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.
Lucian caused a commotion when he threw the door open. It prompted Calista and Bryan to look up and over at him.The man was tall. Simply standing at the door blocked out much of the daylight. His handsome features were stern and cold. The way he gazed at her was as if he were going to freeze Calista through!The woman was surprised. She straightened herself and asked with a frown, "What are you doing here?"Her impatient tone and undisguised expression spelled a clear message. Bryan quietly let out an exhale.During that brief moment, his heart had been beating uncontrollably. Even now, traces of her subtle fragrance lingered in his nostrils. It was oddly captivating.He worried that his irregular heartbeat would be heard by others. Embarrassed, he gulped.Lucian had been in charge of Northwood Corporation for years. He had encountered countless people. It only took him one look at Bryan to know what the man was thinking.He wore a smile that didn't reach his eyes and coldly mo
It was Saturday the next day. There was no work to do. Calista slept in till it was 11:30 am before calling and making a lunch appointment with Yara. She felt stifled after Lucian had angered her last evening. It seemed that staying away from that douchebag was the only way for her to survive!The women decided on having Palaiseau cuisine at a restaurant owned by one of Yara's clients. She wanted to show her support.Yara looked at the formally dressed doormen who were standing upright. She clutched her purse as she stood in front of the magnificent restaurant.She muttered, "There goes all my money. The food here is ridiculously pricey. If I weren't here to support the business, I would stay away from this place."Calista giggled."Where would they get the money to buy antiques if it weren't expensive?""You're right." Yara took Calista's arm. "Let's go. Let me show you how your best friend spends money like water."The restaurant was decorated with 360-degree panoramic glass
"Miss, what are you doing? You can't touch the piece unless you're buying it!" the security guard in charge of the area yelled out. "Put that painting down, or you'll be treated as a thief!"Calista was startled by the cry that echoed throughout the floor. It was only then that she realized she had taken the painting off its hook at some point.She grew aware of how tense she was.She hurriedly suppressed her complex emotions and said hoarsely, "I apologize. I got a little too excited …. I would like to buy this painting. Can you please help contact the seller?" The skeptical security guard called for the person in charge. They promptly arrived after learning that she wanted to buy the painting. They contacted the person who provided the painting.Knowing that the person who offered up the painting was at the exhibition, the person in charge said, "There's a buyer here who would like to buy the painting you put up for sale, Ms. Everhart. Would you like to come to discuss the pric
Calista, assuming that Lucian was acting up again, rolled her eyes and walked away.It was a man's inherent possessiveness at play. They couldn't tolerate anyone coveting what belonged to them. What was theirs was also not permitted to take a fancy to anybody else.She understood that much. Even if Lucian appeared jealous, she wasn't fazed. But, before she had even taken a few steps, he grabbed her by the arm.The man's grip was powerful. It felt as if he intended to crush her wrist! She clicked her tongue. Her brows were furrowed in pain. Even her voice sounded strained."Let go."It was only then that he regained his senses. He loosened his grip slightly but didn't let go. The look on his face was icy."Come," he tersely said."I'm at work …"However, Lucian didn't give her the right to refuse. He dragged her along."You married my sister, Mr. Northwood. You didn't give her any money?"Nikolette's accusatory words could be heard from behind them. Anyone who was not in the k
Calista gave him a look of disbelief."We're getting a divorce soon. Why would I call for someone who's going to be my ex-husband soon to back me up? Do I look that crazy?"What was most important was that a ruthless businessman like Lucian would never act as a shield for free. He would take a pound of flesh in return even if he did.She didn't want to add to the already massive debt of three million dollars.Lucian pulled out of the parking lot as she was speaking. He had a cigarette in his mouth. He narrowed his eyes and gave her a mocking smile."So, you don't want me there to back you up but, you're fine with Paul being there instead."She took a deep breath. She already knew that was what he was caught up on."Our marriage had always been business from the start, Lucian. The so-called deal is that we put up an act when we're together. But in private, we don't interfere with each other's lives. When the contract expires, we part ways.""So?""So," A bold smile spread across
Calista smiled despite her anger."Sounds good. You should pick a Malinois. Those look strong."She paused before adding suggestively, "But nowadays, you often find people who look good on the outside but are ultimately useless. Humans are that way. What of animals?"Lucian's nerves were on the verge of snapping. He pinched his brows and spoke with displeasure, "Get down."She held out her hand."Return my phone."The man's gaze lowered onto her fair palm."Are you more concerned for your phone or for the man who calls you?""Will it kill you to not be an asshole for once, Lucian? You dragged me out of the cultural center. I couldn't even get my coat. I don't even have money on me. Do you expect me to walk back from here?"The cultural center was a distance away from the main city and was even farther from where she lived. His expression lightened up after her explanation. He handed her the phone he kept in his coat pocket."If you …"If she bent to his will, she wouldn't ha
Calista, who had been sleeping, was awoken by a frantic pounding at the door. In her groggy state, the pounding sounded distant.There were six units on her floor so she couldn't tell from which unit the knocking was coming.She groggily cracked her eyes open and realized that her temperature had risen again, and her breath was dry and hot. She was exhausted and not long later, she fell asleep again.Lucian had been knocking at her door for a while now but there was no reply. He had also tried calling her multiple times.If it weren't for the faint sound of her ringtone coming from the inside of her house, he would've thought that she wasn't at home. Lucian frowned.There was an air of annoyance about him that made him even more unapproachable than usual. He pulled out his phone and dialed David's number."Get a locksmith to come to Seventh Apartment, Block 3, Unit 603."Half an hour later, the locksmith arrived and managed to get Calista's house unlocked.Lucian didn't bother