Chapter 247 Give It Another Shot
Agnes cleared her throat and continued, “I must say, after all these years, it seems highly improbable that would return. But, one can never be entirely certain. Whether they choose to return or not is not
anyone
our concern.”
“That residence has a rather unfortunate reputation. It’s become renowned as a haunted mansion in Capeton. What kind of work have you undertaken there? Did you stumble into some scam?” Agnes asked
In concern.
Calista wasn’t sure how much Agnes knew about her mother’s death, but she decided to take a chance and continued, “Agnes, you know, my mom’s passing wasn’t just a random accident. Grandpa and I have been digging around for years, yet we haven’t encountered any useful leads. Have you got any scoop on
whether my mom had any tight buddies or pals?”
Agnes returned to arranging flowers and replied, “Your mom was one of those workaholic
- s. She
could hibernate at home for weeks, not bothering to chat with anyone or surf the web. Gossip and internet drama were way off her radar. Who’s got time for that nonsense, right?”
Calista asked, “Do you think this has anything to do with Zachary?”
All Calista had figured out over the years was that Zachary had failed to pick up her mother that fateful
night, which was the extent of her knowledge.
Agnes had heard rumors about Zachary’s current wife being difficult and not treating Calista well.
However, she hadn’t anticipated that their relationship had worsened to the extent that they now referred
to each other by names.
She replied, “Come on, that’s even more far–fetched. Your dad is tough in his way, but he’s also a bit of a pushover. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have let that second wife of his, who’s got zero talent or background, walk all over you and boss you around for all these years.”
If your mom’s passing wasn’t an accident, it’s a stretch to think he had anything to do with it. He doesn’t have the smarts or the guts for something like that.”
Calista pondered at Agnes‘ reply, wondering if her existence reminded him of his humiliating history as a
steplanter
Did my mom ever mention her ex boyfriend to you?” Caliste asked,
I
your dad has first love? Calista, even though I was light with your mom, you know what she was
beans on such personal stuff
Agnes’s expression seemed sincere. Calista was unsure if Agnes lacked the information or was masking it After failing to uncover any leads at the Baker residence, Calista headed straight to the manor on the
hill.
Calista finished work later than the previous night due to an unavoidable step in her work process.
By the time she arrived home, it was nearing 9:00 PM, and all the nearby fast–food places had already shuttered for the night. Left with no alternative, she opted for a hasty dinner of instant noodles.
Just as she was about to dig in, her doorbell rang. The doorbell chimed incessantly, one ring after
another, in a continuous and rather unsettling manner.
Calista got up, walked over, and peered through the peephole.
However, a fleshy mass blocked it, and she couldn’t see anything. Only someone with a few screws loose
would open the door in such a situation.
Calista was about to return to her instant noodles and call building management to deal with the
persistent visitor when she heard Lucian’s voice call out.
“Calista, open the door.”
“Move whatever’s blocking the peephole,” she demanded.
A few seconds later, she glanced into the peephole, confirming it was indeed Lucian outside, who was
relentlessly ringing the doorbell and knocking.
She opened a small crack in her door and asked, “What do you
want?”
Lucian tilted his head to peer through the opening. A pungent alcohol odor washed through Calista.
His forehead displayed a mark from the peephole, and, coupled with his current bleary–eyed state, her
looked rather comical.
“Calista, let’s give it another shot,” he said.
Calista was baffled and asked, “What do you mean?”
Lucian attempted to push the door, but it remained steadfast. He experimented with different techniques
to no avail.
Frustrated, he turned his body aldeways and started to wedge himself through the narrow gap.
had on nothing but a dress shirt, a remnant of a suit. It seemed he atther hadn’t bothered with a tie or
his journey
placed i
His collar was haphazardly yanked open, and a button dangled loosely at the top.
Calista’s strength was no match for a drunk man like Lucian. His body blocked the door, and she couldn’t seriously fight him off.
After a few futile attempts, Lucian managed to squeeze past the door. She crossed her arms and fixed a
stern gaze on him.
“What’s your game here? Trying to pull off a Hercules act?”
Unable to understand Lucian, she didn’t pay much attention to his earlier remark. Lucian had lost count of
how much he’d been drinking.
His unsteady stance and the crimson hue in his eyes and on his lips revealed the effects of the alcohol.
“This time, I’ll take it easy.” He slurred.
Calista was baffled by him and thought he was speaking gibberish.
“Lucian, have you been drowning in stress lately? Perhaps I should link you up with a therapist. Might do
some good.”
Lucian’s thoughts were chaotic. He only caught onto the word “therapist‘ in Calista’s lengthy statement
and immediately scowled.
“Did that damned Cade spill the beans to you?”
Unable to make sense of his question, Calista chose to remain silent. After all, reasoning with a drunkard
was a futile endeavor.
She turned toward the living room, her concern growing that her instant noodles might be cooking too
long. She was intent on dismissing Lucian’s presence.
In a sudden twist, Lucian reached out and grabbed her, his movements awkward and unsteady, causing
him to rely heavily on Calista for support.
Calista stumbled and quickly reached out to brace herself against the wall to regain her balance. A furrow
of imitation marred her expression as she turned to Lucian.
Lucian, you
efore Calista could finish her sentence, Lucian gently cupped her face and pressed his lips to hers with a
of urgency His eagerness left Calista with little room for resistance.
of ack, Calveta I just can’t help myself he confessed breathlessly
Lucian wrapped Calista’s waist and pinned her against the wall, their bodies pressed tightly together. The intense heat penetrated through their thin clothing.
Their proximity was such that even the most subtle physical reactions couldn’t go unnoticed.
Calista instantly snapped to attention as he pressed against her. She suspected Lucian was using alcohol to justify his advances, with his desires clearly in the forefront.
Lucian, back off! Try to kiss me one more time, and I’ll make sure you can’t use that mouth again,” she
warned sternly.
