"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
Lucian was staring at his phone, seemingly uninterested. He glanced up briefly and lowered his head."I don't know."Kyros stared intently at him."Do you not …"Before he could finish, the commercial break ended.The host, in her overly enthusiastic tone, shouted, "And, Mr. Mulligan says it's genuine!""The bronze artifact is indeed confusing. It's normal for Claude to have made a mistake. She may be an excellent conservator, but she lacks experience in artifact appraisal. It's easy to find yourself in a deadlock when you stick by the books. "She missed a few subtle details. This bronze piece had a plain surface. Its simplicity is a standard for Kashgar Dynasty vessels. The rust is naturally formed after millennia of precipitation. "Also, take a look at these decorative lines. They're discreetly hidden. You'll miss them if you don't study it closely. Fake decorative lines are generally in more conspicuous places or deliberately polished to look even …" Mr. Mulligan said.Ca
The pills lay scattered all over the floor as Kyros stood frozen mid-motion. There was something dark hidden in his gaze as his eyes followed Lucian's every move. "Why won't you take your medicine, Jordan? Is it because …"Did he already know something? Kyros paused. He ultimately decided against asking directly. "Is there something wrong with the medicine?"Lucian was making a phone call. Upon hearing Kyros' question, he turned around. His stern gaze shifted from his face to his feet."My illness isn't going to kill me if I don't take my medicine. Take a look at yourself. What is wrong with you? Can you not see the glass shards on the ground? Even if you don't see them, do you not feel any pain?"He frowned at the sight of the blood oozing from Kyros' feet. The carpet had been dirtied. Once the call connected, Lucian turned away. His tone had turned cold."Hello, Dr. Davis. I'm Jordan. Can you please drop by? Kyros injured his feet.""Yes, he was pierced by glass shards. He'
Yara was an easy-going person but she was always careful with her words. She couldn't reveal anything about the possibility of Lucian's return even if it were done subconsciously.She glanced at the person behind her and said impatiently, "Does he not have to support his wife anymore just because he's missing? The tab is right there. He can pay it off once he returns."The lights were dim in the private room. The man didn't notice Yara's displeasure. He thought she was engaging in casual conversation.With how noisy it was, it wasn't out of the ordinary for him to raise his voice."He's been gone for so long. Don't you think he's probably dead by now?""Have you ever paid respects to your forefathers? Do you not ask for blessings to get rich? There are ways to care for your wife while you're still around. There are also ways to care for her even when you're gone. Even without the husband as the breadwinner, he can still ensure the wellbeing of his wife."The man stared at her, to
However, before the woman could hit Timothy, the man who stood calmly in place was yanked aside. The bottle in her hand ended up hitting the air.Before she could turn, she heard someone exclaim in frustration, "Have you lost your mind from reading all those books, Timothy? What use is talking about the law to an irrational woman? You might as well have stuck your head out and let her kill you."After Yara was done with Timothy, she turned to the woman who was making a scene."Do you have a screw loose, Rhea? Your father owed the workers their wages and drove them into jumping off your company's building. Now, you're here defending your murderous father and causing trouble for a lawyer. If you want to defend your father's injustice so badly, why don't you join him?"The Griffin family's matter had caused quite a stir, especially because it involved people's livelihoods. The incident stirred up a lot of resentment.People would throw rotten vegetables and eggs at their door. Even Y
For the past half month, Kyros had stayed in line. He even found a job and didn't pressure Lucian to take medication anymore. He also didn't come to the company as often as he used to.However, before Lucian could relax, there was trouble with the new project at Northwood Corporation. Late at night, he received a call from Cade. "The situation has been handled; it was discovered early, and we didn't suffer any insignificant losses.""Why do you sound so frustrated then?" Lucian asked. Cade was more than frustrated. He seemed enraged."Because I got locked out of the house tonight because of dealing with your mess." Cade had trouble sleeping, and any slight disturbance would wake him up. And once he was awake, it was hard for him to fall back asleep.So, he didn't dare to knock on the door and had to sit in the garden, braving the cold November weather.The more he sat there, the colder he felt, but his anger kept boiling. He had reached his limits when he called Lucian. "H
Paul only wanted to walk her up, but he immediately straightened his back and raised the items so Lucian could see them. He said, "I'm taking her home and going in for tea." Lucian clenched his teeth and replied, "Paul, she's my wife.""Just your ex-wife," Paul reminded him. Wanting to further the blow, he added, "You got divorced last year."Calista had long grown accustomed to their bickering when they got together, and she didn't bother to interrupt.She was afraid they would lose control of their emotions and start arguing in the corridor, drawing attention from others.While they were talking, Calista opened the door, looked at Lucian, who was gloomy, and said in irritation, "Come inside and talk."Lucian glared at Paul, and Paul smiled warmly at him, saying as if he were the host, "Come on in, you surely wouldn't want to have this conversation in the hallway."Lucian was speechless. Damn it! Who was Paul to invite others into Callie's home? He didn't even have the right
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,