Chapter 10
The two parties stood face in fare, the tension
the air almost tangilde,
Calista kept her expression nestal, looking at the Colle siblings as if they were complete stranger
As adudes in a public setting, they all knew the drill—keep it civil, no matter what history lurked beneath the surface.
“Me. Halls, goal to see you, Adrian said, needling politely
Connor returned the nod, a polite smile playing on his lips. “Mr. Cole, likewise?
valle stood a major player in Mystoria’s business scene, and on the other, the heir to one of the country’s largest commercial hub.
the top corporations in Stonebridge,
With their sharp looks and meise wealth, the two of them created quite the spectacle. They shook hands, exchanging pleasantries like seasoner
Then Connor’s gaze landed our Tessa, and his interest was immediately obvious. “And who might this lovely lady be?” he asked, his voice tak more playful tone.
Adrian cast a quick glance at Calista, catching her calm demeanor before his smile deepened ever so slightly. “Allow me to introduce my sister.
Tessa stepped forward, flashing a warm smile. “Mr. Halls, I’m Tessa. It’s a pleasure.”
*The pleasure’s all mine, Ms. Cole, Connor responded, his face lighting up with a dazzling smile. He took her hand and, in a rather old–fashioned but charming move, kissed it, leaving Tessa momentarily caught off guard,
She quickly pulled herself together, stealing a glance at Calista, Connor–handsome, rich, and infamous worldwide for his playboy ways—was clearly living up to his reputation, Even with a date hanging off his arm, he couldn’t help but flirt with any beautiful woman in his line of sight.
Calista read the triumphant and challenging look in Tessa’s eyes, as if it conveyed, “See, Calista? You’re nothing special” Bur Calista’s smile didn’t Talter one bit, her composure rock solid.
Irritated by Calista’s nonchalant attitude, Tessa turned the conversation to her. “And who is this lady with Mr. Halls?” she asked, her tone dripping with faux politeness.
She doulard Calista would have the nerve to bring up their acquaintance from seven years ago, especially her connection Tamily’s grand wedding seven years prior had ended like a farce.
to Adrian. The Cole
But given their status, no one dared report on that fiasco, Even Calista, who had been engaged to Adrian for a year, seemed to vanish without a trace after she left the country And Calista only learned all this much later.
The ability to ac was a necessary skill Calista had honed in the cutthroat business world. Now, she and the Cole siblings were all playing their perfectly, pretending this was their first meeting.
Cour smiled as he placed a hand on the small of Calista’s back. “This is Calista Terell, my girlfriend,” he said,
out of place.
parts
Connor really meant was that she was his female friend. This introduction, inconsistent with Connor’s playboy reputation, wasn’t
The Teal intretuncil Calista flais way comulir few occasions she had accompanied him to business events before, Calista was used to it, but she didn’t miss the fleeting look that crossed Adrian’s face.
“loche escorted by Mr. Halls to such a prestigious gathering, Ms. Terell must be quite… accomplished, Adrian said, the corner of his mouth lifting In a lately preptille smirk.
Those unfamiliar with Adrian would think the man was being polite and natural. But those who knew him well could easily detect the sarcasm dripping from his seemingly complimentary words.
As someone who had spent two years with Adrian, Calista was one of those who k she was skilled at sedin lng men.
knew him well. She caught the implication behind his words–that
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