He held Calista awkwardly around her waist. Her hair was still soaking wet. After some time, she managed to stop choking and glared at Lucian."What are you doing here?" Her eyes were red from the hot spring water, and water droplets clung to her curled eyelashes, making her look alluring and tempting. Lucian pursed his lips. He only thought of teasing her. Her eyes stung from the water, and her voice was still choked up. She wanted to relax in the hot spring but almost drowned.She was very annoyed as she snapped, "How did you get in?" She remembered locking the door. Lucian didn't speak; he just looked at her scornfully, mocking her foolishness, but he managed to tone down his attitude. Calista grew even impatient at his silence."You’re such a pervert! Barging into a woman’s private hot spring." She didn’t want to stay in the pool any longer and turned around to walk out. But just as she took a few steps, Lucian grabbed her wrist and pulled her back. "Pervert?"Lucia
"Calista," Eva called out.Calista had been lost in thought, and her voice startled her."Are you feeling sick? I can tell from your face. You don't look well." Calista had fair skin, and although she wasn't wearing any makeup, she didn't look the least bit unwell. Eva just noticed that she was trailing behind alone, so she picked a topic on purpose. The group was close enough, so they all stopped when they heard her concerns. Calista looked up and met with a pair of beady eyes. It was Marcus. He smirked suggestively at her when he noticed she was looking at him.Then, he returned to the honest and simple demeanor he had when they first met. The change in him was so quick no one noticed except her. Lucian furrowed his brows."Are you feeling sick?" She looked quite well when he was at her door this morning. She seemed quite riled up. Calista didn't like being the center of attention. She shook her head."No, I’m just not used to the bed, so I didn’t sleep well." Lucian
Rather than supporting her, he more or less dragged her along the way. Calista was already drinking, and her head turned dizzy. The contract had already been signed, and she had played her part. They were likely going to go their separate now.She thought herself to be quite patient. She wouldn’t have been able to endure Lucian’s behavior if she were ill-tempered. But still, she wasn’t a saint. She couldn’t tolerate his unreasonable behavior unconditionally."Our deal is over. Answering questions like this counts as overtime. Right now, I'm not in the mood for it, so keep your questions to yourself." She waved his hand away and walked toward the stairs. Although the room was on the sixth floor, whereas the restaurant was on the second, she would rather climb four stories than be alone with him. Lucian watched as she left with a smirk tugging on his lips. As she was about to leave his reach, he reached out again and pulled her back. At this moment, the elevator doors open
Calista’s face fell when she saw who it was. "Mr. Packard." His face was flushed and he was stumbling. It was clear that he was drunk.He smiled sleazily and greeted, “Miss Calista.” Calista's gaze fell on the room card he was holding."You better explain how you ended up with a key card that can open my room." In reality, there was no need for an explanation. He probably bribed some greedy staff into giving him the key card.Her question was merely an attempt to confirm the purpose of his arrival. Marcus’s gaze fixed on her."Didn't you ask to meet at a place without any surveillance cameras? I’m here to take up your invitation." He walked in and shut the door behind him. Marcus slowly approached Calista, licking his lips."There is no place safer and more comfortable than a room. I’m starting to think it’s true that Mr. Northwood spent three million to keep you." Even though she wasn’t wearing makeup and dressed in a modest and old-fashioned nightgown, Calista was st
David followed behind Lucian. The two men approached. It was hard to discern their emotions judging by their expressions alone.He stopped before Calista and reached out to pinch her chin. His shadowy gaze landed on her swollen face that bore a handprint. Her lips were split and stained with blood.Lucian turned toward Marcus who was too nervous and hesitant to meet his gaze.He smiled and spoke in a low voice, "Laying a hand on what's mine, Mr. Packard? How do you plan to settle the matter?"Was he saying that there was something to discuss?Marcus tried to calm down and answered with a smile, "I'll give up another 20 percent of the profits …"Marcus studied Lucian's face and found him to be unfazed. He gritted his teeth and said, "30 percent. I'll give up 30 percent of the profits."He was reluctant. 30 percent of the profits meant 300 million dollars; it was a staggering loss!Lucian instructed David, "Get me the contract."Calista's heart sank when she heard his words. She
"This is a matter between my wife and me, Paul."Lucian's voice was tense. The meaning was obvious; an outsider had no business meddling with their affairs.The situation had taken a strange turn. The air seemed to be charged with a vague scent of gunpowder.It mingled with the smell of blood and the occasional pained cries from Marcus. It felt like the tension could erupt at any moment. But Paul remained unfazed.He calmly spoke, "It's inappropriate for us to have any further discussions tonight when you can't keep your emotions in check, Lucian. You should take care of the matters here first. I'll help drop Calista off."He swept his gaze across the corridor on both sides. Lucian also caught glimpses of several doors being opened.They had caused too much of a commotion which alarmed the guests. They were peeking from behind the doors to see what was happening. Some were even recording videos on their phone …Lucian's expression remained cold as he fixed his eyes back on Calis
Neither spoke. Their breaths were heavy. Calista was pissed off.She couldn't see Lucian's expression, nor did she have the time to speculate what sort of mood he was in. It took her half a minute to somewhat calm herself."The contract has already been signed. You can't go back on your word."The man responded to her in a calm and deliberate tone."There is no followup partnership. This signing is not considered a success. Why don't you go ahead and ask Marcus Packard if he's still interested in working with the Northwood Corporation?"Marcus would certainly be willing to do so. His company's future was far more important than his pride. But after what he had done to her, how could she? She was boiling with anger."Lucian Northwood, have you no shame?"Lucian had probably never been scolded like this before in his life.His voice was cold as he spoke, "And, where have your manners gone, Calista Everhart?"The woman sneered and didn't hesitate to retort."Fed to the pigs, no
The women who were in the midst of a heated discussion were startled by his voice. They reflexively turned around and hid the phone behind their backs."Umm … Mr. Brown."David wasn't a stern man. But he was Lucian's assistant and represented him. Lucian was known to dislike employees gossiping in the office even during break times."We'll go to the Finance Department and write ourselves up. Can you please turn a blind eye to this? I accidentally opened it. So, I took a tiny peek."David frowned and persisted with his question."What is that program called? Answer my question. I'm not interested in your nonsense."The female secretary cursed him internally for being nosy and answered, "It's something about craftsmanship."The documentary was about traditional crafts of intangible cultural heritage. The first episode featured conservator restorers.But what had him interested in the program wasn't its contents. It was the person who never showed their face from beginning to end.
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,