**CALISTA**“What in God's name is going on here?” My mother's voice mirrored the horrified look on Merrick's face.“Why did you bring this man in here? Do you have any idea what you are doing?” Gloria Fairfax shot up from her seat, voice shrill. “Yes, Gloria, I perfectly understand.” A smile lit my face despite the steady thumping of my heart.The moment Atlas stepped into that room, everything I had set in motion became irreversible.From the look on their faces, to the awkward stillness of the servants, I soaked in their confusion, reveling in the way Merrick's hands trembled around the envelope. I turned to the head chef.“Leave us.” my voice cracked. The servants and cooks shuffled out, mortified.The double doors slammed shut, locking in the chaos that was this room.Merrick stomped forward, gaze fixed on his target—me.Instinctively, Atlas stepped in front of me, blocking his path. Merrick stopped short, as if another step towards Atlas would cause him to burst into flames.
Last Updated : 2026-04-03 Read more