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
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,