Lily stood in the distance, embarrassed as she watched their harmonious interaction. She looked up at Lucian. She noticed his gaze was fixed on Calista. Bitterness gnawed at her as he watched them. But she quickly suppressed her emotions. She smiled as she interrupted them, trying to catch Selena's attention. "Happy Birthday! This is a small token of my regards. I hope you like it." Selena glanced at Lily and nodded. "Thank you. You're very thoughtful." After receiving the gift, Selena placed it on the nearby table. She had no intention of opening it. "The dining area is over there. Help yourself. Don't be shy."That was her telling Lily to move aside and stop being a nuisance.Lily could detect the underlying tone. Yet, she acted like she hadn't noticed. She worked hard to prepare the gift and couldn't let it be dismissed. If Selena didn't open it now, its fate after the event would be uncertain."How about you open it now? I'm unfamiliar with this stuff. If there's an is
Lucian frowned, "Choose the right occasion to make a scene. Today's dinner isn't suitable for your antics. Both my mother and the Northwood family can't afford to be embarrassed."Calista chuckled in exasperation. "Are you concerned about Mom and the Northwood family, or are you worried about Lily? If I leave, everyone will say I'm guilty. By tomorrow, everyone will know that I ..." She paused momentarily before continuing, "Claude's skills aren't up to par. They'd say that her works are flawed and she's a fraud!"For some reason, she didn't want Lucian to know she was Claude. And he didn't need to know either."So, what do you want? You want to fix that painting? Do you think you, a janitor, learned the skills just by watching for a few days?" Lucian was unfamiliar with the conservator industry. He hadn't heard of Claude. He'd assumed she was just another employee of Justa Workshop.To him, Calista was a janitor at the antique restoration studio. This was reported to him after
Lily frowned."Calista, about this matter … " At this moment, her phone rang, undoubtedly saving her from the situation. She took a couple of steps away and answered the call. Soon, she briskly returned."Calista, I'm sorry. I was wrong about today's matter. The problem with the painting occurred while it was in my hands." Calista was perplexed about why Lily suddenly changed her stance after taking a call.Lily turned on the speakerphone on her phone and said, "Repeat what you just told me." Queenie’s voice came through the phone, "Lily, I'm sorry. I spilled some water on the painting and wiped it off quickly. I was about to tell you about it but got busy and forgot. Is that painting important?" Hearing this, Calista raised an eyebrow."That's quite a coincidence. Miss Scott and I were discussing this matter, and your call came in." Her words implied something else, and anyone could pick up on it. "Miss Everhart, this is my mistake. If you want to blame anyone, blame m
He was the one who asked for a kiss. She wouldn’t have kissed him if it weren’t to mess with Lily. Calista rolled her eyes and retorted, "Bastard. You’re such a phony.” Even Lily heard this insulting remark. She thought Lucian would be angry. She felt that everything Calista did was to push his buttons. However, Lucian remained calm.He merely reprimanded sternly, “You are part of the Northwood family. Don’t act so crudely.” Calista ignored his words. Due to her poor health, Selena went upstairs to rest after mingling around with the guests. However, despite her departure, the party didn't disperse.The people who came today were all here for the Northwood family, for Lucian held the power now. Calista didn't want to parade around with his hand in hers, so she sat on a couch in the lounge area with her wine glass. There were others on the couch as well.They all stood up to greet her when they saw her. “Mrs. Northwood, you look stunning tonight!” Calista nodded slightly,
Calista was taken aback.She looked at Paul, then glanced at the room behind him, surprised as she asked, "Why are you here?" Paul smiled and casually explained, "I drank too much with Cade last night, so I stayed over." "Oh."Calista didn’t know what else to say as she faced Paul. Perhaps it was guilt, or maybe the three years apart had made them distant. She smiled and turned to go downstairs. However, Paul called her and handed her a check."I don't need the money right now. There’s no rush to repay it." Calista lowered her gaze and happened to see the amount on the check. It was neither too much nor too little—exactly three million, as she had joked about before.He had signed his name. If she took it, she could go to the bank today and transfer the money to Lucian. Honestly, she felt a bit tempted. Anyone would be tempted by such a large sum, especially since she needed it urgently. Paul watched as she stared at the check quietly.He wasn’t sure if she was embarra
That night, Calista received a call from Lucian. She had already finished washing up and was ready to sleep. She had stayed up several nights in a row, and tonight, after finally managing to get an early rest, she was disrupted by this phone call. She was upset.“What do you want so late at night?” "Open the door," Lucian uttered words before hanging up. Calista was about to ask if he was out of his mind, but she got cut off. She wasn’t going to comply anyway.Calista tossed her phone aside, wondering if Lucian could figure out that her patience had run thin. Just as she closed her eyes, she heard banging on her front door. There was a click, and her neighbor opened the door. Next door lived an elderly lady. Calista had seen her a few times before, and she didn't seem very approachable. As expected, as soon as the old lady opened the door, she began to yell, "What are you doing in the middle of the night? Are you trying to wake everyone up? You're a grown man. Don't you hav
"Alright. After all, you're still my wife. You’d have to accompany me to my sessions in the future." Calista frowned at how despicable this scoundrel was! Lucian spoke casually, but his breath against her ear was rugged. Calista had no doubts if she continued to refuse, he would likely vent his anger with violence. The whole room fell silent as Lucian glanced at his wristwatch, seemingly counting down. Suddenly, Calista spoke up, "A hundred thousand dollars." "What?" "I'll accompany you to negotiate this deal. If it works out, the three million debt will be settled. If not, you owe me a hundred thousand dollars to compensate for my time." She would be at a disadvantage if the deal fell through. She wouldn't fall for this stupidity. Besides, her trust in Lucian had already fallen short. It always felt as if he was trying to deceive her. These business meetings usually lasted a few hours. She wouldn't have to do anything except be an ornament on the sidelines. Either wa
Calista chuckled lightly."What's there to be afraid of? I’m just joining their table." She couldn’t help if Lucian was determined to make himself a victim. During their argument, the people at Paul’s table noticed them. They were all part of the same circle.Paul looked up at them, and with just one glance, he could tell that Lucian and Calista were discussing business matters. So, he didn't go over to disturb them. Lucian stared at Calista blankly and raised his hand, saying, "Hold my hand." Calista lowered, her voice displeased, "This is just a simple meal. We're not attending a dinner party. There's no need to hold hands." It seemed too deliberate and fake to be constantly holding hands. Lucian glanced at her calmly."You’re under my paygrade. I, your employer, would determine what you should and shouldn’t do. You don’t have the right to refuse." Well, in this day and age, the one with the money holds the power. Everyone had encountered a demanding boss at work.