Cade was simply offering Lucian a solution. And now the latter decided to direct the problem back to him."What the fuck? This is a company phone. I run a film company. What's wrong with me having interviews with female artists?"Now, Cade wanted nothing more than to smash the phone into Lucian's face. Forget introducing him to someone. It'd be more appropriate to acquaint him with Bigfoot.It was already late at night by the time Lucian got to the hospital. The nurse helped look into Calista's ward number."It's past visiting hours, sir. Please come back tomorrow morning if you want to visit the patient. Otherwise, you would be disturbing the other patients in the ward."Just as she finished, he noticed someone leaving the ward. It was Hector fetching some water with a thermos in hand. Lucian frowned and pointed at the man."What is he doing here then?"The nurse, intimidated by his imposing presence, craned her neck in the direction he pointed at."He's a family member acting
There was a stormy look in Lucian's eyes as he stared at the pair."Keep your filthy paws to yourself."Hector retracted his hand from Calista's forehead and turned it over several times."You mean this?"He raised a brow at Lucian and stuck his hand back to her forehead in a provocative manner again. He also stroked her head.Calista didn't think a man soon to turn thirty would still be this childish. Before she could stop him, he had stroked her hair so vigorously that it resembled a nest."Do you know what a proper ex-husband should be doing? He should act dead. You, on the other hand, keep returning like a corpse that refuses to die while dragging others down with you."Just as Lucian was about to lift his covers and get out of bed, the nurse returned with a tray and handed him a thermometer."Take your temperature."Then, she turned to Paul, who was still seated on the stool, and said softly, "I'm sorry, sir. It's getting late. This hospital has a rule that states that fa
Lucian turned to look at Calista. But the woman only rolled her eyes and laid back down with her back to him.Lily was already sitting in the chair and waiting for him to ask her what was wrong. She was ready to put on the waterworks.However, the man never once looked her way. Forget her exhaustion badly masked by makeup. He likely wouldn't have noticed even if she walked in naked."Lucian."She couldn't help but raise her voice. In the past, she would've walked away and waited for the man to coddle her.But when Lily thought about everything that had happened between them, she realized the only time Lucian would cajole her was when Calista was around.Even then, it barely qualified as him cajoling her. He was simply responding to a request. And all she could ask for was money to satisfy her needs.Now, her only regret was leaving abroad to test the man to see if he had any semblance of affection for her and force a marriageWhen she thought about her purpose for coming today,
Calista turned to Lucian with a raised brow and smiled."Yes. I want a harem. But I'm not interested in men like you.""Like me? Elaborate."She began to count off her fingers."Sharp-tongued, arrogant, holds everyone in contempt, and has no respect for others. You think you're the best thing to grace the earth. You blame everything on everyone but yourself. You have no emotional intelligence to speak of. Every word that comes out of your mouth is unpleasant. You always act like you're owed billions. You're scum who won't shut up. Most importantly, you're like an unlucky charm …"Lucian wanted to see the lunar eclipse. But, it started to rain. While everyone made it down the mountain, they were the only ones trapped.The more Calista went on, the darker his face became. He didn't think Calista saw him in such a terrible light."Do I not have any good qualities?""You do," she admitted frankly. "You're handsome and well-built. You're rich too. But none of that offsets your short
"What is it?" Calista asked.As soon as the driver noticed her guarded posture, he realized he had frightened her with how sneaky he was acting.He immediately tried to explain himself, "Don't get me wrong, Miss. I'm not a bad person. I don't mean any harm. It's just that customer service gave me a call saying that Mr. Northwood had transferred 30 thousand dollars to me … No, it's for you. He wants me to drop you off at an electronics store so you can get yourself a new phone. The remaining amount would be converted to cash and given to you."Lucian had offered up 35 thousand dollars. The remaining five thousand was for the driver for his troubles.Wow, he was being given that much money for such a simple task. He wouldn't mind picking up such generous customers every day.Calista was rendered speechless. The only Northwood she knew was Lucian.The cab pulled up in front of an electronics store. Calista reached out to open the car door. Since he was offering her money on a silver
Lucian stared at the ten-dollar bill between Calista's delicate fingers and furrowed his brows."Calista, do you think I'm just a glorified delivery guy or something?"Calista paused briefly before responding, her remarks filled with heartfelt sincerity."No. Getting something so late would have cost much more. I'm not forking out extra for delivery. Think of it as a tip from me. It's my way of saying thanks for going the extra mile."Lucian would have preferred Calista's usual nonchalant behavior. Whenever she responded with such earnestness, it usually preceded a rejection.Just as he was about to interrupt, Calista continued, "Well, considering we were divorced and without kids, it's probably a good idea for us to keep some distance. It wouldn't be fair to us or our future partners if we kept getting in each other's way.""You've already caused me a lot of pain during our marriage, and I wouldn't want you to do the same to another woman in your next one," Calista said, her voi
With Berta's departure, the vast living room was now a solo stage for Calista.She glanced around, taking in Yara's warning about five visible surveillance cameras and the potential for hidden ones in uncharted territories. Who were they monitoring? Was it her?During Calista's first visit, Berta and the mysterious man had the manor entirely themselves. However, Berta had just disclosed that the unidentified man had left. So, who was on the upper floor?Calista felt her heart race amidst the eerie silence. Her heartbeats seemed to resonate uncomfortably close to her ears. Thump ... Thump …She pivoted and gracefully climbed the staircase, her steps nearly silent thanks to the plush carpet and the soft-soled disposable slippers on her feet.The study was on the second floor, yet there was no sign of anyone as she reached the corridor on this level. A faint, distant sound, too low to discern, seemed to originate from the third floor.Calista's hand rested on the granite handrail of
Calista's gaze traveled from Lucian's arm to his face, and she couldn't help but notice his thick, well-groomed hair, which seemed to be meticulously maintained.Lucian furrowed his brows, puzzled by the affectionate look in her eyes."Why are you staring at me like that?"Calista responded casually, "I think you look rather handsome."A mischievous idea of playfully cutting Lucian's hair crossed her mind. Lucian didn't pick up on the subtle undertone of her reply.He interpreted her remark as a compliment, and a faint smile appeared on his lips. Nevertheless, his smile faded as he considered that this might be the only redeeming quality Calista saw in him.Lucian asked, "Do you question it when I say it's always been you?"Calista paused briefly, then responded, "I suppose we were mere acquaintances before our marriage."That was a bit of an overstatement. Lucian and Calista were practically strangers. They didn't even exchange nods when they bumped into each other, especially
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,