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
Calista rolled her eyes."When someone disappears, they usually come home with a beautiful fiancee. You, on the other hand, brought home a father with a few screws loose."Lucian frowned. Part of him felt wronged and misunderstood."I didn't …"He paused before he could finish and turned to her with his expression bright with joy."Did you just say I went missing and brought home a father …? Does that mean you believe me, Callie? Do you believe I'm Lucian?"He looked overly thrilled. Calista deliberately messed with him."No."He appeared so sharp when Kyros was around. It was enough to subtly clue her in about the man knowing the number of pills in the bottle.So, why was he acting so foolishly now? If she didn't believe him, would he be allowed to kiss and touch her without being slapped?Lucian panicked. Seeing Calista approach the couch, he reached and grabbed her."But, you just said …"She had no choice but to face him. It wasn't as if she could walk away either. She
"How do you test for lovesickness? Do you take me for an idiot?" Calista pushed him away and turned to open the door."You're still in the enemy camp. Focus on staying undercover. You're already being forced to take medicine. You should hurry and come up with something. I can only cover for you once. I can't stop you from taking it every time.""You're just taking them as they come. Aren't you afraid you'll end up turning into an idiot because you keep taking the pills?" With how practiced Kyros seemed, it was likely that it wasn't his first time feeding them to Lucian. Despite knowing that he wasn't a good person, Lucian still reached for the "medicine".The thought infuriated Calista. But, she knew that he wouldn't put himself in harm's way if there were other courses of action he could take.Calista was about to turn the doorknob when Lucian hugged her from behind. His lips brushed against her."Stay tonight?"Their hands were interlocked over her abdomen. She was relieved
"Go on, Kyros. Bark like a dog. Do it. Woof woof …""Hurry up, Kyros. You're one of them, aren't you? Look, it's a female. You should treat her better. Who knows? She might be your wife when you grow up. Isn't she pretty? Come on, kiss her."The children had picked up the behavior from watching television."Woof woof …""Hahaha …"The dog's barks mingled with the sound of human laughter was piercing to the ears.Kyros, who was in bed, suddenly opened his eyes. The ceiling above him was shrouded by darkness. All he could see was the faint outline of the light.He stared absentmindedly at it. With no one around, his bitterness, indifference, ferocity, and hatred all came spilling out from his eyes. In his eyes, the shadow slowly transformed into a dog.It was such a disgusting creature …He stayed lying in place for a while before getting out of bed. He walked barefoot to the table and poured himself a glass of wine.He downed it all in one gulp. The burning sensation of the st
"You had Mr. Beaumont advise me to not give up on my interest last time. I ultimately decided to remain at the Northwood Corporation. But still, thank you."Calista grabbed her car keys. Then, she stopped in her tracks as she was brushing past him. "I'll think about it. Thank you, Paul."Paul watched her retreating figure and felt hesitation surface in his heart. He didn't know who was the one to have Augustus offer her advice. But, he could hazard a guess.However, Calista wrongly assumed that it was him. If he went along with the misunderstanding … She had already grabbed the door handle and was about to get into the car."Calista …" Paul stopped her with a gentle smile playing on his lips."This is my first time."Calista turned to stare at him, shocked. She was in disbelief. The man's smile was warm as if he didn't think there was anything wrong with what he said."Umm … Huh?"What did Paul mean by that? She was at a loss for words. What did he mean by it being his "fir
The only person who had the passcode to Lucian's home was Kyros. He was also the only one who would barge in so impolitely without knocking. "Jordan."The man's voice carried a hint of youth. Kyros approached on bare feet. The carpets had muffled the sounds, leaving his footsteps silent."Are you asleep, Jordan?"Lucian sat up from the couch with his legs apart and elbows resting on his knees. He rubbed his brows tiredly."No. I drank a little too much. I don't feel like moving around right now. Why are you here?""I got bored. So, I came to see you."Kyros sat down next to him, flicked on the lights, and switched on the television. He was enthusiastically flipping through the channels.With so many streaming services available, they could watch anything they wanted just by a quick search online. Not many people watch television broadcasts anymore.The television hadn't been switched on since it was installed. Why was Kyros suddenly so interested in watching a live broadcast
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,