Chapter 326 Authority
As Calista arrived at the museum the next day, a colleague approached her urgently.
“Callie, have you heard the news? Madam White has confessed. They say she’s going to be sentenced
next month.”
“Amelia confessed?”
Calista had orchestrated the dramatic incident at the manor in front of Hugo. With Amelia’s confession, it
appeared that the Jacquez family prioritized their interests above all else.
“What do you reckon Madam White was aiming for? She was nearing retirement. Yet now, her reputation
and career are in ruins,” her colleague commented.
Calista smiled faintly and replied, “Who knows? Maybe people just stop giving a damn about many things
as they get older.”
Amelia’s confession didn’t have a significant impact on Calista. What did it signify when Vivian could stir up so much chaos yet still escape it? However, Calista didn’t expect Hugo to come looking for her.
“Ms. Everhart, do you have a moment to talk?‘ Hugo asked.
He was dressed in a relaxed manner but radiated an air of refinement. His expression remained enigmatic.
As Calista laid eyes on Hugo this time, her emotions ran far deeper than during their previous encounter.
The last time they met, he had been donning the role of Vivian’s uncle, a suspect in Calsita’s mother’s
murder.
At that time, Calista had held a deep–seated loathing for him. But now, she found herself wavering. Calista refrained from responding, and Hugo didn’t push for an answer. Thirty seconds had slipped by.
Calista nodded and responded, “Okay, there’s a cafe nearby. If you’re cool with it, let’s bring it there.”
The cafe had a serene atmosphere with an understated elegance. They selected a secluded booth for themselves.
Calista decided on a cup of coffee while Hugo went for lemonade. Within minutes, Calista’s phone, which she had placed on the table, began to buzz with several Incoming WhatsApp messages.
If you have something to discuss, please be direct,” Calista demanded,
Hugo cut to the chase and replied, “Vivian la young and tends to set impulsively, tve decided to teach her
leaves.”
Calista retorted, “Apologies won’t cut it. Ms. Jacquez’s apologies don’t sit well with just anyone. If you genuinely regret it, why not come clean in public? Why not let the legal system decide who’s right and
wrong
rong instead of aiding Ms. Jacquez in damage control by pretending to be deeply sorry for the victim?
What’s your stance on this?”
Calista harbored no affection for the Jacquez family. She had little regard for Hugo, who seemed unable
to distinguish right from wrong.
Despite her mother’s past involvement with him, Calista couldn’t find any reason to like him.
Her mother may have had an eye for antiques, but her taste in men left much to be desired. The
atmosphere in the booth grew eerily quieter, but Calista paid it no mind.
She sipped her coffee and continued, “Mr. Jacquez, I’m guessing you didn’t just drop by to talk about this
Issue alone. If that was the case, you could’ve had Liam handle it.”
Hugo fixed his gaze on Calista, his expression stern and resolute.
“Stop delving into your
“What?”
mother’s history,” he ordered.
Calista had anticipated various topics of conversation when meeting Hugo, ranging from her mother’s well–being to their past relationship. However, these subjects were absent during their interaction.
What caught her off guard was Hugo’s direct approach, which, upon reflection, made sense.
The emotional connection between Hugo and Calista’s mother had likely faded with time, leaving them. as former partners with little else to discuss.
Despite the passage of time, Hugo had aged gracefully, with just a few wrinkles as a testament to his years. His facial features still exuded the charm and charisma of his youth.
Given the Jacquez family’s affluent background, it was reasonable to assume that he had never been short of female companions.
Zachary had mentioned Calista’s mother and her ex hadn’t parted on good terms. So, it all began to make sense to Calista
She realized that Hugo’s reluctance to delve into her mother’s past was likely driven by a desire to protect. someone, much like he had protected Vivian
Callate narrowed her eyes and asked, “You know who harmed my mother, don’t you?”
The Jacquez family’s enduring legacy and continued prosperity in Apthon could be attributed to their extensive numbers, close–knit familial bonds, and diverse involvement in different spheres of society, including the military, politics, and business.
Stirring up trouble with a sprawling and intricately connected family was akin to poking a hornet’s nest.
When faced with the complexities involving an ex–girlfriend and his ally, it was evident whose side Hugo
would support.
Hugo sighed, “I’m offering you advice for your good. I believe your mother, resting in heaven, would want nothing more than your safety and inner peace without the burden of the past weighing you down….”
A cold and dismissive expression marked Calista’s face as she laughed sarcastically.
“Mr. Jacquez, what gives you the authority to offer me advice? My mother and you were mere acquaintances, and I hardly knew you. Your request does come across as somewhat,” she paused, then
continued, “presumptuous.”
Calista pulled a ten–dollar bill from her wallet, placed it under her empty cup, and stood up.
“Think of this lemonade as my treat. I’m sorry for being impolite. There’s nothing to discuss, and I
recommend we avoid private meetings like this in the future.”
“Ms. Everhart.”
Hugo furrowed his brow and began, but Calista’s determined departure cut him off. Calista left the cafe
with a frosty expression.
She quickened her pace, afraid lingering any longer might tempt her to return and pour the remaining
coffee on Hugo’s face.
Her disdain for the Jacquez family extended throughout. Calista returned to the museum’s parking lot to locate her car. She opened her WhatsApp and noticed that Lucian had sent her several messages
“Hey, there’s a spontaneous meeting tonight. Are you done with work? How about dinner at Northwood Corporation?”
David always picked a pretty mediocre restaurant, huh?”
Callie, I miss you.
Why aren’t you replying?
Calle?”
Lucian had sent all the messages in one shot. Calista continued typing, puzzled by Lucian’s sudden barrage of messages, especially on mundane and unimportant subjects.
During her time at Northwood Corporation, Lucian had been incredibly busy, hardly finding a moment to check WhatsApp, let alone take breaks for rest. Frustrated, she decided to call him.
On the other end, Lucian answered almost instantly, “Callie
“Have you had your meal yet?” Calista asked.
Lucian pushed aside his half–eaten takeout box, tossed the utensils aside, and replied without a hint of
quilt, “No, I haven’t.”
“I haven’t either. Do you have time later? How about I take you out for a dine–out near Northwood.
Corporation?” Calista continued.
Calista was exhausted and had no desire to navigate through Capeton’s rush hour traffic just to reach
Northwood Corporation.
However, she was in a bad mood and didn’t want to be alone. Lucian paid no attention to David, who
urgently highlighted the schedule for his next three meetings. 1
He simply responded, “Okay.”
Calista continued, “Then I’ll get going now. It will take me about
Suddenly, screams erupted behind her. Calista instinctively spun around, and the sight that greeted her
left her in shock. She froze, her mind blank, unable to figure out what to do next.
