The blank space in Calista's mind was filled with certain imagery. It left her so exasperated she couldn't speak. Meanwhile, on the other end of the line, Lucian also kept silent.The atmosphere grew more ambiguous with the sound of their joined breaths. She could also make out his calm breathing picking up and growing heavier; it was sultry. Veins bulged on her forehead."Restrain yourself, Lucian. This is a phone call. Where is your mind wandering off to?"The man's voice had turned husky."I've been holding back for too long. I can't hold back …"Calista hung up the phone before he could finish. That scumbag had his head filled with indecent thoughts. If she allowed him to continue, what other vulgar words would he utter?She tossed her phone aside and tried to go back to sleep. But the moment her eyes fluttered shut, she found that Lucian's antics had all but gotten rid of her drowsiness.She switched on the lights and scrolled through her social media. She somehow ended up
All the inspecting officials' attention shifted to Augustus at Thomas's outburst.Caught in the spotlight, Augustus' expression changed. He shot Thomas a warning glance before forcing a smile."I understand your anxiety about what's going on with your family, Thomas. I've asked someone to look into it for you. Please wait for me in my office. We can discuss this later. The officials still have matters to attend to after their inspection."Thomas was certain that Augustus had noticed the look he threw Calista's way. The director was protecting that woman.Why was he shielding her? She was always the first one Augustus thought about when anything good happened. There must be some kind of sordid connection between them.In their field, it was always the experienced professionals mentoring the newcomers. Someone Calista's age, capable of hands-on work, was already an impressive feat.What qualifications did she have to be graded and involved in such important restoration projects? Th
Calista had grown cautious after she learned about Vivian's identity and personality. She had been prepared for unexpected circumstances.Although she couldn't be certain Vivian was gunning for her, a string of coincidences was not good news. It had originally been for emergencies. Calista didn't think it would come in handy quite so soon.Silence fell over the group. Others were throwing her odd looks. What kind of weirdo monitored themselves that way?Calista switched on the laptop she carried around with her. The diadem had been restored three days ago.It was supposed to have been submitted today. But the officials' impromptu inspections had delayed the handover.She threw up the surveillance footage that had been taken three days ago. It clearly showed her placing the restored diadem into a box and labeling it with her name.After that, she worked on restoring the tiara with several other conservators in a temporary work area. She didn't return to her workstation during that
Calista stood still. She didn't dare to push Lucian's hand away. She was worried that the loose towel he wrapped around his waist would fall once she struggled away from him. She was only 25, and the last thing she would crave was a man's naked body. Lucian was taller than she was. As they were in a very intimate position now, when he lowered his head, the water on his chin dripped on her. It's already May. She's not wearing a lot of clothes, and she could feel the wet clothes glued to her body. Calista hated this feeling.She said reproachfully, "David said you're dying and he can't come right now, so I came. Just in case you end up dead at home."She thought of the housekeeper who quit and remarked in disdain, "You're living in such a horrible place alone, like a lone ghost. If anything happened to you, no one would even know after your body decayed."Lucian smiled, and deep chuckles resonated from his chest as he saw how defiant she was."Was it David who was worried about
Calista was brought to the couch by Lucian."Sit still. I'll treat your wound." She was stunned. What she didn't expect was that he forced her here just to treat her wound. As she lifted her head, she met with his dark eyes, which were filled with traces of glee."You already knew I can't get hard. So what can I do to you?" Lucian kneeled on one leg as he took out a mini first-aid kit from the drawer beside him. "Were you bullied?" he asked, as he wiped the wound with a cotton swab dipped in medicine. Calista didn't regard herself as being bullied. Even if she was bullied, it was also because the bully was humiliated by her success.So be it getting knocked over by Thomas, or being suspected in front of so many people, she didn't have any reaction in particular. But now when Lucian asked her, she suddenly held her breath, her heart clenched tight uncontrollably. Her gaze was fixated on his heavy-lidded eyes and straight nose.After a few seconds, she shifted her gaze
Lucian asked with a drawl of someone who just woke up.Calista was startled by his voice. As she regained her senses, she turned and glanced around the room. The interior of the room was familiar to her.She sat up and glanced at her clothes quickly. She was still dressed in the same clothes as yesterday. It's just slightly wrinkled from a night's sleep."How did I—"Calista's words halted as she vaguely remembered falling asleep on the couch yesterday. "What time is it now?" She lifted the covers and then got off the bed. "Why didn't you wake me up?" "I did though."Calista paused as she was getting off the bed. She shot him a suspicious look. Lucian also sat up, exposing his upper body, which was sexy and well-built."You didn't even wake up despite me carrying you from that couch to the bed. Isn't it considered as you not waking up after I tried to wake you up?" He grabbed his watch on the bedside table and glanced at the time."It's eight o'clock now." Calista's ab
"So, you've been abroad before?" Calista asked.She had no idea. She wasn't close with Lucian before their marriage, and it was perfectly normal for them to not meet for at least a year. Lucian shoved the utensils into her hands and replied indifferently, "Yeah."Though he still looked composed, Calista thought he sounded a bit irritated. Feeling diffident, she hung her head low and began munching on a butter bun. She didn't get her hopes up high regarding the butter buns. They were produced frozen products, after all. But the moment she bit into it, the rich flavor exploded on her taste buds. This butter bun was clearly different from the ones she usually had. "Forsons Hotel had them delivered yesterday."Calista fell silent. No wonder it tasted delicious. Indeed, a mogul would certainly start off his day with a lavish breakfast.She finally mumbled after stuffing two buns into her mouth, "We weren't close back then, so it's normal that I didn't know that you've been abroad
It was Vivian who called. And her name saved on Calista's phone indicated their close relationship. Lucian narrowed his eyes slightly as he saw the caller ID, 'Vivi' flickering on the phone screen. Calista couldn't stand his intense glare. As soon as she intended to turn around and answer the call, he grabbed her before she could do so.He remained silent, but his actions screamed, "Answer the call right here.""Hello?"Vivian sounded genuinely worried from the other end of the call."Calista, I've heard that you encountered some trouble at the museum yesterday, right? Is Thomas Jefferson sick? Why did he pester you like a lunatic? Even if you messed up the restoration, he should've talked to you in private first."Given how introverted Calista usually was, she would've fallen for Vivian's seemingly sincere words if she hadn't investigated her beforehand. People tend to be more vulnerable when they feel like they've been wronged. In that state, a simple word of kindness or c
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,