Chapter 12
Adrian felt his anger bubbling up, blaming it on Calista’s flimsy excuse,
seven years had gone by, and not only had she grown more composed, but she’d also sharpened up considerably. He couldn’t believe it.
Forcing himself to tear his eyes away from Calista as she walked off. Adrian spotted an old business associate in a nearby group and headed over
Tessa, on the other hand, couldn’t take her eyes off Calista, suspicion creeping in. This woman, standing here after seven long years, felt like a complete stranger–almost as if she were someone else entirely.
Outside the banquet hall, the open–air pool mirrored the starry summer night, creating a scene straight out of a dream.
Calista lazily swirled the wine in her glass, looking almost bored as she gazed at the water. From time to time, she glanced at Connor, who was merby, engrossed in a phone call with his girlfriend.
Watching Connor’s handsome face soften with that tender smile of his, Calista smirked.
Connor was a contradiction–a notorious player, but loyal as hell when he was actually in a relationship.
Just as she was thinking about finding a place to sit and wait for him to finish his call, the sound of heels clicking against the floor made her turn.
“You’ve got some nerve showing your face around here, Tessa snapped, her voice dripping with disgust, her eyes full of suspicion
Calista, completely unfazed by the venom, looked amused. Her eyes gleamed with mischief. “Oh, Ms. Cole, you might not know this, but not only do I have the nerve to come back, my new job is right here in Stonebridge,” she replied, flashing a polite, almost mocking smile.
Tessa, if you think I’m still the same pushover from seven years ago, you’re dead wrong Calista thought to herself, her smile never faltering
Tessa’s shock at the news completely drowned out her frustration with Calista’s casual attitude. What the hell did you just say?” she hissed, her eyes blazing. “If you dare set foot in Stonebridge again, I’ll make damn sure you never get the chance. Don’t think for a second that just because seven years have passed, everything’s been swept under the rug.”
“Oh, there’s something you might not know about me. Ms. Cole, Calista said, a playful glint in her eyes despite her serious tone. “The more someone tries to threaten me, the more I want to test the limits. That little thrill of danger? It’s kind of addicting. I’ve never been the type to run from a challenge”
Tessa’s face twisted in anger. She couldn’t believe Calista was still so hell–bent on staying in Stonebridge.
“I was only planning to stick around for a short while, Calista continued smoothly, “but after this delightful chat, Ms. Cole, I’m thinking I might just stay until retirement. There’s really no place like home, rightr
Calista had a gift for words–she could slice someone down without lifting a finger. Her sharp tongue was just as lethal as any weapon.
“You’ve got some nerve! Tessa spat. “If you even think about getting close to Adrian again, I’ll make you regret it”
Calista blinked, feigning innocence. Im sorry, what are you on about, Ms. Cole! As far as I remember, it was Mr. Cole who approached me outside. the hotel. You feeling okay? Memory problems can be serious, especially at your age. Had a check–up lately? Maybe a brain scan?”
Tessa’s
face turned a dozen shades of red. “Are you implying I’m sick?” she snapped.
“Of course not,” Calista replied, shaking her head with mock concern. “I wouldn’t wish had health on anyone, Fri just looking out for you, Ms. Cole.” Tessa was floored. The once quiet, demure Calista had turned into a sharp–tongued nightmare. And it was driving her crazy.
“Stay the hell away from Adrian! Tessa growled, her hand’s balling into fists at her sides.
Calista paused for a moment, then casually dropped a bombshell. “You know, Ms. Cole, you sound less like a protective sister and more like a Jealous ex–girlfriend. Could it be that you’ve got some… let’s say, inappropriate feelings for your brother?”
A flash of panic crossed Tessa’s face as her deepest, darkest secret was suddenly laid bare. Calista saw it, and her smile deepened. Bullseye.
I made sense, really. Tessa had been adopted–no blood ties at all. It wasn’t unheard of for young men and women living under the same roof to develop ferlings for each other.
But the Cole family had kept Tessa’s adoption under wraps. Not even Calista knew about it during her relationship with Adrian, all the way up until their disastrous wedding day.
Bitterness welled up inside Calista. The Terell family had always treated her like an outsider. She’d only stumbled across the truth three years ago. purely by chance.
“You’re spouting
og bullshit” To
Tessa screamed, horried that her forbidden feelings had been exposed, and by none other than her brother’s ex–fancer.
