Chapter 13
Once a woman’s fury is truly unleashed, there was no stopping M.
Calista knew that better than anyone. She was a woman herself. And from the way Tessa was alumit to lose it, Calista had zero intention of sticking. around to see the aftermath.
Years of dealing in the business world had taught Calista the value of adaptability. She shifted gears smoothly, flashing an apologetic smile,
“Shut, my bad. After seven years overseas, my English has gotten a little rusty, I shouldn’t have calleil your relationship with your brother ‘girlfriend. and boyfriend: That was way out line. Sorry about that. Without missing a beat, Calista downed her glass of wine like a pro.
She immediately played in off, swaying just a bit and putting a hand to her forehead. “Whoa, that hit me harder than I thought, she slurred, her voice purposely shaky. “I better sit down for a minute. See you later, Ms. Cole
Calista’s slick retreat left Tessa momentarily dumbfounded, trying to process what just went down
Tessa’s eyes narrowed as she watched Calista casually walk away. You seriously think you can stir shit up and just waltz off like that? she fumed inwardly.
The sound of footsteps made Calista tense up. She barely turned her head when she saw Tessa storming up, her face twisted in anger.
You’ll regret that” Tessa growled through clenched teeth, her voice low and venomous.
Calista almost rolled her eyes. You were the one who came at me in the first place. And now I’m the one in trouble? she thought.
She knew better than to argue with a woman in full meltdown mode, though. Instead, she stayed on high alert, keeping an eye on whatever Tessa might try next.
And Tessa didn’t disappoint. With a sneer, she pretended to trip, lunging straight at Calista From the corner of her eye, Calista spotted the pool nearby. It was obvious what Tessa had in mind: a not–so–accidental shove
Bur Calista was one step ahead. With a flicker of amusement in her eyes, she shifted her weight just in time, letting out a soft gasp as she “Twisted” her ankle and rumbled harmlessly to the side.
Two cries rang out simultaneously–a sharp scream and a softer exclamation. The softer one came from Calista as she “stumbled and sat on the ground. The scream belonged to Tessa as she tumbled into the pool with a spectacular splash,
The commotion immediately drew the attention of nearby guests
Tessa, caught off guard by her sudden plunge, failed in the water for a moment before realizing the pool was only about five feet deep. She tried to stand, but forgetting her stilettos made it impossible.
Trained staff quickly jumped in to fish her out. Tessa emerged spluttering and coughing, having swallowed a fair amount of water. As she caught her breath she shot Calista a murderous glare.
Calista, however, seemed oblivious to Tessa’s death stare. She was too busy massaging her “injured ankle with an expression of pain.
After all, Tessa couldn’t blame the fall on Calista, not when Calista herself had twisted her ankle.
“Isn’t that the
the woman who was with Mr. Cole
le earlier someone in the crowd murmured.
Another voice chimed in, trailing of suggestively, “How clumsy to fall into the pool like that. And her dress…”
Tessa’s face paled as she looked down at herself. Her light–colored evening gown now clung to her body, leaving little to the imagination.
Fury and humiliation clashed within her. Never in her life had Tessa faced such public embarrassment
“Calisut she shricked, desperately trying to cover herself. This isn’t over!”
Adrian came running at the commotion. He snatched a towel from a passing waiter and quickly draped it over Tessa
“Adriant” Tessa’s voice was thick with self–pity.
Calista paused in her ankle–rubbing charade and looked up. She knew when it was time to make a strategic retreat. With Adrian now by Tessa’s side, who was still fuming, they were clearly a package deal of trouble.
Calista had always preferred to avoid unnecessary drama. She slowly stood up and turned to leave without a word.
“Where do you think you’re going? Stop right there? Tessa yelled after her, chuching at Adrian’s arm with red–rimmed eyes. “Adrian, it’s all her Tauh
I fell in. Don’t let her leave
Calisu, standing a short distance away with her back turned, heard every word clearly
Chapter 13
course, but she had no interest in creating more of a spectacle by arguing. She wasn’t about to become the main attraction in this
ok a step forward. Adrian’s deep voice cut through the air “Stop right there. His tone brooked no argume
a’s eyes darkened for a moment, but she continued walking. She had only taken a few steps when she heard heavy footsteps behind her.
Suddenly, a large hand damped around her wrist, holding her in place.
