Lucian was about to take another swig when Paul snatched the glass out of his grip, spilling alcohol on their hands."You already have one foot in the grave. Stop drinking."Paul looked at the bartender and said, "Get him a glass of milk."The man looked up and swept a glance at him."You're acting like a woman in her mid-40s."Despite the comment, Lucian accepted the milk from the bartender and took a sip."I have something I need your help with."After Lucian explained his plan to Paul, the latter thought about it for a moment before suggesting, "Why not go with a beauty trap?"A beauty trap?There was undoubtedly a hidden agenda to Paul's dubious idea. Paul must've been trying to create conflict between him and Calista. It would allow Paul to step in. What a conniving bastard!"Thank you for helping me out. You've always been a true brother to me growing up. I can't believe you're going to such lengths for me. I owe you one.""Hah." Paul flashed him an insincere smile whi
Although there were seats for spectators, they were mostly occupied by insiders. Anyone pulled from the crowd could serve as a judge. The event was broadcast live to ensure fairness and impartiality.Calista opened her chatbox with Lucian as she entered the waiting area. He sent a message half an hour ago."I'm on my way to the airport.""Are you there yet?" she replied. Someone from the organizing committee arrived just as she sent the message."To prevent interference during the competition, phones need to be handed in per the rules. This is to avoid privacy leaks. We have specially prepared locked boxes for you. You may keep your phones locked inside. Only you will have the password and the key."Calista sent both Yara and Lucian texts telling them to check into a hotel when they arrived. She would look for them after the competition.They encountered a team from another country as they headed out front. The opposing team was giving them condescending looks that were large
Lucian stood by the window, his hair tousled by the cold wind of a March night. Yet he seemed unaware as he remained rooted to the spot. The unlit cigarette he held was deformed from his constant fidgeting.His usually meticulously ironed clothes now clung to him in a wrinkled state. It betrayed their considerable value. Upon closer inspection, there were dark, dried bloodstains on them.Yara had originally planned to meet Lucian at the airport today. But he was nowhere to be found when she arrived. As time was running out, she gave him a call only to learn that he was at the hospital.He had gone to get Calista a gift when he encountered a couple arguing. A wedding photo frame had been tossed down from the upper floors. Though it was merely from the third floor, it was angular and sharp. If it had hit someone on the head, it could've caused serious injuries or death.Cailyn also happened to be there by chance. She wasn't just standing around either. She had pushed Lucian out o
Calisa had just returned to the hotel when she received a video call from Lucian. She answered it while stretching her sore neck."Yara said you had food poisoning. How are you doing? How bad is it?""It's nothing serious. I'll be discharged from the hospital in two days. I'm sorry that I can't come see you now."Since Yara had been with Lucian when she called Calista, he knew the content of their conversation. So there was no need to worry about inconsistencies in his story.However, he didn't want to lie to her, especially when she was looking at him with concern in her eyes. There was a lump in his throat that left him speechless.Calista didn't doubt Yara's flawed rhetoric at all. Lucian quickly changed the subject."How did the competition go today?""I was a little nervous."Calista's voice took on a much more cheery tone when her expertise was brought up. There was so much she could talk about."There were so many people in the audience. They're all big names in the fie
The next day, after the team competition concluded, it was time for the heated scoring session. The organizer began by announcing the results of the solo competition held the previous day.Although the results were available yesterday, they delayed the announcements to avoid affecting the participants' mental states.The tension that had gripped everyone for the past two days finally eased a bit. Calista rubbed her temples. She wasn't the only one who was tired. Everyone present looked exhausted.The restoration of cultural relics was inherently time-consuming. Some projects were so massive that they could take over a decade to complete. This competition not only required speed but also technical expertise. It wasn't easily completed.After a lengthy speech from the announcer to build up suspense, they finally announced what everyone had been waiting for.First, the third and second-placed competitors were announced. The suspense reached a crescendo. Even the two senior associat
Yara was confused by what she had heard and followed him in a stupor. "What's all this talk about 100 thousand dollars?""Mr. Northwood gave me 100 thousand dollars to keep you on watch tonight," Timothy said.Yara sneered and shoved his hand off her shoulder. Then, she turned on her heel and walked back out. He had come to keep her under control for the sake of 100 thousand dollars. What if someone were to offer him 200 thousand? Would he sell her off? Timothy grabbed her. "Didn't you say you would let Lucian explain the situation to Calista? Who should be the one to handle this? You or him?"Of course, Lucian had to be the one to take responsibility. He had caused the trouble, so it was his debt to pay. He had to be the one to admit it. It wasn't appropriate for her to interfere in her best friend's relationship.She glanced at the pair, who were engaged in conversation outside. Even though she hated Lucian, she had to admit that he and Calista looked perfect together.Yar
Lucian always called on Timothy whenever he needed something dealt with. What difference was there between him and a dog?Timothy shrugged and gave Lucian a helpless look. He then went up to the front desk with his passport.Yara asked Calista, "Are you staying with me or a certain someone over there? I'm getting three rooms if you want to stay with him." Calista's eyes rolled to the back of her head when Lucian was mentioned. The receptionist recognized Calista as a guest of their hotel who participated in the competition."I'm sorry. We only have two rooms left available."Yara instantly turned her attention to Timothy and repeated the receptionist's words through gritted teeth."Two rooms left? Are you following the script of some kind of soap opera? You should change it up. What's the point of keeping two rooms vacant? To separate the men and the women? You should've kept one room vacant instead. Then nothing could go wrong."Of course, he would be a heartless lawyer with n
"She reminds me of past you. You were just as aggressive when those debt collectors forced you into a corner. You were ready to fight for your life," Lucian said.Calista had been so young then. Her personality made her go all in with pride rather than hang her head in shame after years of conflict with Nikolette and her mother. After learning that Zachary had taken out millions worth of high-interest loans in her name, she stayed resolute that she would make them pay as long as she lived. She fought back with everything she had.It had been a long time since then. But the fear never went away whenever Lucian brought it up."I don't want you to be that impulsive ever again.""I … wasn't being impulsive," Calista said.Before confronting them head-on, she had spent hours huddled in the dark, damp basement, carefully considering her situation. Given the low average wage in Capeton, she wouldn't be able to cough up the money even if she stopped eating for several lifetimes. Howev