Lucian's expression remained unreadable. Evidence of cheating? Hah, such audacious thoughts! "I was just waiting here for Ms. Scott. I never intended to harm her ..." "Did you capture anything?" "No, Mrs. Northwood wanted bed photos. She said she wanted to destroy your reputation and planned to share the pictures online to ruin Ms. Scott." Lucian remained calm. But his anger started to show. The commotion attracted hotel security. When they arrived, Lucian had already released the man from his grip. "Take this person to the police station," he instructed. The security team promptly escorted the man away. Lucian called David and explained what had happened. He then instructed David to handle the situation.He turned to Lily and said, "The stalker was arrested. You can relax now." Lily raised her chin. She was not ready to let it go. "So, what about Calista? She sent someone to stalk me. She even attempted to take private photos of me and shared them online. That's illega
Inside the police station, four people sat across from each other at a long desk. The head officer was recording statements. He asked, "Who started the physical fight?"They had already reviewed the surveillance footage. The interview was merely part of the standard investigation procedure.All of them were visibly injured, especially Lily. Her cheeks were covered in red handprints, and her hair was messy. People wouldn't think she was an international ballerina if they hadn't checked her ID.Queenie pointed at Yara, who still looked messy from the fight. "She's the one who pushed Lily first, officer. People like her should be behind bars for a decade or even two. Who knows when they might snap again if allowed to roam freely!"Yara retorted with her head held high. "I'm simply eliminating a troublemaker from society. In ancient times, someone as shameless as her would face severe consequences!""Shameless?"Lily glanced at Calista skeptically, who hadn't sustained significant in
As night fell, Calista grabbed a taxi to Everglade Manor. She had thought of discussing matters with Lucian over the phone. However, he hadn't been answering her calls for some reason.She wasn't sure if Lucian would be in Everglade Manor. He had rarely been there in recent years. Despite three years of marriage, she never fit into his social circle. She had no choice but to wait, hoping he would eventually be there.Upon arrival, Calista looked at the villa. It was enveloped in darkness. She hesitated for a moment before deciding to go inside.She opened the door and flicked the light switch on the wall. The living room instantly flooded with bright light. And there Lucian was, relaxing on the couch with his head tilted back.Lucian furrowed his brows and raised a hand to shield his eyes. His tone was irritable as he ordered, "Turn off the lights."Calista hadn't expected him to be here. After all, Lily had gone through such a distressing experience today. Calista was prepared to
Lucian was irritated by Calista's current cold expression. She was truly daring to threaten him like this.Without waiting for his response, she turned and walked away.At the self-checkout counter, Calista leaned over the cart to organize them on the counter. Lucian stood to the side with his arms crossed. He didn't look like he was going to help her at all.Calista ignored him. She didn't need his help to scan the products. It was only during payment that she glanced at him sideways. She noticed his gaze was on nearby displayed condoms.Her tone was frosty as she spat, "Pervert."Lucian hadn't been thinking about condoms, or at least not just then. His glance had simply landed on them on the shelf."Pervert?" Lucian scoffed. He studied her expression before continuing, "If showing an interest in these qualifies me as a pervert, then aren't you the bigger pervert? All I did was look at them. But you bought multiple boxes to keep at home."Lucian's words were enough to garner th
Lucian frowned. "You're overthinking it. There's a crucial upcoming project at Northwood Corporations. "The person in charge thinks highly of those with happy and harmonious families. So, if we divorce now, it might take me longer to secure the collaboration."Calista had only asked him to provoke him. Yet, his indifferent reply still stirred her heart."We got married in secret. Not many people know that we're married," Calista argued."Yes, but some people are aware. If the truth about us reaches the person in charge, then it wouldn't be worth it for me to divorce you."As Lucian explained this to Calista, he carried her to the second floor. From her vantage point, she could only see the sharp line of his jaw. It was reminiscent of when she was in bed with him at the hotel. He appeared just as cold, arrogant, and domineering.He brought her to the room, and an all too familiar sight greeted her. To everyone else, Everglade Manor was elusive and grand. But to Calista, this wa
Calista waited for a reply but didn't get one. She glanced at her unfinished work on the table and snapped, "Well? If you're not going to speak, I'll hang up."Lucian had been considering explaining his mistaken call, but her impatience irritated him. So, he changed his mind and stated, "Pick me up at the Luminary Lounge."Calista frowned before replying, "Are you insane? You want me to pick you up?"She had done it before when she was his assistant, picking him up after he got very drunk. She called him then to ask him when he was going home.That day, David was the one who picked up the phone. He also knew about her relationship with Lucian, so he told her that he was drunk and even asked her to pick him up.Back then, Lucian used to be constantly annoyed with her. So, when he saw her coming to pick him up, he lost his temper despite being drunk. Even David couldn't escape his wrath and was reprimanded, his yearly bonus cut.As a result, no matter how drunk Lucian got afterward
Alcohol dripped down Lucian's face, an unusual sight given his usual grace. It was unexpected to see him in such a state. His lips formed a tight line, and his fury was palpable. Calista was not intimidated by him at all. She simply cast a glance at him and left without another word. Cade couldn't help but express his exasperation. Only Calista would dare to splash alcohol on Lucian."I pray that Ms. Everhart can outrun Lucian," Cade mumbled under his breath.Lucian caught sight of Cade, dry despite being near Calista during the incident. He retorted coldly, "I hope you lose your voice."Cade immediately fell silent. Lucian ignored him and headed straight toward Calista.Lucian was tall with extremely long legs. He moved to catch up with Calista at a leisurely pace. People instinctively lowered their heads in submission as he passed.Calista waited by the elevator. She wasn't sure if it was bad luck or her imagination, but the elevator seemed slower than usual.As she debat
Calista's head snapped up. Her reaction was subtle but noticeable to Lucian who still had his arm around her waist. Paul's voice had made her tense up. Paul was standing some distance from the car. He was staring at her through the half-opened car window.He was dressed in a casual shirt and slacks. Even in the shadows, his good looks were evident.Calista's mind went blank for a second. She instinctively called out, "Paul … "The arm on her waist tightened again. She nearly yelped in pain. However, Paul was there. So, she had no choice but to grit her teeth and endure the pain. She wasn't sure if Paul had seen Lucian in the car with her. After all, the lighting in the car park was dim. It was unlikely he had seen Lucian from his distance and angle.Paul smiled and walked toward her. "I had a feeling I recognized someone here, but I didn't expect it to be you!"Her body tensed further as Paul neared, the hand on Lucian's chest clenching into a fist."Don't come any closer," s
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,