"He's got no interest in you. Even if he does, he won't marry you either. No one in Capeton would dare marry a woman I divorced," Lucian said.Calista was livid. She turned and glared at him. "If you think this excuse would ruin your reputation, you can come up with something else! Something like your wife is disgusted every time she sees you and cannot get turned on, so your married life is unfulfilled!""Calista Everhart …" Lucian looked murderous as he gritted out her name.Worried that he might lose control of his temper and do something rash, Calista softened. "Whatever it is, we have to get divorced eventually. No other married couples are like us."The thought of the past three years of marriage made her upset. All of her smiles were returned with coldness. All of her home-cooked meals ended up in the trash without a second glance. All these grievances overwhelmed her.Lucian looked at Calista. Her eyes were red, but she had a look of stubborn determination on her.He swal
Calista was unbothered by Lucian's threat.She only knew that she would never share the same car as him, even if she had to return to Everglade Manor right now.She went there by cab. The two of them arrived at the same time.Calista ignored him. She snorted and entered the manor first.Sally was elated upon her return. "Madam, you're finally back! Mr. Northwood was upset these days because you weren't around. I didn't dare to make a noise when I was cleaning the house."On top of Calista's approachable demeanor, Sally was personally hired by Calista. She was comfortable with Calista around as she began grumbling, "It is common for couples to have disagreements. Mr. Northwood cares for you—"Calista didn't want to hear any good words about Lucian, so she questioned, "Sally, does your husband eat whatever you order?"Sally couldn't understand why Calista asked that. Sally answered honestly, "Yeah. He's not a picky eater. He eats whatever I buy and make."Calista changed her sh
The next day, Calista received a call from Lucian's lawyer early in the morning. They agreed to meet up at a café. She contacted Harvey just in case the situation put her at a disadvantage.Judging from how Lucian readily agreed to the divorce, she assumed things wouldn't go smoothly.When Calista arrived at the destination, Lucian's lawyer was already there. She recognized the person. It was Timothy Howard, the general counsel of Northwood Corporation. The cases he took involved a huge sum of claims. She had never heard that he would accept family law cases like divorce. However, she soon realized that it was not a small lawsuit case. The asset distribution alone was worth billions."Mr. Howard, what do you mean by this?"Timothy demonstrated his professionalism by being deliberate in his choice of words. "The debt Mr. Northwood cleared in your stead is considered your personal debts before marriage. According to the law, he has the right to claim his money back after divo
Calista was at a loss for words. She got angry upon hearing that. She terminated the call right away. To begin with, he was never one to speak nicely.Still, three million was a huge amount of money. How was she supposed to gather that much money within a short period?Vexed, she went to Yara's antique shop. The staff recognized her. "Ms. Everhart, Ms. Quinn is on the second floor.""Thanks."She found her way to the second floor when Yara led a client to the stairs. Yara was surprised to see Calista. "Why are you here at this hour?"Calista flopped onto the couch lifelessly, recounting the whole story.Yara was utterly dumbfounded. "How could he stoop this low? Is Northwood Corporation going bankrupt? Why is he setting you up for money?"Calista couldn't comprehend the reason for him to do that.Not only was Northwood Corporation doing fine, but its future was also promising.Yara asked, "So what's your plan?""What else can I do? I have to return the money."It was clear
After verifying that the painting was authentic, Calista carefully placed it in a box. Next, she gave Lily a contract to sign her name."Back then, that best art student could sell a painting for 30 thousand. Yet, she's working as someone's assistant, running errands right now. I wonder what it feels like." Lily wasn't over with the mockery.This matter was supposed to be a blot on Calista's life forever.However, Lily didn't notice any hint of anger on Calista's face other than indifference.The latter didn't utter a word as she hugged the box and left.She made sure her back was straight until she hopped into a cab. Only then could she relax like a deflated balloon.The painting was seriously damaged, so it was considered a huge project. Due to the tight timeline, she didn't have time to waste.She headed straight home as soon as she grabbed the painting.Her house was a two-bedroom apartment. One of the rooms was used as her workshop.She spread a masking paper across the w
Lucian was mentioning Paul again."This is between us. Could you not drag an unrelated person into the matter?" Calista retorted.Lucian countered, "You're the one to talk. You didn't have that self-consciousness when you mentioned Lily."Calista smiled mockingly. "Is she unrelated to this?"Lucian kept silent. But his gaze was clearly saying, "You're throwing a tantrum over nothing.""If so, why is she using your credit card and even flexing it in public? She spends so much of your money in one go."Lucian's credit card didn't have an upper limit. She wondered if being a mere friend could benefit from such perks.His brows creased as he said, "Who told you that?" "Your sweetheart, of course."The way she addressed Lily deepened the crease between his eyebrows.He pinched her chin and watched her as though she was an object. "How could an idiot like you survive this long?""Lucian Northwood, you—"Before Calista could argue further, the waiters began serving the food. She
Calista was slow to react because she'd had alcohol. It was not until Paul called Lucian's name that she recognized the mocking voice.She didn't know why Lucian would come back so suddenly.But there was one thing she knew—she didn't want Paul to know what Lucian was going to say next.Calista rose from her seat in reflex and came up to Lucian. Due to her hasty steps and grogginess, she accidentally fell into his arms.He didn't move, allowing her to bump into him. He wore a cold expression on his face. Calista's legs were wobbly, so she had to grab his arms to balance herself. She was a little regretful about drinking so much.She looked at him and said, "D-Don't say it." Grievance and cuteness unintentionally colored her tone.His jaw was tense. "Why? Are you afraid he will find out how you tried to drug him? You didn't want to ruin your innocent and perfect image in front of him, right?"Calista's brows furrowed, expressing displeasure. Yet, he took the expression as an
Lucian pursed his lips. The veins on his forehead pulsated visibly. He called out to her sternly. "Calista!"Calista froze. Her heart trembled when she saw Lucian's terrifying gaze. "Are you serious? Why the anger? I'm only joking."He clenched his teeth and said, "You're asking for trouble."No one spoke for the rest of the journey. The atmosphere in the car became heavy and tense. Jonathan was so intimidated. He slowed down the vehicle and navigated the road more cautiously.Calista leaned against the car window again. She stared blankly at the scenery at night.The car finally stopped at Everglade Manor. Calista looked at the familiar villa in an off-white color before her. She lethargically pushed open the car door. She had lived alongside Lucian within these walls for three years after marriage. It was also the very prison that had held her captive for three long years. She had hoped to be a loving couple with him in the past. But her heart was cold now. She only want
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,
Cameron replied, "Did I ever say that I was a good person?"She tilted her head slightly as she smiled. Her damp hair gathered to one side.From Cade's perspective, the first thing he noticed was her slender neck and collarbone, with large areas of her fair skin exposed, speckled with a few water droplets from her wet hair.He felt a searing, intense emotion rising in his chest. This was Cameron's room, so it was filled with her scent. Cade subconsciously clenched his fists.The effects of the alcohol finally hit him, overwhelming his senses and making his head feel heavy and muddled.Cameron pulled open the door and gestured in a "see-you-out" motion. "I'm not one to force myself to please others, so we can discuss about our relationship when you decide to get rid of Mirabelle."Cade responded, "Can't it be something else?""Like what?" Cameron's gaze lingered on him as if she was inspecting an item for sale. "Is there anything about you that could spark my interest?"Her wor