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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