Chapter 11
Calista’s smile broadened, her eyes sparkling with a mix of amusement and defiance. “I’m truly honored that Mr. Halls values appreciate Mr. Cole’s kind words. It’s quite a privilege to attend such an exclusive gathering, thanks to Mr. Halls.”
abilities, and I
Inside, she silently fumed, ‘Yes, I feel honored. Got a problem with that? Trying to be snarky! Sorry, but that’s none of my business!
Adrian’s eyes flashed with a hint of coldness at Calista’s nonchalant attitude.
Tess, on his arm, felt his body stiffen, and alarm bells started ringing in her head. Quickly covering, she turned to Connor with a practiced smile. “I’ve heard tonight’s wines are from your private vineyard, Mr. Halls. I can’t wait to sample them.”
As they made their way towards the Wellington Grand Hotel’s entrance, exchanging pleasantries, the two strikingly attractive couples drew every eye in the vicinity. No one noticed the pitch–black Maybach gliding to a stop nearby.
This wasn’t just any luxury car; it was a rare, priceless model that would have made any car enthusiast weak at the knees.
Unlike the flashy Rolls–Royce and stretched Lincoln from earlier, this vehicle exuded understated power. It resembled a panther lying in wait. Orin Everhart emerged from the driver’s seat and opened the rear door with practiced deference. “Mr. Hawthorne, we’ve arrived, he announced softly.
Light flooded the interior, revealing a man in an exquisite indigo suit that screamed power and wealth.
Kieran Hawthorne’s deep, slightly impatient voice rumbled from within. He simply gave an “Okay,” his sharp features accentuated by the play of light and shadow as he opened his eyes. His lips were pressed into a thin line, devoid of any warmth.
Orin, well–accustomed to his boss’s intimidating aura, maintained his respectful demeanor. “Mr. Leander Hawthorne mentioned that the Cole family would be attending. He advised discretion, sir.”
“I have no intention of settling scores with the Cole family over Derek’s matter tonight” Kieran replied coolly. “At the moment, I have more intriguing matters to attend to.
He casually tossed a file onto the empty seat beside him and unfolded his tall frame from the car,
cutting an impressive figure against the night sky.
Orin’s gaze lingered on the discarded file. A photo was visible, along with a name that made his pulse quicken: Calista Terell.
Inside, the Wellington Grand Hotel’s ballroom sparkled with opulence, a low hum of conversation filling the air. All eyes turned as Calista glided in alongside Connor, with Adrian and Tessa trailing behind.
Connor’s phone buzzed, interrupting the moment. “Excuse me, I need to take this,” he said, flashing an apologetic smile to the Cole siblings. He showed the lit screen to Calista, regret evident in his eyes.
Calista’s eyebrow arched slightly as she glanced at the caller ID–Selena, Connor’s latest fling.
Having played the role of Connor’s plus–one at more than a few events, she knew exactly what this meant. This call was going to take a while, leaving her to fend for herself in the sea of sharks at this party.
be fine, Calista assured him with a smile,
Their close interaction,
1, the easy way they communicated without words, didn’t go unnoticed by the Cole siblings.
Connor had just introduced her as his girlfriend, and now here he was checking in before answering a call. Was the infamous playboy finally ready to settle down! That question was hanging in the air,
Testa
gave Calista a slow, calculating once–over while Adrian’s gaze sharpened from behind his rimless glasses.
Feeling the weight of their stares, Calista decided to make her exit. “Sorry, I’ve got a call to take, too, she said, her polite smile not quite reaching
her eyes
Without missing a bear, she pulled out her phong–its dark, lifeless screen a clear sign the “call” was just a front,
With a confident click of her stilettos, she breezed past the two, making no effort to hide that her excuse was as fake as it got
