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
Calista couldn't speak. All she could do was whimper.The one who accosted her was a man with powerful arms. He had one hand over her mouth and the other gripping her by the neck. He was dragging her to a corner in the parking lot.Was this a kidnapping? Was she getting abducted? Was she going to be murdered to cover up a crime? Was he one of Kyros' men?Calista fell into panic. She tried to break free. But, the arm around her neck was like an impenetrable barrier. No matter how she hit him, he wouldn't budge at all.Seeing that she was being dragged into a blind spot away from the surveillance cameras, she blindly swung her bag back.However, having been restrained and faced away from the man, she missed most of her strikes. When she managed to hit him, the blow was as light as scratching an itch.That was when Calista felt her bag hit something solid. Then, the man let out a muffled groan."S-Stop, Ms. Everhart … I … I know you."As soon as they rounded the corner, the man re
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,