Despite his youth, Kallum displayed a ruthlessness and decisiveness that set him apart from the previous heads of the Fairchild family, who were renowned for their kindness and benevolence. He was known for his swift, resolute actions, and his distinct distaste for unnecessary delays or prolonged disputes. Furthermore, he despised the idea of harboring grudges beyond the day’s end. The unfortunate fate of the Wendell family stood as a stark testament to his uncompromising nature.
The historical closeness between the Yost and Fairchild families did little to mitigate the harsh realities former faced. The Yosts had been driven to the brink of financial ruin, narrowly avoiding complete collapse only through the desperate measure of selling off their daughter. It was clear that attempting to appeal to personal relations when dealing with Kallum would likely prove fruitless.
Titus was coming to terms with his own aging, realizing that his methods and approaches no longer aligned with those of the younger generation.
In his weary state, he clung to a faint glimmer of hope. Surely, having broken a leg was punishment enough?
Yet, Calista remained unimpressed and unmoved. “Mr. Wendell, I acknowledge the sincerity of your gesture,” she remarked with a light chuckle, her demeanor calm yet unmistakably stern. “As for the other leg. I think it’s best left to my team. They possess the necessary skill to perform the task without causing undue suffering.
Jason, unable to contain his outrage, shrieked, “You b*tch! Aren’t you just fine? How dare you like treat me this! Just you wait! When my time comes, I will-
His threat was abruptly cut short as Titus intervened, silencing him with a firm hand. Titus was determined not to let his recent efforts go to waste, despite Jason’s frequent outbursts, as he was still the son he had long cherished.
Calista stood gracefully. “Mr. Wendell, it’s regrettable but I must inform you, if you continue to shield him in this manner, Mr. Jason might very well end up destroying his own future.”
Her words, tinged with a sense of schadenfreude, carried an undeniable realism that seemed to age Titus visibly within moments.
A flash of contempt crossed Calista’s eyes as she effortlessly took the iron rod from Titus’s hand. “Let me handle this,” she proposed, her tone gentle yet firm. “As a woman, my approach is softer. Besides, this is a personal matter between Jason and me.”
Titus hesitated, but before he could respond, Kallum interjected with a nonchalant remark, “Now you hesitate? What about when Jason endangered my child?”
The stark reminder caused Titus to grit his teeth in frustration. “As you wish, Ms. Stafford.”
He had always perceived Jason as troublesome but manageable, yet this incident revealed a lack of basic sensibility that could potentially doom not only Jason but drag the entire Wendell family into ruin.
“No need for such formalities, I’m more than happy to help,” Calista responded promptly.
Jason was stunned. Never had he imagined that his father, who had consistently cleaned up after his
“No matter how much you protest, it won’t change the situation…” Calista replied with a slight chuckle, the iron rod swinging smoothly into her grasp, “Now, you’re under my control.”
“Y–You b*tch!”
Bang!
Before Jason could finish his complaint, Calista struck his hand with the rod. The blow wasn’t particularly forceful, yet Jason’s howl of pain was more piercing than when his leg had been broken.
“Huh? I was quite gentle, though…” Calista remarked as she watched Titus hurriedly roll up Jason’s pants to inspect the injury. However, he found no bruise, and it was clear that Calista’s strike had been mild. Is Jason craggerating his pain deliberately?
“You brat! You still refuse to get it together?” At his wit’s end. Titus‘ patience was exhausted as he saw Jason continue his theatrics.
Calista raised an eyebrow, “He’s fine? Good, 1 merely intended to teach him a modest lesson.”
Titus, his expression cold, declared, “Ms. Stafford, please proceed! I will not interfere any further!”
Jason, writhing in pain on the ground, barely able to speak, heard his father’s declaration. His voice shifted in pitch, his eyes wide with shock. “It really hurts! Dad, you have to save me!”
Bang!
Calista swung the rod down once more. This time, Jason gasped for breath, unable to utter a sound…
Assured that Calista wasn’t particularly strong and Jason would be able to endure a bit of physical pain, Titus embodied the adage, out of sight, out of mind.
However, Jason seemed to be purposely putting on an act. His wails of agony got louder after each strike.
He felt near the brink of collapse, yet Calista’s calculated moderation kept him conscious. Each strike seemed to push him to the limit of endurance without causing actual unconsciousness or death, but the agony was relentless, driving him to the edge of sanity.
Calista, you despicable b*tch! I swear I’ll kill you!
“What’s the matter? Don’t you feel wronged?” Calista set aside the rod, her voice low and teasing. She glanced sideways at Titus, who had turned his back on the scene, and clicked her tongue. “Your savior is right in front of you, yet he doesn’t believe you. How does that feel?”
“Y–You…” Jason was speechless, glaring at her furiously.
Calista’s light laughter filled the air/“Do you think I’m good at pretending? But aren’t you even better at it? Your father believes you’re just a tactless and incompetent brat, a madman even. But could a madman have orchestrated such a detailed plot?”
Jason’s face contorted, his expression freezing in shock.
Calista continued, “Heh, you orchestrated a scenario where I was between a rock and a hard place, forcing Kallum into a situation where every decision seemed incorrect.
“Calista Stafford!” In a surge of anger, Jason attempted to lunge at Calista’s throat, his hands aiming for a violent grasp.
However, his movement was swiftly intercepted by Kallum, who had been cautiously observing from the sidelines. Kallum grabbed Jason’s wrist in a firm grip, and with a quick twist, dislocated it, causing Jason’s arm to hang limply as he screamed in agony.
Calista, standing up with a composed smile, said, “All right, let’s not break his other leg. I’ve released my frustration with those two hits.
Let’s not cause him any further suffering.
Jason clenched his jaw, his face flushing red with the pain and humiliation, unable to retaliate. Meanwhile, Titus exhaled a sigh of relief, gesturing for the housekeepers to bring a stretcher to carry Jason away.
“Mr. Kallum, Ms. Stafford,” Titus addressed them with a newfound respect that had been absent when he first arrived. The mixture of Kallum’s assertive pressure and Calista’s calculated measures had earned his gratitude, far beyond what he expected from young individuals.
“Since Ms. Stafford has graciously decided to spare this brat further punishment, that’s one less concern for me.” Titus spoke earnestly to Kallum, his tone now ingratiating. “I hope we can put this matter behind us, and it won’t affect the relationship between our families,”
Reluctantly, Kallum replied, “Fine, we’ll let it slide this time, but keep a close eye on him. Should there be a next time, it won’t merely involve broken bones.”
“Absolutely, there won’t be a next time, there definitely won’t be!” Titus assured, eager to end the ordeal.
After the incident, Calista relaxed onto Kallum’s lap, a hint of pride in her voice as if boasting about her cunning. “Do you know? I just used a little medical trick on Jason. He was truly in pain, but the more he suffered, the happier I felt!”
Kallum, after hearing Jason’s cries, felt his anger chip away ever so slightly. He tapped Calista’s head solemnly. “Let’s leave that behind us now. But tell me, how could you just jump down like that day? And how did you know one of the walls was fake?”
Calista wore a hesitant look. “Because… that room was originally Harvey’s study. When it was transformed into a secret room, I guessed that one of the walls was a facade covering the floor–to–ceiling windows with a soundproof wall.”
Kallum’s violet eyes narrowed, his voice carrying a hint of intrigue. “When did you visit Harvey’s mansion. in Horington?”
The atmosphere chilled slightly. Calista, typically forthright, chose to remain silent rather than continue the deception.
“Do you… think I’m a bit cruel?” Calista suddenly asked, her voice serious and her expression stern.
“Don’t people like you usually prefer women who are simple and kind? It’s less complicated and more reassuring, isn’t it?” She pointed at herself, her eyes flashing a surprisingly sharp glint. “L… I’ve killed people. Aren’t you afraid? I might even be somewhat unstable mentally. How else could I remain indifferent after taking a life.
Kallum couldn’t suppress a chuckle. For some reason, hearing Calista seriously claim she was a terrifying person made him laugh.
“Huh?” Calista glared at him, slightly annoyed, prompting Kallum to quickly appease her.
“All right, all right… You are indeed a terrifying person,” Kallum’s lips still curled in amusement. “But I’m different from others. I actually find intimidating people quite fascinating; don’t you think so too?”
Calista scrutinized him, her expression cold and evaluative.
“Look at you,” Kallum continued, laughing warmly, his voice filled with indulgence, “You didn’t hesitate to find me in Lostaria, saving my life amid gunfire. Even when you knew I was infected with a dangerous virus, you chose to stay by my side and promised to save me.”
He added, “When everyone else doubted me, when being associated with me became risky, you consistently defended me. It was then I realized how incredibly fortunate I am to be protected by someone like you…” Please visit J o b nib . c o m and search the book title to read the entire book for free. His tone softened, his gaze tender yet tinged with a hint of sadness, “You contracted the K Virus because of me. I failed to protect you. You truly are a terrifying person, too harsh on yourself. And me? I can’t help but be drawn to this fearsome aspect of you. How could I resist when you appeared before me so compellingly, forcing me to fall in love with you?”
Calista felt his gaze intensifying, a fluttering sensation stirring within her, realizing she quite liked this feeling.
“I’m not very good at expressing love,” Kallum added with another chuckle, lightening the mood once more as he looked at her, his eyes sparkling again. “All you need to know is that every word I’ve said is true,”
Calista pursed her lips. “I think you’re already quite skilled at sweet talk.”
Kallum burst into laughter, then his expression turned serious. “By the way, what are you planning to do with Quincy? Now that she’s in jail, things have become easier.”
Calista narrowed her eyes, clearly intrigued by the question, but ultimately, she just shook her head.
“Let’s delay any further action for now. We’re in a sensitive period, and many people are watching us closely. Stirring up more trouble isn’t wise. Besides, she’s already been sentenced and will be out of the picture for quite some time. We can revisit this issue once the dust settles.”
“That sounds reasonable.” Kallum stroked his chin thoughtfully, then said, “You know, I can be quite ruthless, far from the kind and gentle persona you might imagine. Do you still like me then?”
He remembered a conversation where Calista had told him that she admired him most for his demeanor, which she likened to the bright morning sun. Although he never considered himself particularly bright or sunny.
Calista’s brow furrowed slightly as she spoke earnestly, “I like you because you embody a sense of freedom. You do whatever you want without caring about what others might think. It’s not because of your kindness.
“So, it seems we truly are a match made in heaven!” Kallum concluded with a smile.
Calista paused, considering his words, then nodded with a returning smile, “Yes, we’re definitely a perfect match!”
“Given our understanding. I think it’s time for a special gift before we get married!” Kallum seized the moment to present his idea with enthusiasm. “Do you remember when I told you I wanted to build at research center just for you?”
Calista’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “You were serious about that?”
Kallum tapped her head playfully, chuckling softly, “When have I ever lied to you? The renovation is complete, and the weather is perfect today. Would you like to see the final result?”
“Well, what are we waiting for?”
With that, they left the Fairchild Manor, heading toward the newly established research center.
Since Calista had publicly committed to studying the K Virus, the absence of her own research center and lack of governmental oversight had caused public unease about potential safety risks.
But now, with the research center established, Calista’s professional stature was elevated once again. All of this was a testament to the honor that Kallum had bestowed upon her.
As the car headed toward the research center, for the first time, Calista showed deep emotion. Memories. of her past would often flash in front of her eyes whenever she was with Kallum.
Kallum then produced a scarf, gently covering her eyes with it, and whispered mysteriously, “For a little” surprise, close your eyes for a while. We’ll be there soon.”
Seeing Calista so serene and compliant, blindfolded, touched Kallum deeply. She had softened. significantly compared to when they first met, like a hedgehog that had retracted its spines, though she might not have noticed this change herself.
Noticing a faint smile on Calista’s lips, Kallum couldn’t help but return the smile. After blindfolding her, he leaned in and softly kissed her cloth–covered eyes. “Do you know? Anything I do is worth it just to see you smile.”
Inside the vehicle, Calista’s face broke into a radiant smile. She lifted her head toward Kallum and let out a light chuckle. “That said, I suddenly find myself really wanting to marry you.”
Being cherished in such a way felt truly wonderful. In the past, she had inadvertently caused trouble due to her own carelessness, potentially putting Kallum in a difficult position. Yet, he didn’t blame her; instead, he treated her even better than before. Marrying someone who loved her this deeply promised nothing but happiness.
Even though she couldn’t see him, Calista could sense the joy spark in Kallum’s eyes at her words.
If they weren’t in a car, Kallum would surely have spun her around in his arms in delight! It was the first time Calista had explicitly expressed her desire to marry him, and he felt so elated he thought he might.
“I will give you the best of everything!” he declared, a bit too hastily, his fingers entwining tightly with hers, his smile beaming. “I promise to always give you the very best.”
“All right.”
The car seemed to glide effortlessly, speeding toward their destination with an almost magical lightness.
The sky was clear, and the air was filled with happiness, suggesting this should have been the happiest day before their wedding.
Yet, as they stepped out of the car, Calista’s slight smile faded. Though she couldn’t see, her senses picked. up a familiar, chilling fragrance,
“Did you smell something?”
Kallum’s voice was cheerful as he spoke, and Calista turned toward him, though her eyes remained covered.
The bodyguards maintained a discreet distance, surrounding the area which was nestled on three sides by a lake. This strategic location could serve as an impregnable fortress, having been intended by Kallum’s grandfather as a high–end nursing home. However, his passing had halted construction midway, leaving the project dormant until now, when it was renovated under Kallum’s directive.
With a smile, he teased her, “Take a guess; can you recognize this scent? It should be familiar to you.”
“Rosemary…” The wind carried the invigorating aroma of rosemary in full bloom through the cool autumn air. Without seeing, one could sense the presence of a vast expanse of blooming rosemary nearby, their purple blossoms swaying in the breeze.
“Exactly, it’s rosemary!” Kallum led Calista by the hand, continuing, “This is one of my family’s ancestral properties, perfectly secluded. My grandfather had planned to build a nursing home here, surrounded by rosemary for its therapeutic and medicinal qualities. It’s truly a spectacular sight.”
At that moment, Calista paused, lifting her head as if something caught her attention. It seemed she realized they had arrived at their destination.