, into his arms. Paul grabbed his hand."Can't you see that she's not in her right mind?""You wouldn't even have the chance to sit here and talk to me if I couldn't tell."Lucian's expression was frosty."Let go."He couldn't pull his hand away as he was holding Calista. Paul got out of the bathtub barefoot onto the dark
Lucian was so close to losing it. He almost reached out and touched her lady parts."Calista …"Calista's consciousness was receding like the tide at that moment. Her gaze was drawn to his thin lips, and all she could think about was kissing him. The woman frowned and muttered, "I don't feel so well, Paul … I feel sick."Her memory was still stuck on the moment when Paul lifted her from the bed and whispered in her ear, "Calista, it's me, Paul."For a brief moment, Lucian froze and felt a dull ache in his chest. His rationality and restraint went to hell in an instant, replaced by a strong desire to dominate and possess her.Then, a thought occurred to him—he would make her forget everyone else's names except his!Calista felt herself being lifted high into the air, and the sensation of weightlessness caused her fists to clench instinctively. Then, she landed on something soft. Lucian lowered his head and lit a cigarette while standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling windo
Lucian listened quietly until the man finished speaking.Then, he asked, "Who sent you?""I have no idea. The lighting was too dim at the time, and I had been drinking. All I remember is that she seemed to be wearing Luminary Lounge's uniform, but I couldn't make out her face." The man shook uncontrollably."I swear I wasn't lying, Mr. Northwood. This is all I know. I have nothing to do with everything else. I had no idea you were interested in the new hostess." "I'll send someone to look into this right away," the manager said before Lucian issued his order.Lucian looked at the man, who was begging for mercy on the ground, and said, "You guys should get out first. Close the door. Don't let his blood splatter on the ground outside."…Her mind was still in disarray when she awoke. Calisa took a look around the unfamiliar surroundings and realized she had no idea where she was.The sun had already risen outside. The room was brightly lit by the sun, and there was no hint of
She bit her lip, looked away, and pressed her hands against Lucian's chest, reluctantly saying, "I'm sorry, I was wrong about you last night." Then, she forcefully pushed him away. This caught Lucian off guard, and he fell off the bed.Calista couldn't focus on anything else and quickly scrambled out of bed, rushing naked into the bathroom. She glanced at herself in the mirror as she passed by the vanity. She had marks all over her body, from her neck to her collarbone and abdomen. Although she could not remember a thing, she had a vague idea of what happened by looking at her bruises. It wasn't until she was lying in the bathtub, enjoying the warm water, that she began to recall the events of last night. Last night, she had met up with her roommates from university. She hadn't left the private room since entering it.Nor did she eat or drink anything from outside, so she couldn’t figure out when she was drugged. Did someone put something in her drink? What happened to
Calista couldn't bother to look at him and said, "It's not the first time you took her side. I'm not surprised you'd do it again." Lucian looked at her and sneered coldly without another word. After knowing that Lily was behind what happened yesterday, Calista turned and walked away.Before she left, she asked the manager for footage of the surveillance cameras in the room and all the glasses and opened bottles. If Skye and Kay had been in the room the whole time, she could easily find out where she was drugged. The manager answered politely, "I can give you the footage. But Mr. Northwood had sent the glasses and opened bottles for analysis last night. I'll notify you immediately once the results are out."Calista frowned."Which test center?" Lucian broke his silence and asked, "What are you doing?" Calista didn't hide her intentions, knowing that he'd find out anyway, "I'll get a sample and have someone else verify it. I don't trust you." She showed no fear or hesitati
She wasn't surprised that there were hidden cameras around Luminary Lounge.But it was preposterous that Calista would take a video, where her face couldn't even be seen, as evidence. Seeing there was no substantial evidence, Lily regained her confidence."I know you resent me, Calista. But do you think you can accuse me with such doubtful proof?” She didn't feign concern to ask what had happened because it was clear from the video itself. It was true that Calista didn't have any solid evidence. She wasn't some superhero in some comic book. It was hard for her to find proof since the culprit was well-prepared.So, she pulled out the pill that Paul had given her, "Does this look familiar?" Lily retorted, "Are you going to accuse me of something again if I said it is? Most pills look alike; I took one for a cold just yesterday." "What was the pill you gave Paul last night?" "It’s just a cold pill. He said he had a headache, so I gave him one." They were at a standstill, an
Lucian’s face was darkened and his lips were pursed into a straight line. Calista glared at him for a moment. She was somewhat tired and blinked her sore eyes, intending to leave. But before she could take a step, he grabbed her hand."Paul was a gentleman for not taking advantage of someone in distress, and I didn't touch you either. Why haven't you mentioned it, huh?" His grip tightened, clearly infuriated."Have you already decided that I’m the bad guy no matter what?” Calista was a bit stunned. She hadn't expected Lucian to be angry about this matter. His relentless questioning left her mind blank.She blurted out, "Miss Scott was taken away five minutes ago." Weren't they discussing this? Lucian saw her looking at the door and sneered sarcastically, "Why are you so concerned? Do you plan to help her out?" He was the expert in playing the blame game. Calista rolled her eyes, "She's not just your ex-girlfriend. Her father died because of you. You’re the one who visi
Mr. Wilson was speechless. Lucian’s plan to win over his ex-wife might have been foiled. Calista was experienced and wise in her ways. Besides, she was still very wary and repulsed by Lucian. Mr. Wilson would eat his shoe if their relationship could reconcile. Calista had already entered the elevator and pressed the button for the seventh floor, but there was no response. She pressed it several more times, but still no reaction. Calista smirked and pressed all the other buttons, and they worked fine, indicating that only the seventh floor was closed off. She could easily guess why. Worried that she might misunderstand, Mr. Wilson quickly said, "Miss Calista, don't be mad. Mr. Northwood is on the first floor right now. He did this just because ... " To his credit, Mr. Wilson, being the manager of such a large club, knew how to handle women.Without wasting a breath, he immediately informed her of Lucian's whereabouts, fearing she'd jump to the conclusion that Lucian was in Li
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