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.
Lily finally calmed down. She looked at Lucian."Lucian, I'm alright. Don't worry."Before Lily and Queenie entered the lounge, the latter revealed Lily's schedule implicitly through a call. Silence dawned upon the air. Even the music was stopped. Everyone present couldn't ignore the cold air flowing from Lucian. Sneering, Calista shifted her gaze and thought, "These two are shameless." "They're displaying affection in public when I'm around. I wonder how far they can go behind my back."As an afterthought, she deemed the divorce with Lucian was the wisest choice she had ever made. Lucian read her expression, and the others could tell that he was very upset.No one uttered a word. The invisible weight in the air loomed over them as it exuded from him. As the host, Andrew endured the pressure to relax the atmosphere."Mr. Northwood, have a seat."The main purpose of the entire plan was to win Lucian's favor. Although things were not going according to Andrew's plan, he was one