After that, Calista didn't wait for Lucian's reply and blocked him immediately. It was rush hour right now and she couldn't hail a taxi so she planned to just stay at a nearby hotel for now. She had spent the entirety of today looking for a new house and packing so she was exhausted.Suddenly, there was a beep and a black car stopped by her side. Calista turned and the window from the passenger seat of the car rolled down to reveal Paul's handsome face."Calista, what are you doing?" he asked."I'm moving. I had originally had an appointment to sign a contract at 6:00 PM but the landlord went back on his word all of a sudden," she replied truthfully.She wasn't afraid to show him all the bad parts of her life."What about you? What are you doing here?" she asked.In front was a hospital and the entire street was filled with old food stalls. What's more, was that the roads were also narrow and filled with plotholes.It was obvious that this wasn't a place that Paul would freque
Paul was scanning the menu when he heard Nikolette. He raised his head and glanced at Calista, who was enjoying her lemon water.Without any hesitation, he said, "Calista wouldn't do something like that. She'd first seek my opinion if she genuinely wanted to introduce someone to me. Ms. Nikolette, if you have a penchant for stirring up trouble, I'd appreciate it if you found another table." Calista looked up in bewilderment. Her connection with Paul hadn't reached a stage where he unquestionably believed in her.He would probably have smoothed things over in the past to avoid an uncomfortable atmosphere. She hadn't seen him be this impolite, even with women more stubborn and temperamental than Nikolette. Nikolette's face turned red. She wished she could vanish into thin air. Although Paul's voice wasn't booming, and the tables weren't close together, the restaurant was bustling with people.It seemed like all eyes were on her, and even the whispered conversations she couldn't qu
Upon Lucian's arrival at the Luminary Lounge, he noticed that the others had already arrived. Cade glanced at Lucian’s impeccably tailored suit and the tie he was wearing."You didn't come straight from the office, did you?" "Yeah." "Ah, your wife is about to leave, and you're making all that money. Who are you saving it for, stacking it up to bury yourself with?" Cade teased. "What's it to you?" Lucian retorted. Cade thought, "Was Lucian trying to pick a fight or something?" Lucian took a seat beside Cade, with Paul on the other side. He then picked up the glass of wine the waiter had poured for him and raised it toward Paul.As he did, the amber liquid shimmered in the dim lighting. "Have Calista move out of your apartment," Lucian ordered. Paul wasn't surprised that Lucian knew about this. He had no intention of keeping it a secret."Lucian, aren’t you taking this too far? She's a woman you know. It's unsafe for her to move luggage around late at night." Lucian hi
Calista tried to push Lucian and retorted, "Don't touch me." But Lucian's strength was overpowering. No matter how hard Calista struggled, she couldn't break free from his firm grip around her waist. Finally, Lucian's lips left hers briefly, and he didn't rush to initiate another kiss. Instead, he maintained their position and looked at her with half-lowered eyes. Calista's fair complexion now bore an expression of disdain. She might have slapped him without a second thought if her hands weren't restrained behind her. Lucian let out a chuckle. His voice was laced with desire and a raspy undertone. His fingers pinched Calista's face, forcing her to turn back toward him. He pressed his lips firmly against her face, then trailing down to her jawline and neck. After his passionate embrace, her skin bore a delicate, rosy flush. Calista had dressed lightly for her plan to grab a quick bite downstairs. She wore only a base layer and a long cardigan. Her dressings left her utterly
Calista's confident attitude diminished significantly, but she stood her ground."You're staying here whether you like it or not. Doctor, please proceed accordingly." Knowing Lucian, Calista had expected him to create some fuss. However, he surprised her by staying calm and silent.The admission office was still open. Calista soon returned with the necessary documents. The private ward was located in a separate building.Calista suggested, "Shall I arrange for a nurse to assist you?" "I'm not accustomed to sleeping with strangers watching me." "In that case, I'll have them wait outside the door. Just call them if you need anything," Calista said while yawning.She was feeling tired after all the events. Lucian's expression remained icy as he replied, "Do you think I have the strength to call for help when I have a concussion?" Calista retorted, "A concussion doesn't make you mute."Before she could finish her sentence, a voice from outside interrupted her. "Lucian."I
Was she being driven mad by Lucian? She had started sleepwalking. After finishing her morning routine, Calista visited the doctor to confirm that Lucian was fine. Then, she proceeded to complete the discharge procedures."Are you going back alone, or should I call Mr. Whitman to pick you up?" Lucian leaned against the bedhead.He sneered, "The doctor said I can leave?" Lucian was watched overnight due to a minor injury on his forehead. Calista wanted nothing more than to get rid of this troublesome guy quickly, so she restrained her usual sharp tongue and repeated the doctor's advice."Yes. Refrain from wetting the wound until it heals, and avoid alcohol and spicy foods." It was now winter, and not washing his hair for a few days wouldn't result in any significant odor. However, it would certainly pose a challenge for someone as fastidious about cleanliness as Lucian.Lucian lazily remarked, "But I still feel dizzy." Calista frowned and stared at him cautiously. She felt
Calista and Paul had chosen an upscale restaurant for lunch. As Calista exited the taxi, she spotted the man she was meeting waiting for her. Paul casually took the toolbox from her hand."How have these past few days been treating you?" "It's been going well," Calista replied. Paul led her inside the restaurant.He hesitated before warning, "My grandfather was quite sociable, so don't be surprised." Calista was puzzled. However, it all became clear when they reached the private dining room. She had assumed it would just be Paul's grandfather. To her surprise, the room was full of people. Paul cleared his throat."These are all friends of my grandfather. They had a golf game scheduled for this afternoon and shared a keen interest in art appraisal, so they decided to join us. If it's an issue for you ..." Calista shook her head."No worries. But I should mention that I'm not an expert in appraising artifacts, so my findings might not be entirely accurate." In reality, the
Lucian gave her a look that read, "That's such an obvious question.""Not a chance!"Calista was never going to let him stay here."One thousand dollars a night."He tried to negotiate."No. Who knows what you're gonna do to me.""Why are you so confident that I'm going to do something to you?"She naturally recalled the unpleasant experience, which made the corner of her lips twitch."Anyways, you cannot stay here."She had an idea to make the divorce happen—living separately from him for two years. Lucian's expression was icy as he became impatient."Mom knows that we're living separately.""It's still a no.""Ten thousand dollars per day."He offered so much that Calista finally gave in. Her attitude turned better as she accepted the offer. "The payment shall be made at the end of the day. No checks accepted. You can wire the money to me."While he was at a loss for words, she showed him her bank account number. He had a glimpse of it before shifting his gaze away.
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,