Calista glanced at the hand on her shoulder and smiled without a care in the world."So, you want to do the same to me?"The woman fell silent. That had indeed been her plan. She couldn't stand Calista acting all high and mighty back when she was still the lady of the Northwood family.She had been no less arrogant when her stepmother and sister tyrannized her. When she found out that Calista had loan sharks on her tail and was living no better than a dog, she was beyond delighted. However, Calista quickly turned things around by marrying Lucian.Now, she was a woman who had been dumped. Lucian was also dead. So, why should she still be allowed to attend the Northwood Corporation's anniversary celebration?Seeing the surrounding journalists with their cameras, the woman hesitated.But, she wasn't willing to back down either when faced with Calista's provocation. She had been holding back for such a long time. This was an opportunity to exact her revenge. Was she going to let it
Calista's words had the red-lipped woman looking up at the ceiling. Sure enough, two surveillance cameras were facing her.Her face froze as her tears stopped. Then, she glared resentfully at Calista and walked away.She fully expected Calista to remain silent and endure the humiliation. That was why she intentionally said those words to get a reaction out of her. But, the woman acted contrary to her expectations with no care for her reputation.After Calista sent the woman on her way, she returned to Paul's side. The black pepper sauce on his shirt had already dried. Due to the light color of the fabric, the stains stood out like a sore thumb."I'm sorry for dirtying your clothes. You should head upstairs. Take a break. I'll go find you a replacement."Paul glanced at her ankle. Calista didn't make a big show of it, but he could still tell that her posture seemed off."I'll have someone else get me a replacement. You sprained your ankle. Take off your heels. You can rest there
Lucian frowned. He wanted a cigarette but hadn't brought any today.He was hardly a smoker. He usually endured the urge to smoke and allowed the want to pass him by. However, today seemed to be a different story. He grew more irritated the more he denied himself a smoke. Coupled with Kyros' incessant chatter, he became agitated."I'm going out for a smoke."Kyros leveled a stare at Lucian. He didn't stop him. The Northwoods had prepared cigarettes in the dining area. There was a small patio right outside that served as a smoking area.However, there were already people there; their faint shadows cast on the thin curtains. Lucian decided against going there. Instead, he went to the garden outside.He didn't have a coat on. As soon as he opened the glass doors, the snowflake-laden wind rushed in, cutting through him like a knife. It was bone-chillingly cold. He felt completely devoid of warmth after having only stood there for a minute. The hand holding the cigarette began to sh
Calista didn't hesitate to step inside. It was better to avoid unnecessary trouble. There was no telling how the paparazzi, spurred on to gain traction, would interpret this farce. They cared little for the truth.But as she entered the closet, Lucian followed close behind. Calista was confused. But, now she was downright bewildered."Why are you coming in here?""I don't know. Should I join him outside and fuel some rumors? He's in a bathrobe and looking completely disheveled." Lucian seemed to grit his teeth at the mention of Paul in a "disheveled" state."If the media gets a hold of that, things would not look good."Calista was at a loss for words.The closet door closing behind them plunged them into darkness. The partially opened door was violently thrown open. Reporters flooded in with their cameras raised. They began taking photos of Paul."Are you the only person in the room, Mr. Baker?"Paul's expression was cold. But it was understandable given that they had intrud
Kyros' expression darkened."Why do you ask?""Considering Mr. Lancaster's appearance, he looks to be thirty this year. I saw him at the banquet hall just before I came upstairs. Even if he disappeared after I left, it has only been twenty minutes since then. You claimed to have checked the surveillance cameras and made the effort to come all this way, Mr. Barlowe. If he's your prisoner, then forget what I said."A sincere smile spread across Paul's gentle face."If you consider him your brother, I would suggest you see a psychiatrist. You might not understand. Some mothers are unusually possessive toward their sons. They think the world is out to take their son from them. You're acting like the sort. You should get help with that."The reporters were "kindly" asked to leave, leaving only Kyros and Paul in the room. With neither man speaking, silence filled the space.Back in the closet, Lucian lowered his voice even further. He was whispering into Calista's ear."I told you he
Lucian snorted in disdain before Paul could answer Kyros."Can the friends I choose be so easily swayed by a few words? He may be tactless, but he's not a bad guy …"His words might've sounded arrogant, but Calista wholeheartedly agreed. Just as the thought settled, Paul spoke."Sure."Both Lucian and Calista were rendered speechless. The agreement left them both stunned.The pressure on the wardrobe doors eased as Paul pulled away. With the man out of the way, all Kyros had to do was crack it open slightly to see the pair hiding inside.Lucian, now without his earlier composure, scowled. He cast his eyes on the door and contemplated on whether he should teach Paul a lesson as a way to vent his anger later.Calista was also staring at the door. But, she was planning to rush out at Kyros the moment he cracked it open when he least expected it. She was going to give him a good beating. It would provide ample distraction for Lucian to escape."Shall we discuss this collaboration
Paul and Kyros had ended up fighting. To be precise, the former had beaten the latter into a pulp.The guests present were all from their social circle. Most of them were familiar with Paul. He was a suave man known for his gentle nature. Witnessing him suddenly resort to violence left everyone shocked.Kyros was a slender man. However, Paul's merciless blows knocked him to the floor. The young man's mouth had been cut. Blood seeped out, yet he managed a smile."No need for all that anger, Mr. Baker. If you don't like that particular approach, I can suggest other ideas …"Paul frowned. A waiter immediately handed him a towel to wipe his hands. When he crushed the wine glass, a glass shard cut into his thumb. It left a long gash. He stared down at Kyros who was being carefully helped to his feet by a cautious waiter, and said disdainfully, "Shut up. You're nauseating.""What's going on?" Cade, the latecomer, studied the colorful array of expressions on the onlookers' faces. He to
Cade's expression turned grave."I understand. I'll have the manager gather all the staff on duty tonight on the second floor."He called the hotel manager and instructed them to gather the staff and also check the surveillance footage. In all likelihood, the perpetrator had anticipated the consequences of setting Calista up and already made their escape."Could you please provide me with a copy of tonight's surveillance footage, Mr. Carter?" Calista asked.There was no telling if the incident involving the woman with red lips would escalate in the media. It was a good idea to keep a copy herself for safekeeping. The hotel's network firewall seemed far from secure.Cade didn't ask for a reason."Sure."He retrieved his phone. It was only then that Selena noticed that Paul was being treated for his wounds inside."How are you hurt, Paul?"Paul was vague in his explanation."I accidentally broke a wine glass."Calista wanted the doctor to check on Selena's sprain but she dec
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,