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
Lucian's mocking of Ava caused Ava to spend the night angry and cursing Calista. When she heard someone knocking at the door early in the morning, Ava went to answer it without much thought.To her surprise, Hector, the man Ava had longed to see, was standing outside.She instinctively raised her hand to cover her bare face and exclaimed, "Hector? Can you wait a moment? I'll wash my face and be right with you."Just as Ava was about to dash back to her room for a quick touch-up, Hector stopped her with a firm tone."Hold on there, Ms. Moore. You bloody. I'll keep it brief. No need to fuss about looking your best."His harsh remarks took Ava aback."Hector, what did you just call me?"Ava was shocked, never expecting to hear such a derogatory and hurtful term from the man she had feelings for.With a blank expression, Hector offered a sincere apology, "My bad, I didn't mean that."Tears welled in Ava's eyes as she turned her face to show Hector her most appealing angle.Hector
As Lucian's tone slowed, the gentlemanly and dignified way he held himself as a scion became more obvious. He also carried himself with some nonchalance."Or, would you like to leave on foot with two cars following behind you?"Calista held her breath and shot him a glare."Are you crazy? Do you want to give me a lift that badly?"The man gave her a mirthless smirk."That's not necessarily the case."Alright, she knew what was going on. The two men had been competing in secret. And, she was being used as a bargaining chip."I drove here. I don't …" she started.Calista didn't need Lucian's help. They were free to follow her if they wanted.Her mother's murderer was a member of the Jacquez family from Apthon. She had already butted heads with a giant. Why would she be afraid of a human?However, before she could finish, David, who had appeared out of nowhere, cut her off."Allow me to help drive your car back for you, Madam Calista."Calista was rendered speechless. The enra
If it were anyone else, David wouldn't have called to disrupt Lucian's date with Calista.But Lucian had been concerning himself with the Jacquez family's affair lately. Even the recent collaboration was facilitated by him relaxing the requirements.Lucian frowned before calmly speaking, "Where are they now?""They've just arrived at the airport. I sent a chauffeur to give them a lift …""Good. Have a reservation for a restaurant made and send me the address."After hanging up the phone, he turned to Calista with eyes tinged with regret."I'm afraid we won't have time for dinner today. Do you want to head up to take a look at the property? If you don't like it, I'll take you somewhere else next time.""No thanks."At the end of the day, the property would belong to Lucian. It didn't matter whether she liked it or not."You seem busy. I'll just hail a ride."Calista had only taken one step out of the car. But Lucian stood close with no intention of letting her out. She couldn'
"I heard that Lucian has been getting a little chummy with another woman recently. It seems like they're planning to get engaged."Yara kept her gaze fixed on Calista as she spoke to observe how her friend would react."But those are just rumors I heard. I don't have all the details. You should go ask him yourself if you want to know. No one except the people involved would know what's going on."Truth be told, Yara hadn't only heard about it; she had also seen Lucian with that woman. However, they didn't appear to be intimate at the time. So, she didn't think too much of it.But in the last two days, news of Lucian's impending union had spread like wildfire in the community. They had kept such a high profile that everyone knew about it.Yara didn't want to see Calista being deceived. After all, that man had acted as if he wouldn't marry anyone else but her a mere week ago.Very few women could resist the charms of a man as outstanding as Lucian even if he were known to be a play
Calista got to her feet after she finished speaking and left without waiting for Teresa to respond.As for Lucian, apart from the fleeting glance at the beginning, she never spared him another look. She acted as if he didn't exist.When she mentioned the word "boyfriend", his eyes narrowed. A dark look flashed in his eyes. He quickly got up and chased after her.Despite not having legs as long as his, she was fast. By the time Lucian got outside, Calista was nowhere to be found. A cold expression graced his features as he made his way to the stairs.Only Teresa was left in the private room. She had long since dismissed the tea sommelier and waiter.She looked at the empty doorway and picked up Lucian's teacup; only a small sip had been taken from it. She downed the tea from it with a single gulp.Lucian intercepted Calista at a corner in between the first and second floors. He grabbed her hand and pulled her into his embrace."What nonsense are you going on about? Open your eyes