Hector walked straight up to Calista and casually pulled down the sleeve she had rolled up."Aren't you cold with the air conditioning set so low?" he said.Despite the sunny weather, it was late April, and the temperature was cold. The air conditioning was running because of the crowded mall.Calista asked, "What brought you here?"Hector glanced at the composed Yara and replied, "Someone texted me, and I was in the area, so I decided to drop by."It wasn't purely a coincidence. Hector's family had been attempting to set him up with Ava. His mother had convinced him to meet her. Just as he did so, he received a message from Yara.Ava remained seated on the ground, her eyes fixed on Hector as he assisted Calista in adjusting her sleeve.Her frustration simmered just below the surface, stoked by Hector's evident disregard for her presence. With a somewhat pitiful tone, Ava raised her head and called out."Hector."Hector turned his head, his brow slightly furrowed."Why are yo
Lucian asked, "Did you block my number?"He had attempted to call Calista multiple times throughout the day at his workplace, only to hear the busy signal repeatedly. It eventually struck him that she had blocked his number.Calista unlocked the door using her fingerprint and entered her apartment.Lucian followed suit, a practice he had established during this period, using the pretense of taking care of her as his way into her apartment.While Lucian could only claim the couch for sleeping, it was a small victory that Calista no longer halted him at the entrance.If he could pass through the living room door, the bedroom door might be open for him soon. Suddenly, Calista reached out and stopped Lucian before he could step foot inside."I'm healed now. I don't need your help anymore."Lucian's gaze locked onto Calista's delicate arm. After a moment, a low, humorless chuckle escaped his lips.His eyes and furrowed brows betrayed no hint of amusement. Instead, they radiated an i
The next day, Calista went to the manor on the hill, with Liam following her.They had grown somewhat acquainted over the past few days, but their discussions revolved around subjects other than the mysterious man.Whenever the topic of Mr. Mysterious arose, Liam would fall silent, keeping his thoughts to himself. There was no prying any helpful information from him.Liam had received strict instructions that prevented him from venturing upstairs in the manor. He simply walked Calista to the foot of the staircase.Usually, Calista would have ascended without a second thought.But today, she clung to the stair railing and asked, "Liam, ain't you the least bit interested in what Sir looks like?"The portrait had been restored today, and Calista had arranged to meet Mr. Mysterious.Liam replied, "Curiosity killed the cat."Calista rolled her eyes in mock disdain and said, "You are no fun."After that, she made her way up the stairs. Over time, she had become well-acquainted with
Liam appeared more aloof in his role as Mr. Mysterious than when he acted as Calista's bodyguard. He exuded an air of superiority as he looked at Calista."Ms. Everhart, we have a business relationship. I saved you in Apthon because it was profitable for me. I've invested a lot of money in you, and I can't just let it go to waste," he said, removing his hat and tidying his messy hair.He continued, "It's none of your concern whether someone is on the third floor. If there is, they're under my employ. You, Ms. Everhart, are merely hired hands doing tasks for money. Do you believe you have the right to interrogate my people?"Calista furrowed her brow and retorted, "I just wanna get the lowdown on anything connected to my mom. That was the deal when I signed up."Calista wouldn't have taken this job if it weren't for the photos and the impression that they knew some insider information.Liam frowned and replied, "You haven't unearthed anything yet, and you nearly bit the dust in Apt
Lucian pursed his lips and fell silent. They finished their meal in a strangely quiet atmosphere.Calista got up to pay the bill, but Lucian grabbed her hand and stopped her."David has already taken care of it."Lucian hadn't thought about holding Calista's hand because he believed he didn't have the right to do so, and he expected that Calista would disapprove.However, now that he had done it, he had no intention of letting go."The weather is nice tonight. How about taking a stroll?" He suggested.Calista glanced up at the pitch-black sky, unable to discern what was nice about the weather. The weather felt chilly, with the wind blowing and the temperature dropping."I'll pass," she replied.Calista had a lot on her mind, and after a long day, she was too tired to stroll around. All she wanted was to go home, bathe, and relax by watching TV. As Calista was about to withdraw her hand from Lucian's grasp, she heard him ask, "Don't you want to know who attacked you in Apthon?"
Calista wasn't acquainted with the newcomers, but she had encountered them before. The person leading the way had a commanding presence that had made a lasting impression on Calista.On the other hand, Calista was more acquainted with the person at the back. After all, they had met just yesterday and exchanged a few words.It was Ava. Calista turned to the newcomer and adjusted her posture."Madam Calloway." She greeted Patricia.Hector's mother looked at Calista with a composed and polite smile devoid of warmth."I happened to be around today for some business and thought of inviting Ms. Everhart for a coffee. But now, I don't think it's necessary. Ms. Everhart and Mr. Northwood are quite an item, it seems. When your second wedding rolls around, you can count on the Calloway family to show up with some fancy gifts and give you our congrats," Patricia quipped.Clearly, Patricia was warning Calista to stay away from Hector.She smiled gently and continued, "My son, bless his hear
Lucian held onto Calista's hand. Their proximity allowed Calista to see her reflection in his eyes as she looked up. Lucian wore a light-colored, long-sleeved shirt and dark trousers.Half his clothing was soaked from the rain, and the downpour dampened his hair.Despite being thoroughly wet, he carried himself with an aura of grace and refinement, showing no signs of disarray. Lucian's chilly fingers delicately caressed Calista's knuckles, creating an intimate sensation.He spoke softly, "Callie, ever since we tied the knot, the Northwood family and I have been your support."The emotion that Calista had felt due to Lucian's actions earlier disappeared as he spoke.She smiled wryly and replied, "Absolutely. This level of support is massive, to the point where it's almost hidden. It's like having an enormous safety net no one else knows about. It's truly remarkable, isn't it?"No one except a few close friends knew she and Lucian were married. Lucian gazed at her infuriated expre
Lucian's hand rested on the towel, seemingly about to put on a show for her. Calista quickly averted her gaze as if the sight burnt her. She walked past Lucian and pushed him out of the bedroom."Almost time's up, just a few more minutes. Remember, lock the door when you leave, and take the towel with you," Calista commanded.Calista closed the bedroom door behind her and stepped into the bathroom.The steam filled the air, carrying the familiar aroma of her shower gel and a subtle trace of Lucian's cologne, the one he typically wore. It left her with an indescribable sense of mixed feelings.In theory, this should have been a completely routine situation after three years of marriage. However, for Calista, it felt like an entirely new experience.Back at Everglade Manor, each room had a private bathroom and communal facilities. Lucian often stayed out late, so when he did come home, it was typically well past the usual hours.Consequently, they had never encountered a scenario w
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