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
"Mr. Yarrow humiliated you under Calista's orders. If Mr. Northwood hadn't come, the investment would've gone out of the window.""You danced for nothing," Queenie said.Even though Lucian wouldn't do anything to Calista just because she said that, Queenie thought he would at least comfort Lily. Yet, he didn't say anything.Queenie looked at him only to see his distracted side. He wasn't listening to her.After making the phone call, Andrew asked carefully, "Mr. Northwood, it will take some time before the contract is printed. How about a drink together?""It's fine. Pass it to Ms. Yates after it's done. I have something else to attend to."Andrew was speechless by how quickly Lucian changed his attitude. Had he not been watching Lucian, Andrew would've thought that the person who wanted the contract clinched urgently was someone else.Lily stood up."It won't take long. We can go home with Queenie to drop her home along the way."Queenie's place was located along the way to E
Lucian hummed noncommittally. Calista waited, but he did not say anything else."Say what you need to say, then let go," she snapped impatiently.Lucian stared at her. Calista was frowning, her annoyance with him apparent. He pursed his lips. He did not like the way she was acting toward him.In the past, no matter how cold he was toward her, she had always been pleasant. But now …He frowned."Let's go."Calista was confused. Where did he want to go? What was wrong with him? Calista backed away warily, staring at him as if he were a pervert. Lucian did not like her instinctive reaction.Coldly, he said, "If you want to know who that person was, you'll follow me.""Just give me a name. It's not safe for us to be out alone at this time of the night."Lucian was furious. He gripped the handle of the door so tightly that the veins on his hands popped."Calista, what do you think I'll do to you?""How would I know?"Calista lifted her chin. Even though she was a good six inches