Calista bid farewell to Sebastian. The middle-aged man who had seemingly ignored her earlier now wore a warm smile and showed enthusiasm."Ms. Everhart, no need to rush. It's 4.30 PM now, and I've already had my secretary book a table. It's the perfect time to discuss the business deal," Sebastian remarked.Calista found it difficult to decline Sebastian's offer."Alright. Let's wait for Mr. Lancaster to join us before we take off," Sebastian added.Calista's group followed suit, heading for a Calaiselle Cuisine not far from the golf club. It was a private restaurant renowned for its exclusivity, typically necessitating reservations.When they reached the private room, only three vacant seats were next to Jordan. Paul approached to claim one, but a man deeply immersed in his phone raised his head, a cunning grin playing on his lips."Mr. Baker, you're here as a companion today, correct? Is it okay for you to occupy this seat?" the man retorted.The man in his seat radiated an in
Henry noticed Selena turning pale as a sheet. He hurriedly patted her on her back to comfort her."The baby isn't gone. It's just …"He bit his lip before continuing to speak, "It was never there. Calista isn't pregnant. You were severely ill back then. You refused to eat or drink. We were all worried about you. That's when you misunderstood what was happening …"He rattled off as quickly as he could. He was afraid Selena would collapse if he hesitated for even a moment. Even then, he kept his eyes on her. His hand hovered behind her as if to support her. There was no need for Henry to continue. Selena could hazard a guess. Her brows furrowed further. "So, my grandchild is gone?" she asked mournfully."It's not that your grandchild is gone. There was never a grandchild," Henry corrected her."Doesn't that mean the same thing?""Strictly speaking …"It didn't mean the same thing. Selena glared at him in a threatening manner. It was as if she were daring him to argue. Henry st
Calista looked up; her eyes reflecting the dazzling lights above."I'll make you take back all the words you said about him being dead."Jordan was rendered speechless. A slight smile tugged at his lips before vanishing as quickly as it appeared. "Do you love him that much?""That is between him and I. It has nothing to do with anyone else.""But, I heard you and Mr. Northwood had gotten a divorce. If you love him so much, why haven't the two of you gotten remarried?"Calista turned her nose up at him."Take off your pants, and I'll tell you."She sounded stern as she spoke. It was as if she were researching and writing a thesis for college. Despite the ambiguity of her words, it was devoid of any allure. It failed to arouse any desire."Do you think Mr. Northwood would abandon you and your child if he were still alive?" Jordan asked.He took a step toward her. He brushed his other hand against her stomach."Or perhaps, I am Mr. Northwood. But what benefits would there be f
Kyros watched Jordan going through a document. From his perspective, all he could see were the latter's slightly long bangs in his face. "He said he'll return to celebrate the day the Northwood Corporation declares bankruptcy."Jordan turned a page."Is he in a remote location? Why haven't I been able to contact him?""Yeah," Kyros responded perfunctorily. Then, he reached for a medicine bottle from the drawer."Have you taken your medicine, Jordan?""I have."Kyros didn't bother to verify it this time and tossed the bottle back into the drawer. That was when the secretary arrived with desserts. So, he ate it. He looked to be in bliss the moment the cake was in his mouth. He resembled a fox savoring a divine delicacy.Jordan remained busy throughout the entire process. He was either going through documents, holding meetings, or making phone calls. Kyros propped his chin up as he watched him with bright eyes.Kyros didn't stay long and soon left. The moment he was gone, Jord
There was silence on the other end for a moment before Paul's gentle voice came through. It was clear he was smiling."Yes. Do you like them?"Calista stared at the bags of maternity products and felt a headache set in. She rubbed her temples."Paul, I don't need maternity goods. Please return them.""It'll be useful sooner than you realize. You're working at the Northwood Corporation now. You probably won't have time to pick these out yourself." Paul seemed to be busy. There was the occasional sound of papers flipping in the background."Plus, it's not easy to return those once they've been bought. Just keep them; you'll have to buy them eventually. If you feel bad about it, I'll be attending a banquet in a few days. I picked out a few outfits, but I can't decide on which one to go with. You can help me choose something.""Paul, I'm not pregnant. I don't need any of this."The false pregnancy was a cover-up to keep the ill-intentioned sleazeballs at the Northwood Corporation
Yara was at a loss for words. She had shot herself in the foot. She didn't think her luck would be quite so rotten.She awkwardly reached for her cup to take a sip of water. That was when Timothy began to speak. "I don't have an ex-girlfriend. I was never cheated on. I've never gifted anyone a car as a wedding gift. And, I've never owned a dog."Yara might not have believed him if he were any other man. But, if the words were coming from Timothy, it was true.He didn't seem like someone who would get himself a girlfriend. Who could tolerate dating a man who was always so elusive?"So, when are we going to register our marriage?"Yara spat out the water she was drinking.Droplets trickled down the man's handsome face and rolled along the back of the chair. She hurriedly reached out to catch the water droplets that were dripping from his jaw.She also attempted to help him wipe his face. Halfway through, she realized her hands weren't enough. She needed a napkin. It prompted her
Calista was about to ask when she had donated her clothes when she remembered that Paul had donated a pile of items under her name.It seemed there were several large bags of clothes among them."How did you know I donated clothes?"Paul never liked to show off. Although the items were expensive, they were donated to impoverished areas in the mountains.The unit price was far less substantial compared to the number of pieces being donated.Compared to the donations that involved a few large trucks, such a minuscule amount was hardly enough to draw any attention."Tongues tend to wag," Jordan replied ambiguously."Can't you use those items? Why donate them?"Jordan was currently in a competitive strife against the Northwood Corporation. There was no way Calista could tell him about her fake pregnancy.She also wasn't very familiar with the business arena. She couldn't be certain there weren't going to be consequences if she revealed the truth."Paul bought far too much. I can'
The pungent liquid slid down his throat, seared its way to his stomach, and surged through his limbs. Jordan felt his body heating up. A faint flush appeared on his face."You have impressive alcohol tolerance, Mr. Lancaster," David said.He picked up the wine bottle and poured more for Jordan. David lavished him with praise like it cost him nothing.Phrases like "young and promising", "future leader of the Capeton business scene", and "pride of the Lancaster family" flowed effortlessly from his lips.Jordan was more than familiar with the flattery. He stared at David indifferently. No matter how much he praised him, Jordan had no intention of drinking at all. "I wish you success in all your endeavors and that your desires are fulfilled soon," David said.He then threw a look at Calista.Jordan felt frustrated. He hadn't been gone long. Yet, David was encouraging other men to court Calista. What did he mean by having his "desires" fulfilled?But, if Jordan refused the toast,
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,