Agnes cleared her throat and continued, "I must say, after all these years, it seems highly improbable that anyone would return. But, one can never be entirely certain. Whether they choose to return or not is not our concern.""That residence has a rather unfortunate reputation. It's become renowned as a haunted mansion in Capeton. What kind of work have you undertaken there? Did you stumble into some scam?" Agnes asked in concern.Calista wasn't sure how much Agnes knew about her mother's death, but she decided to take a chance and continued, "Agnes, you know, my mom's passing wasn't just a random accident. Grandpa and I have been digging around for years, yet we haven't encountered any useful leads. Have you got any scoop on whether my mom had any tight buddies or pals?"Agnes returned to arranging flowers and replied, "Your mom was one of those workaholic types. She could hibernate at home for weeks, not bothering to chat with anyone or surf the web. Gossip and internet drama wer
Lucian stopped, a sense of frustration washed over him.He rested his chin on Calista's shoulder and spoke hoarsely, "You don't like it when I kiss you, huh? It makes sense. You're not into me. So why would you like it?"Calista had never seen Lucian in such a drunken state before.While there had been previous bouts of drunkenness, he would usually pass out completely, to the extent that not even an earthquake could wake him.She remained silent, and Lucian followed suit. Yet, the silence was short-lived.Suddenly, Lucian unbuttoned his shirt and said, "We skip the kisses then. How about we cut to the chase?"Even if Calista was slow to catch on, she understood Lucian's indication.She maintained a poker face and replied, "Sure, let's move things to bed. Standing around here feels awkward."Even in his drunken state, Lucian managed to navigate to the bed with surprising precision. He wrapped his arms around Calista, fearing she might run away.When they reached the bedside, L
Lucian wanted to say something but restrained himself. He pursed his lips, and the veins on his forehead bulged. After a while, he finally found a more refined way to express himself."Can you cut the guy some slack and take it easy on him?"He had completely forgotten the lectures he had given to the stuffed toy.Calista continued relentlessly, "Sexual desires are just basic physical needs, and you're telling me to be lenient about someone's shortcomings? Is it too much to ask for a healthy relationship? Also, tell your friend to move on sooner. Don't waste that poor girl's time."Lucian was left speechless at her reply.She added, "You might want to suggest therapy for him. If he's having trouble in the bedroom with his wife, it could be a sign to try something different.""You've read those cheesy novels, haven't you? The idea that men only get aroused by their one true love is a load of nonsense. Maybe he needs to spend more time with women and gain more bedroom experience, a
Calista was nearly as tall as Thomas, with a pair of heels adding an extra 2.5 inches to her stature. She exuded an air of poise and elegance that seemed to command the room."Hey, Mr. Jefferson. If you're so sure about it, why don't you spill the beans and tell us who you think I've supposedly slept with to get to where I am today?"Pretending to stay calm, Thomas asked, "What's your intention?""Very well. I intend to convene them here for a public confrontation with you. Regrettably, I lack influential connections among these higher-ups, so I may need to seek Mr. Beaumont's assistance," she explained.Given their busy schedules and critical responsibilities, getting those high-ranking officials to attend was highly unlikely. However, the mere thought of unsettling Thomas was worth it."We'll find out who can handle the embarrassment. Will it be you, Mr. Jefferson? Or me, the one you believe is only here because of connections?"Calista made a comment that chipped away at Thoma
Calista remained seated, undisturbed, while Yara sprang into action next to the table, forcibly turning someone to face her."Hector, you sneaky guy! Didn't we agree that I'd be the one to ask the question? You threw me under the bus there. Now Calista probably thinks we're in cahoots or something."Hector brushed off Yara's grip, pulled out the chair next to Calista, and sat down."I'm here to go after someone, and being here in person shows I mean business. Yara, you can take off now since you've brought me into the picture. Grab some food next door. My treat."Yara glared at him and retorted, "Why involve me in the first place? Why not ask her directly?""You see, showing up unexpectedly too often can irritate folks. Timing is key. Given that you've already set the stage, it made sense for me to step in," Hector replied."Do you ever wonder why passing love notes through messengers was a thing back in school instead of just asking someone out directly?" he continued."Why?" Y
Calista and Yara didn't hang out for long since Calista had a meeting to rush to. It was the end of the workday, and the office had mostly cleared out.Calista waited for the people to exit the elevator before stepping inside and pressing the floor button. Just as she did, the doors opened again. Lucian and David walked in.Calista stood with her hands folded, her eyes fixed on the elevator doors. Through the reflected doors, she noticed Lucian's attention remained fixed ahead instead of peering at her.Unable to resist, she made a disapproving sound and turned to Lucian."Lucian, did your company go broke or something? You seem to have all the time in the world chasing after your ex-wife, who wants nothing to do with you."David knew Lucian's disposition well. When someone else wrongly accused Lucian, he would readily defend himself.However, in the case of Calista unjustly blaming Lucian, he would keep his frustration to himself and vent it on David later."Madam Calista …" Da
"Nope. But we might arrive sooner, so you can return earlier, too," Paul answered.Paul was being thoughtful. He had a feeling that Calista might have some impending commitments when Shawn inquired about her schedule earlier."In that case, I'll head home and get my luggage ready."Calista initially planned to leave tonight, and now that her desire had been fulfilled, she agreed with Paul. He got up and took the car keys from the drawer."Yep, let's roll. I'll swing by your place, and we can catch our flight later. It's right on the way."As they left the premises together, Lucian concluded his meeting. Lucian's reputation had spread throughout the project department after the previous incident.A staff member wasted no time sharing the news when she spotted him."Mr. Baker and Calista are on their way to the airport."The staff had caught snippets of their conversation during Paul's earlier task handover to the deputy manager."The airport?" Lucian inquired, his eyes locked o
Paul immediately noticed something was wrong with Calista. He grabbed her hand just as she was about to run from him."What's wrong?" David was anxious as he saw Calista's gaze swept past them from a distance."It seems like Mrs. Northwood saw you." Their actions were considered stalking, weren't they? Lucian frowned."No, she wasn't looking at me." As soon as he finished his sentence, he saw Calista whipping her hand out of Paul's grip. She ran toward a place with fewer people. "Stop her," Lucian ordered David. Paul was stunned for a second, then he immediately went after her. But there were a lot of people on the streets. Calista disappeared from his sight as she blended into the crowd. Calista's gaze was fixated on the slender figure, who wasn't far away from her. She was of average height, around five feet four.She moved swiftly through the crowd, occasionally revealing the profile that Calista was so familiar with. The woman was dressed in a body-con dress, wit
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,