Calista knew what he meant by those words. The scars she had glimpsed when she lifted his shirt the last time were truly shocking. She lowered her head. Lucian's shirt was buttoned up to the top so she couldn't see the scars hidden beneath. However, she could still vividly remember them.She began to choke up as if someone had a hand on her neck, making her uncomfortable. She hastily pushed Lucian away."I'm going to take a shower." "Callie ... "Calista broke free before he could realize it. When he tried to pull her back again, it was already too late. The bedroom door slammed shut, and he could hear her knocking on the door. Lucian stood at the door, very anxious, but still gently knocked."Callie, it's fine if you don't want to look. Please open the door first."He was met with complete silence.He didn't know if Calista was still behind the door, but this apartment was small, and there was no soundproofing, so he was quite sure she could hear what he was saying. "Don
The next day, Calista woke up in bed. She turned over, hugging the soft blanket, and stared absentmindedly at the overcast sky outside. Today was cloudy, and the leaves on the branches had already started turning yellow, rustling in the wind. The essential oil worked; she had a great night's sleep and woke up feeling refreshed, without any of the drowsiness from before.Calista suddenly sat up in bed. Last night, Lucian had held her hand, and she had fallen asleep on top of him. But how did she end up back in bed? She tried to recall but couldn't remember. She hadn't woken up at night. She looked down and pulled the blanket aside. Last night, Calista had changed out of her pajamas before going out because she was uncertain if Lucian had left.But now, she was wearing a nightgown, the most revealing purple silk V-neck from her wardrobe. She didn't need to think to know that Lucian had changed her clothes. She gritted her teeth in frustration. That scoundrel. After freshening
When Cade saw Lucian, he was sitting on a bench outside the hospital, looking up with half-closed eyes. The surroundings were bustling with people coming and going. Cade walked over with a furrowed brow and sat in the adjacent seat, impatiently asking, "Why did you choose to meet here, of all places, in a hospital?" Lucian remained seated, his voice weak and breathless, "I have a fever."Cade shifted uncomfortably in his seat and retorted, "If you have a fever, you should see a doctor. Why are you just sitting here in the lobby? Do you expect the fever to go away on its own?" Lucian replied, "You should go and make an appointment at the obstetrics and gynecology department."Cade was taken aback and almost choked on his own words. He exclaimed in frustration, "I'm not pregnant! Why would I make an appointment at the obstetrics and gynecology department? And by the way, have you ever seen a grown man make an appointment there?"Lucian explained, "I read online that when a wom
Lucian smelled the strong scent of medicine and the stagnant, musty air from a lack of ventilation over the years as soon as he stepped into a villa’s basement on the city outskirts. Hushed conversations were coming from inside. Lucian calmly walked deeper into the basement, and the voices became clearer the further he went. "Max, don't move; your wounds have torn open." "Once I get out of here, I'll finish that kid off. Damn it, how dare that pretty boy scheme against me.""Max, you should forget about getting out for now. Focus on healing your injuries." He couldn't bring himself to tell Max that all of his properties had been seized, supposedly due to a tip-off involving drug trafficking, and the police were searching for him everywhere.Upon seeing Lucian enter, the person inside hurriedly stood up and moved to the side. "Mr. Lancaster." Lucian nodded in acknowledgment. Max sat up on the bed, leaning against the headboard, clutching his wounds and gritting his teeth
The orphanage had few children and a small staff, and in the somewhat distant garden, weeds had grown unchecked, some reaching half a person's height. They were drawn there by the eerie barking of a dog, but it was only a short bark.Selena had been chased by Henry's dog before, so she was afraid of dogs, but the bark was so pitiful that it was clear the dog was in danger. After a few seconds of internal struggle, she decided to take a look. Afraid that making too much noise would scare the dog away, they trod very lightly, making no sound at all. And then they were met by a scene that shocked them. It was a small puppy, about a month old, but it had been tortured to the point of being covered in blood and beyond death.The dog's head was wrapped in layer upon layer of plastic wrap, and its mouth had been torn open, which was why they had heard that pitiful scream, but after a short squid, and then it died.The person crouching next to the dog, covered in blood, looked like he
There was no expression on Lucian's handsome yet icy countenance. He idly traced his fingers over the casing. There was a cold look in his eyes.After a while, a purposeful smile played on his lips. There was mockery in his voice."Alright."Under Kyros' watchful eye, he dialed Calista's number. A mechanical prompt echoed through the receiver. Even though the call was not on speaker, he could hear it clearly in the quiet atmosphere."Sorry. The number you have dialed is unavailable."He was still blocked. She hadn't whitelisted his number."The call isn't connecting …"Lucian's voice trailed off as Kyros waved his phone. A beeping tone could be heard coming from it."I exchanged contact information with Calista when I went to see her at the Northwood Corporation. I think she has your number blocked."There was a gloating tone in his voice.Lucian hummed. His expression remained unchanged. Being blacklisted by Calista didn't affect him. He had the presence of mind to go throug
Calista was relieved that she hadn't taken a sip of her drink. Otherwise, she would've spat the liquid in his face.This person was the epitome of a dog-abusing lunatic. Perhaps karma had gotten to him and driven him insane.She cleared her throat. She wanted to ask if he saw her as a garbage dump. But, she held herself back. "Did your brother agree to this?"She caressed her belly. It was surprisingly soft to the touch and oddly comfortable."I'm pregnant. You'll have to step in as a father if you want to be my boyfriend. You're still young …"Kyros cut her off. There was an earnest expression on his face."I don't mind. I like you, Calista. I'll love your child like my own too."Calista couldn't hold back and quickly turned away."Ugh."She extended her hand and gesticulated apologetically. Once she stopped gagging, she muttered, "I'm sorry. This is not out of the ordinary for pregnant women. It's not that I find you disgusting. What were you saying just now?"Kyros was s
Calista had acquired another label in Kyros' mind—materialistic.She was a superficial woman. He was certain that Lucian had been bewitched by her appearance. Once his brother learned of her true nature, he would surely despise her. Kyros turned to Lucian, troubled."The company belongs to the Lancaster family. Jordan may be my brother but I'm not a Lancaster. I don't have the authority to force them to breach the contract for my sake. Believe me. I'll work hard so you don't have to suffer."Lucian frowned and gave him a disapproving look. "You're undervaluing yourself. You may not be a Lancaster but you're my brother all the same. Say the word and I'll hand the contract over to the Northwood family. I'll have Mr. Prescott prepared for the penalty for the breach of contract.""Really?"Calista looked joyfully at him."Mr. Lancaster has spoken, Mr. Barlowe. So …"Kyros looked at Lucian, who seemed resolute in his decision. He couldn't tell if Lucian truly was that emotionally n
Fabian said, "Mr. Ackerman was taken away by the Office of Inspector General this morning. Madam Cameron and the Bark family are reportedly the ones responsible."The Carter Group hadn't broken any laws, nor had they been financially entangled with the Ackermans for over a decade. Still, the long-standing ties between the two families ran deep. If Victor Ackerman had skeletons in his closet, Cade would have a hard time avoiding the fallout.Cade propped his hand against his cheek. "What about my wife?""Madam Cameron…" Fabian had to steel himself to answer Cade. "Madam Cameron left the country. She applied for a long-term visa."Even with reporters hounding him, that sentence rang loud and clear in Cade's ears.A long silence stretched before he let out a quiet, bitter laugh.He had never realized how much Cameron had orchestrated behind his back. The Ackermans or the media could trip him up for now, but her betrayal cut deeper. Every move had been calculated.And the most absur
Cade crossed the room as Cameron, already seated, leaned her cheek against her hand, skimming the menu. "Want a drink?" she asked casually.His heart skipped a beat.Cameron's appearance radiated deliberate perfection. From her flawlessly styled hair and expertly applied makeup to her impeccable outfit and carefully chosen accessories, every detail was considered. Even her expensive "Allure" perfume hinted at a desire to captivate.A private dining room meant for couples with only spouses in each other's company…Given the setup, sharing a drink seemed like an implicit invitation.Cade pressed his lips into a line, trying to ignore the rising curve of a smile. "Sure," he replied, his tone deceptively even. "We'll start with two bottles of Magnolia's Pulpit," Cameron said.Cade choked on his water, coughing as he asked, "Seriously?"Who would start a date with such a strong distilled spirit? With two bottles, no less.Cameron propped up her chin and raised an eyebrow. "Is that
Cameron stared at her screen, where Gale had just sent a single word. "Ready." Her lips curled up involuntarily.Cade noticed the smile. He didn't know who she was messaging, but it irritated him for some reason. After a long pause, he exhaled slowly and asked, "What if the Ackermans refuse to settle?"Cameron didn't bother to answer. She knew Violet and Victor would soon be in hot water, so she hadn't considered the aftermath. However, to Cade, her silence only confirmed his assumptions—she was reckless, unprepared, and acting purely on emotion. He clenched his jaw and finally stopped holding his breath. Then, suddenly, he pulled the car over with a sharp twist of the wheel. "Did you think it through before turning yourself in? What if the psych evaluation comes back clean, and the Ackermans insist on pressing charges? What then? You hurt Mirabelle badly. You think you'll have it easy in prison with the way they dote on her?" In contrast to Cade's exasperation, Cameron remaine
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