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
Yara felt refreshed by the thought of being close to achieving what she set out to do. She sounded as if she was about to burst into maniacal laughter as she paced around."Timothy is such an eccentric guy at work. That man is like a well-oiled machine. Wherever he goes, chaos ensues …"A stack of documents landed in front of her, making a muffled sound on the desk."Make ten copies of these."Yara looked up in confusion."I'm just the chauffeur. I'm responsible for driving, not clerical work.""You're the only one without much to do.""Get it through your head. I'm doing unpaid labor over here. Why are you annoyed about me not being busy when you're not paying me? Even a donkey that's slaving away isn't as driven as you are."Timothy frowned."Feel free to speak up. Go ahead and tell everyone in the law firm that you're a donkey that's slaving away."Yara hung up the phone and rolled her eyes."I'm not going. You should give this to Jamie instead. I want him to back down on
Timothy was still waiting for her answer. Even the alarm clock had been muted. It was extremely silent when neither of them were speaking. Yara grew even more nervous."Let me …"She needed to think about it.This was a significant life decision. Sure, they could break up if things don't work out. But what if she were to encounter a psycho that she couldn't shake off? With how Timothy had been acting … She solemnly nodded to herself. That was when his alarm went off, reminding him of the upcoming meeting."Take your time to think about it. Let me know once you've made a decision."Yara asked as he opened the door, "Would you accept my decision if I choose to reject you?""No."She rolled her eyes in annoyance. What was the point of talking about it then? Her only choices were to say yes or be pushed to the brink before she inevitably agreed.After the meeting, Yara handed the organized minutes to Timothy. He was busy with something else. So, he tossed it aside without looking