Chapter 8 Mr. Northwood Wants You to Wait

The wound on Lily's leg was wrapped in gauze. It was difficult to tell whether it was infected. However, the area was indeed swollen and bulging.

"Has the doctor looked at it yet?"

Lucian was too indifferent. He didn't seem concerned or bothered when he looked at her swollen leg. Lily couldn't tell what he was thinking, so she didn't dare butter him up.

"I've let the doctor change the dressing. It's probably because I accidentally splashed some water on it while showering … That's why it got infected."

Lucian took out a cigarette and placed it between his lips. He ignored the no-smoking sign on the wall. With a click, the lighter sparked to life. It cast a warm glow on his defined features.

He took a drag before looking back at Lily's leg. "Lily, you should stick to this path since you chose it. Don't ruin yourself by giving up. You gave up everything to pursue this dream."

Lily didn't expect him to say that. She thought he would at least feel distressed or comfort her when he saw her wound.

After all, Lucian would frown at the sight of her getting splattered by oil back then. He would even get some ice to apply on her skin.

"Lucian." Lily was a bit choked up. "Do you still blame me? Back then …"

"I don't blame you. It's your choice. As for me, I'll choose to fulfill your wish." Lucian extinguished his cigarette. "It's your legs. You can do whatever you want to them if you no longer wish to dance. I won't come to the hospital again."

With that, Lucian left without turning back.

Queenie entered the ward a while after he left. "How did it go? Did Mr. Northwood say anything when he saw your wound?"

"He said that he won't come to the hospital anymore."

"Didn't you act weak and butter him up? I told you that men like women that rely on them. You can't be as proud as you usually are. It will only push him away further."

When Lily thought of Lucian's indifference, a mocking smile appeared on her lips. "He's so calm. Even if I were to die in front of him just now, he would have the same impassive face while handling my funeral."

Queenie went silent for a moment before shaking her head.

"Men are concerned about their reputation. It's especially true for men as powerful and influential as Mr. Northwood. When did he ever face setbacks because of a woman? You were too proud back then!"

Lily didn't answer her. A hint of mockery flashed across her eyes as she thought, "Back then … Was it really the case, though?"

…

The next day, Calista didn't need to go to work at Northwood Corporation. Thus, she slept until she woke up naturally.

Yara was already at her shop. She sent her a WhatsApp message, "The appointment with Jacob is set for tomorrow. However, I can't go with you as I have a meeting with a client."

After Yara graduated from college, she opened an antique shop with her family's funds. She was also responsible for introducing new clients to Calista.

"Okay," Calista replied. After having breakfast, she headed out.

Calista wanted to find somewhere to stay after moving out from Everglade Manor. It would be more convenient if she found somewhere near her work.

So, she went to the real estate agency. In just one morning, she chose an apartment with one bedroom and two living rooms. It was close to where she worked and didn't come with too much furniture. It allowed her to convert the second living room into a workspace easily.

Most importantly, the management was quite responsible. Those who needed to enter the apartment would be asked to register their ID card.

After signing the contract, Calista went to the mall since it was still early. Yara's birthday was soon. So, Calista decided to get her a bag.

Yara had been talking about the newest collection of a certain brand. Coincidentally, the brand's store was in this shopping mall.

Calista took the elevator to the seventh floor.

"Miss, do you have anything you're interested in?" The salesperson approached her.

People who bought such luxury items usually already knew what they wanted.

"Do you have the bag featured during the summer collection?"

The salesperson smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry. The bag is a limited edition. Someone has already booked the one in our shop."

Calista was a bit disappointed. "Okay, thank you."

Just when Calista was about to turn around and leave, a woman dressed in professional attire walked inside.

"I'm here for the limited edition women's bag Mr. Northwood booked," she told the salesperson.

Calista stopped in her tracks. She slowly clenched her fists. Northwood wasn't a common surname. And Calista happened to know the woman in front of her.

The woman had appeared in the news before. She was Lily's manager.

The salesperson replied, "Okay. However, I need to call Mr. Northwood to check. Can you give me your name?"

"Ms. Lily Scott asked me to come. I'm Queenie Yates, her manager."

The salesperson turned around and searched for Lucian's contact number on the computer.

Calista didn't intend to linger. All she felt was numbness after the momentary heartache. As she was about to get a divorce, she couldn't care less about who he wanted to buy a bag for.

She was about to leave when Queenie called her, "Ms. Everhart."

Calista didn't expect she would know her. "What's the matter?" Calista raised an eyebrow.

Queenie didn't beat around the bush, "You're so beautiful. There's no need to cling to a man who doesn't love you. The sooner you let go of him, the better. You're young enough to find someone better."

"Did Lily tell you to say that?" Calista raised her chin arrogantly. "Times have changed. Back then, mistresses used to hide and cover things up. They feared the consequences of being found out. Now, they even dare to be arrogant before the wives."

Calista's stance had completely overpowered the Queenie.

But Queenie didn't want to admit defeat. "The one who isn't loved in a relationship is the mistress. Lily and Mr. Northwood were a couple, to begin with."

"You're not married, right?" Calista narrowed her eyes, a seductive charm emanating from her. "I'll introduce your husband to a few charming ladies once you're married. You're so generous. I bet you wouldn't mind."

Queenie froze. Before she could refute her, Calista spoke again, "As for that bag, please ask Ms. Scott to transfer half of the money to my account. Although Mr. Northwood gifted her that bag, it's still considered a joint asset of mine.

"After all, I am his wife. She can expect a lawyer's letter if I don't receive the funds within three days." Calista's tone was gentle yet dominant.

Queenie hadn't expected this seemingly quiet woman to have such a sharp tongue. She was so difficult to deal with.

For a moment, the usually eloquent Queenie fell silent.

Just as Calista was about to leave, the salesperson stopped her. "Mrs. Northwood, Mr. Northwood … He asked you to wait for him here," he said, voice trembling.

The salesperson didn't expect to see something so shocking before dialing the number. She was even more surprised that Lucian was the one who took the call and not his assistant.