Eva accepted it eagerly and said, “Thank you. It’s perfect!” She retrieved a gift box from her bag. Inside was a diamond bracelet, not overly expensive or unique."I bought this while shopping. It's not something expensive. It's a token of my appreciation. Thank you for the perfume you gave." Calista couldn't accept this. She could not take a brand-new diamond bracelet in exchange for a bottle of second-hand perfume worth a few hundred dollars. This was too much. "Eva, I can't accept this. That bottle of perfume is only three hundred dollars. I’ll be taking advantage of you." "Calista, I'm apologizing on behalf of my husband. What happened this morning was a mistake. He tends to lose his common sense after a few drinks, which led to him offending you." Calista raised an eyebrow, but Eva had already placed the gift box in her hand. Calista did not insist further since it was an apology.Her only regret was that they didn't just hand her a check directly! She casually comme
Marcus lowered his voice, probably to make his voice sound deeper and seductive. However, Calista was so scared that her body trembled and she instinctively threw her phone at him.There was a loud bang, and Marcus let out a painful, muffled groan. He raised his hand to cover his face, and blood gushed between his fingers, dripping onto the ground. "Mr. Packard, are you okay?" Calista tried to find tissues in her bag, only to realize she hadn't brought one. "I'm sorry. I used to get stalked by bad people while I was a child, so I'm quite sensitive, and I tend to lose control when someone gets too close to me." Mr. Packard's head was buzzing with pain at this point, and he couldn't quite make out what Calista was saying.Thankfully, he did not have a concussion and was still aware of who she was. Otherwise, he would have slapped her long ago. His nose continued to bleed, and he began to suspect it might have been broken. Calista hit him hard! "Just bear with it for now, Mr.
He held Calista awkwardly around her waist. Her hair was still soaking wet. After some time, she managed to stop choking and glared at Lucian."What are you doing here?" Her eyes were red from the hot spring water, and water droplets clung to her curled eyelashes, making her look alluring and tempting. Lucian pursed his lips. He only thought of teasing her. Her eyes stung from the water, and her voice was still choked up. She wanted to relax in the hot spring but almost drowned.She was very annoyed as she snapped, "How did you get in?" She remembered locking the door. Lucian didn't speak; he just looked at her scornfully, mocking her foolishness, but he managed to tone down his attitude. Calista grew even impatient at his silence."You’re such a pervert! Barging into a woman’s private hot spring." She didn’t want to stay in the pool any longer and turned around to walk out. But just as she took a few steps, Lucian grabbed her wrist and pulled her back. "Pervert?"Lucia
"Calista," Eva called out.Calista had been lost in thought, and her voice startled her."Are you feeling sick? I can tell from your face. You don't look well." Calista had fair skin, and although she wasn't wearing any makeup, she didn't look the least bit unwell. Eva just noticed that she was trailing behind alone, so she picked a topic on purpose. The group was close enough, so they all stopped when they heard her concerns. Calista looked up and met with a pair of beady eyes. It was Marcus. He smirked suggestively at her when he noticed she was looking at him.Then, he returned to the honest and simple demeanor he had when they first met. The change in him was so quick no one noticed except her. Lucian furrowed his brows."Are you feeling sick?" She looked quite well when he was at her door this morning. She seemed quite riled up. Calista didn't like being the center of attention. She shook her head."No, I’m just not used to the bed, so I didn’t sleep well." Lucian
Rather than supporting her, he more or less dragged her along the way. Calista was already drinking, and her head turned dizzy. The contract had already been signed, and she had played her part. They were likely going to go their separate now.She thought herself to be quite patient. She wouldn’t have been able to endure Lucian’s behavior if she were ill-tempered. But still, she wasn’t a saint. She couldn’t tolerate his unreasonable behavior unconditionally."Our deal is over. Answering questions like this counts as overtime. Right now, I'm not in the mood for it, so keep your questions to yourself." She waved his hand away and walked toward the stairs. Although the room was on the sixth floor, whereas the restaurant was on the second, she would rather climb four stories than be alone with him. Lucian watched as she left with a smirk tugging on his lips. As she was about to leave his reach, he reached out again and pulled her back. At this moment, the elevator doors open
Calista’s face fell when she saw who it was. "Mr. Packard." His face was flushed and he was stumbling. It was clear that he was drunk.He smiled sleazily and greeted, “Miss Calista.” Calista's gaze fell on the room card he was holding."You better explain how you ended up with a key card that can open my room." In reality, there was no need for an explanation. He probably bribed some greedy staff into giving him the key card.Her question was merely an attempt to confirm the purpose of his arrival. Marcus’s gaze fixed on her."Didn't you ask to meet at a place without any surveillance cameras? I’m here to take up your invitation." He walked in and shut the door behind him. Marcus slowly approached Calista, licking his lips."There is no place safer and more comfortable than a room. I’m starting to think it’s true that Mr. Northwood spent three million to keep you." Even though she wasn’t wearing makeup and dressed in a modest and old-fashioned nightgown, Calista was st
David followed behind Lucian. The two men approached. It was hard to discern their emotions judging by their expressions alone.He stopped before Calista and reached out to pinch her chin. His shadowy gaze landed on her swollen face that bore a handprint. Her lips were split and stained with blood.Lucian turned toward Marcus who was too nervous and hesitant to meet his gaze.He smiled and spoke in a low voice, "Laying a hand on what's mine, Mr. Packard? How do you plan to settle the matter?"Was he saying that there was something to discuss?Marcus tried to calm down and answered with a smile, "I'll give up another 20 percent of the profits …"Marcus studied Lucian's face and found him to be unfazed. He gritted his teeth and said, "30 percent. I'll give up 30 percent of the profits."He was reluctant. 30 percent of the profits meant 300 million dollars; it was a staggering loss!Lucian instructed David, "Get me the contract."Calista's heart sank when she heard his words. She
"This is a matter between my wife and me, Paul."Lucian's voice was tense. The meaning was obvious; an outsider had no business meddling with their affairs.The situation had taken a strange turn. The air seemed to be charged with a vague scent of gunpowder.It mingled with the smell of blood and the occasional pained cries from Marcus. It felt like the tension could erupt at any moment. But Paul remained unfazed.He calmly spoke, "It's inappropriate for us to have any further discussions tonight when you can't keep your emotions in check, Lucian. You should take care of the matters here first. I'll help drop Calista off."He swept his gaze across the corridor on both sides. Lucian also caught glimpses of several doors being opened.They had caused too much of a commotion which alarmed the guests. They were peeking from behind the doors to see what was happening. Some were even recording videos on their phone …Lucian's expression remained cold as he fixed his eyes back on Calis
Cameron tucked her hands into her sleeves, her face unreadable as she watched Mirabelle stagger toward her. "I went through so much trouble to put on this grand finale," she said coolly. "How could I miss the ending?"Mirabelle's eyes were bloodshot, her voice shrill with disbelief. "It really was you, Cameron! You set everything up!" She fumbled for her phone. "I'm calling the police. You framed my father—he's innocent!""Framed?" Cameron let out a cold laugh. "And where exactly do you think the money came from for all those years you lived like a queen overseas?"Mirabelle froze mid-dial. Cameron's words cut deep. She stood there, stunned, then muttered, "Cade… I'll tell Cade everything you did. He'll stop you. I'll call Cade.""Are you sure you want to do that?"Mirabelle lowered her phone and burst out laughing. "I won't call. But what does it matter? You lost. You pulled all the strings, but in the end, I'm still standing. You can't touch me."She lifted her head, her eyes s
Cade turned, frowning in confusion. Mirabelle had just stumbled into the café, unkempt, disheveled, and utterly unlike her usual self. The grace and poise she once wore like armor were gone. Her hair was tangled, her outfit wrinkled, and one of her heels had snapped clean off.But it was clear—she hadn't come for him. The instant her eyes found his, she froze. Then, almost frantically, she adjusted her clothes and ran trembling fingers through her hair.She walked over, chin lifted, as if her heel wasn't broken, as if she hadn't just staggered in like a ghost of herself."Cade," she said, summoning the haughtiness of an Ackerman heiress. "Are you really willing to throw away everything between our families for Cameron?"She had begged nearly everyone she knew that day—men and women who owed her family countless favors. All of them had turned their backs. She finally understood what it meant to be on a sinking ship, swarmed by rats scurrying for safety.Mirabelle knew she should be
Fabian said, "Mr. Ackerman was taken away by the Office of Inspector General this morning. Madam Cameron and the Bark family are reportedly the ones responsible."The Carter Group hadn't broken any laws, nor had they been financially entangled with the Ackermans for over a decade. Still, the long-standing ties between the two families ran deep. If Victor Ackerman had skeletons in his closet, Cade would have a hard time avoiding the fallout.Cade propped his hand against his cheek. "What about my wife?""Madam Cameron…" Fabian had to steel himself to answer Cade. "Madam Cameron left the country. She applied for a long-term visa."Even with reporters hounding him, that sentence rang loud and clear in Cade's ears.A long silence stretched before he let out a quiet, bitter laugh.He had never realized how much Cameron had orchestrated behind his back. The Ackermans or the media could trip him up for now, but her betrayal cut deeper. Every move had been calculated.And the most absur
Cade crossed the room as Cameron, already seated, leaned her cheek against her hand, skimming the menu. "Want a drink?" she asked casually.His heart skipped a beat.Cameron's appearance radiated deliberate perfection. From her flawlessly styled hair and expertly applied makeup to her impeccable outfit and carefully chosen accessories, every detail was considered. Even her expensive "Allure" perfume hinted at a desire to captivate.A private dining room meant for couples with only spouses in each other's company…Given the setup, sharing a drink seemed like an implicit invitation.Cade pressed his lips into a line, trying to ignore the rising curve of a smile. "Sure," he replied, his tone deceptively even. "We'll start with two bottles of Magnolia's Pulpit," Cameron said.Cade choked on his water, coughing as he asked, "Seriously?"Who would start a date with such a strong distilled spirit? With two bottles, no less.Cameron propped up her chin and raised an eyebrow. "Is that
Cameron stared at her screen, where Gale had just sent a single word. "Ready." Her lips curled up involuntarily.Cade noticed the smile. He didn't know who she was messaging, but it irritated him for some reason. After a long pause, he exhaled slowly and asked, "What if the Ackermans refuse to settle?"Cameron didn't bother to answer. She knew Violet and Victor would soon be in hot water, so she hadn't considered the aftermath. However, to Cade, her silence only confirmed his assumptions—she was reckless, unprepared, and acting purely on emotion. He clenched his jaw and finally stopped holding his breath. Then, suddenly, he pulled the car over with a sharp twist of the wheel. "Did you think it through before turning yourself in? What if the psych evaluation comes back clean, and the Ackermans insist on pressing charges? What then? You hurt Mirabelle badly. You think you'll have it easy in prison with the way they dote on her?" In contrast to Cade's exasperation, Cameron remaine
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