Chapter 285 The Calloway Crew
Lucian pursed his lips and fell silent. They finished their meal in a strangely quiet atmosphere.
Calista got up to pay the bill, but Lucian grabbed her hand and stopped her.
“David has already taken care of it.”
Lycian hadn’t thought about holding Calista’s hand because he believed he didn’t have the right to do so,
and he expected that Calista would disapprove.
However, now that he had done it, he had no intention of letting go.
*The weather is nice tonight. How about taking a stroll?” He suggested.
Calista glanced up at the pitch–black sky, unable to discern what was nice about the weather. The
weather felt chilly, with the wind blowing and the temperature dropping.
“I’ll pass,” she replied.
Calista had a lot on her mind, and after a long day, she was too tired to stroll around. All she wanted was
to go home, bathe, and relax by watching TV.
As Calista was about to withdraw her hand from Lucian’s grasp, she heard him ask, “Don’t you want to
know who attacked you in Apthon?”
Calista was surprised at Lucian’s question and forgot to remove her hand.
“Have you found out?” she asked.
“Yeah,” Lucian replied, taking the opportunity to hold her hand and stand beside her.
“If you hang out with me for a bit, I’ll spill the beans.”
Liam had already revealed the identity to Calista when he saw her off in the car, but she wasn’t sure if he
was truthful. Calista hesitated but decided to hear from Lucian instead.
Release my hand,” she demanded.
Lugan relictantly let go of Callsta’s delicate hand.
we going? Calicts asked
casusly in the area where most of the people had gathered. He had no specific
in mund
As they approached the crowd, Lucian used his hand to subtly create a protective space around Calista, ensuring no one would accidentally bump into her..
The music grew louder as if someone were live streaming a dance performance. Lucian didn’t participate
in the excitement.
His attention remained on Calista, preventing anyone from accidentally bumping into her.
Callie, I can do whatever Hector can do. I’m up for sharing junk food with you, even slicing some steaks. Please don’t fall for him. The Calloway crew isn’t as amazing as it seems. Hector’s folks are pretty old- school and strict, and you might not vibe with their style…”
I
He admitted, “I understand I haven’t been great in the past. As a husband, I haven’t been as responsible and attentive as I should have been. Perhaps I’ve spoken unkindly, but I’m determined to make an effort
to become a better husband and won’t let you suffer again.“.
Calista remained silent for a few seconds before speaking, “Lucian…
Before she could continue, Lucian covered her mouth and smiled faintly.
“Let’s not dwell on that. Let’s talk business. Did you happen to upset someone from the Jacquez family in
Aphton?
This marked the second occasion that Calista had encountered the name Jacquez, leaving her
convinced that they were aiming at her.
Despite her familiarity with numerous people, Calista couldn’t recall anyone bearing that name, let alone
any grounds for offending.
Given her unfamiliarity with them, it appeared highly probable that their interest was connected to Calista’s mother. Lucian furrowed his brow, sensing that Calista was keeping something from him.
Just as he was about to ask, someone shouted, “It’s raining.”
Raindrops the size of beans pelted from the sky, creating bursts of splashes on the ground. The crowd
scattered in an Instant.
Calista hadn’t been keen on leisurely strolling in the first place, and now that she had acquired the
information she desired, she sprinted away with the swiftness of a rabbit.
If Lucian hadn’t possessed his long legs, he would have struggled to keep pace with her.
who had gone somewhere to fetch an umbrella, handed it to Lucian. The rain suddenly became
and raindrops fa rapidly and densely, quickly soaking them
Lucian opened the umbrella and sheltered Calista beneath it. Calista’s apartment was right next to the carnival. She walked into the apartment lobby and brushed off the raindrops on her body.
“I can go up by myself. Thanks for the umbrella,” she said.
Lucian took the umbrella and gestured toward his right shoulder. He was dressed in a light–colored shirt.
The wet shirt clung to his body and revealed his well–defined abs.
Thanks to you, I’m drenched. If you’re going to say thanks, do it right, will you?” Lucian retorted.
He seemed to dislike being wet.
His brow furrowed as he impatiently demanded, “I’m heading to your place to take a shower. David’s grabbing my clothes from the car. He should be here shortly.”
Calista was about to reply when she heard someone call her name.
“Ms. Everhart.”
Emerging from the dim shadows were two people. As she caught sight of the person leading the way, her eyes widened in surprise.
Chapter 286 I’ve Got Your Back
Calista wasn’t acquainted with the newcomers, but she had encountered them before. The person leading the way had a commanding presence that had made a lasting impression on Calista.
On the other hand, Calista was more acquainted with the person at the back. After all, they had met just yesterday and exchanged a few words.
It was Ava. Calista turned to the newcomer and adjusted her posture.
“Madam Calloway.” She greeted Patricia.
Hector’s mother looked at Calista with a composed and polite smile devoid of warmth.
“I happened to be around today for some business and thought of inviting Ms. Everhart for a coffee. But now, I don’t think it’s necessary. Ms. Everhart and Mr. Northwood are quite an item, it seems. When your second wedding rolls around, you can count on the Calloway family to show up with some fancy gifts and give you our congrats,” Patricia quipped.
Clearly, Patricia was warning Calista to stay away from Hector.
She smiled gently and continued, “My son, bless his heart, has always been a bit straightforward and not ideal exactly a master of understanding minds, even from a young age. He might have gotten the wrong about you, Ms. Everhart. I hope you understand this as a mother’s worry and pitch in to clear things up
with him.”
Patricia emanated an air of unattainable pride in her words, a confidence instilled by her upbringing and
social standing.
Her speech might have been more direct and uncompromising if it weren’t for her regard for Lucian. Calista fell into a brief silence before a faint smile graced her lips.
“Madam Calloway, I won’t trouble myself with explaining to Hector, I genuinely don’t think my actions. were disrespectful in any manner. Did Hector talk to you about me, or…”
Callsta looked away from Patricia and toward Ava, who looked smug and cocked her chin upward.
Colista continued, “Or she did?”
Avaged at Calista and interjected. “Where’s your proof?”
curse under Her breath directed at Calista. She couldn’t fathom why Calista, who already
mirch her reputation in front of Patricia
Ava simply couldn’t stand Calista.
“You should be well aware, Ms. Moore.”
Calista asserted, showing no signs of compromise in Patricia’s strong demeanor.
She looked at Patricia and continued, “Madam Calloway, should there be any lingering doubts in your mind, it might be prudent for Hector to fill you in. And as for your worries, don’t sweat it.”
“Hector and I were buddies in high school, and we’ve always had a solid friendship until he joined the military. We used to stay in touch and hang out all the time. There’s no way I would’ve waited until now if I bore any sneaky intentions,” Calista concluded.
Patricia’s brows furrowed deeply. Criticizing Hector herself was her way of displaying modesty, but if
someone disapproved of her son, it felt like a direct insult.
Very few had dared to challenge her in such a manner, especially a young woman in her twenties with no
notable background.
Patricia’s demeanor shifted noticeably. She applied an authoritative manner she typically employed when managing her subordinates at work.
“Ms. Everhart, Hector has been adamant about marrying you, defying our family’s long–standing traditions.
She directed her gaze at Lucian and continued, “I would agree if you were loyal to him. However, when you keep him hanging while pulling the string with Mr. Northwood…”
no
Suddenly, Lucian interjected, pulling Calista into a protective stance behind him, “Madam Calloway, I matter what Calista intends, you and your husband would never give the green light to Hector marrying at woman without political connections. Don’t try to pass the blame onto others and act like you’re innocent.
Patricia was at a loss for words, stunned at Lucian’s sudden comments.
Lucian scoffed, “Look, you’re aware that your kid might not be the sharpest tool, so perhaps it’s a good
idea to spend some time helping him out. If that’s not an option, think about signing him up for an
emotional Intelligence class instead of putting the blame on my wife and expecting her to explain things
one who might need a bit more time to catch on
ings telt into se eerie silence: Lucian, the instigator of this situation, remained unperturbed
for how offensive his remarks might be
and continued “You can’t expect the entire world to cater
“And please, don’t rush to judgment and assume that my wife had any part in causing these
misunderstandings. Even if she did, it’s crucial to advise your son not to place blind trust in sweet words without questioning them. Many relationships go downhill because people get caught up in daydreams and lose touch with reality.”
Calista stood behind Lucian, unable to see Patricia and Ava’s expressions, but she could only imagine how furious they must be
At this moment, Calista realized that Lucian had been harsher toward others than he was with her, dispelling her doubts about his treatment of her.
Patricia was left speechless, her face turning a shade of angry red. Lucian squinted his eyes, his expression blank as he nodded toward Patricia.
“Sorry, I couldn’t stand seeing my wife being mistreated. My words might not have been the most pleasant, Madam Calloway. I hope you can forgive me,” Lucian apologized insincerely.
Patricia remained silent, her options limited. What else could she do? Slap Lucian across the face in front
of everyone?
Her status didn’t allow for such uncouth behavior, and Lucian’s status prevented her from indiscretions.
Patricia’s fear wasn’t of Lucian’s status as a businessman but the intricate web of connections he had behind him. Lucian took Calista by the hand and led her away.
After a few steps, he turned to address Ava, “Hey, you, Ms. Moore. Although I’m no Hector, I am a man and understand what men detest most – women who gossip behind their backs.”
Ava’s anger surged to the point where she felt like screaming. Once Lucian and Calista stepped into the elevator and the doors slid shut, Lucian’s insincere smile vanished.
He inquired, “Why would you let people bully you?”
While he posed the question, he began unbuttoning his shirt. One button, two buttons. By the time Lucian reached the third button, some pent–up anger had dissipated.
Calista lowered her eyes and retorted, “I wasn’t being bullied.”
How would you define being bullied, then? Getting a slap in your face? Did you catch how Hector’s mom a superior? It’s pretty obvious she’s trying to put you down because you don’t come from a
Fund or ha
Have Influential connections She wants you to know that and stay away from her
Calista was well aware of the dynamics in today’s world and society.
The privileged, the ones with wealth and influence, always seemed to hold the upper hand, while those lacking such advantages had to struggle tooth and nail.
For those with influential backgrounds, bringing someone down was as effortless as snapping their fingers. Take, for example, the enigmatic and high–powered families like the Jacquez clans in Apthon.
They would readily intercept people on the streets and shift the blame onto others, leaving no trace for
authorities to follow.
Calista responded indifferently, “You know, I don’t have any fancy connections or support either. If this is what passes for bullying, I guess life isn’t worth it then.”
Lucian furrowed his brow, looking at her with concern.
“I’ve got your back. I had it before, I do now, and I always will. It’s just that you haven’t been open to depending on me.”
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