Chapter 15
Mia faltered, then sneered instinctively: “Who knows if you didn’t get that degree through connections?“]
Callie calmly pulled an embossed business card from her purse and casually handed it to a nearby brand director: “Since Miss Castellano questions my qualifications, why don’t you all take a look at this.“[]
The director took the card, his eyes widening in surprise: “Celia Hart? You’re this year’s Milan Design Competition winner?”
A chorus of amazed voices immediately erupted around them.]
“Celia Hart? If she doesn’t have the qualifications, who does?“]
“I was just thinking–I’ve never even heard of this so called Miss Castellano, She’s probably the one who snuck in here.“]
“I’m guessing it’s just jealousy. Couldn’t you tell? This Castellano woman is obviously trouble–sounds like she was the other woman who broke up their marriage and won’t own up to it.“[]
Mia’s face went rigid. Tears welling in her eyes, she threw herself into Declan’s arms: “No, that’s not… Declan, I really didn’t mean anything like that…”
Callie smiled slightly, her gaze steady and clear: “Mr. Ilayes, Miss Castellano, if there’s nothing else, I’ll excuse myself.“[]
With that, she turned gracefully to leave.]]
But Declan pushed Mia aside and grabbed Callie’s wrist, his voice low: “We need to talk.“[]
Callie paused mid–step, looking down at his hand with a cool tone: “Mr. Hayes, please keep your hands to yourself.“]]
Declan’s eyes darkened, but his grip didn’t loosen.]
Seeing this, Mia quickly rushed over, grabbing his other hand with a pretend–concerned pout: “Declan, weren’t we supposed to meet with Mr. Smith? Don’t waste time.“]
But for the first time, Declan ignored her request, his gaze still locked on Callie’s face: “Just five minutes.”
Callie gently pulled free, voice flat: “Sorry, I have plans with my business partners. Excuse me.”
With that, she walked toward the group of international designers nearby without looking back, back straight, steps steady.[]
Declan stood frozen in place, his eyes dark as ink.]
Mia bit her lip, glaring daggers at Callie’s retreating figure before turning to Declan with a pout: “Declan, how can she act like that? Is she still mad at me? But…“]
Vx
Declan glanced at her, his brow furrowing slightly, impatience creeping into his voice: “Go back to the hotel.“[]
“What?”
“I said, go back to the hotel.” The irritation in his eyes became more obvious.
Tears instantly welled up in Mia’s eyes: “You’re… you’re going after her?“]]
But Declan wasn’t even looking at her anymore–he was already walking in the direction Callie had gone.]
Mia stood there alone, her nails digging deep into her palms, her eyes full of jealous hatred.[]
Meanwhile, Callie was deep in animated conversation with several designers, completely oblivious to what was happening behind her.[]
It wasn’t until a shadow fell over her that she glanced sideways to find Declan standing behind her.
“Callie Hartwell” His voice was low and rough. “Between us? I never said it was over.”
r.“0
“Mr. Hayes, I heard Hayes Corporation is facing some minor difficulties lately.“[]
Before Callie could respond, Susan had already stepped forward to pull her protectively behind her, eyes narrowing slightly.
Instead
just
of harassing your
ex–wife grateful Callie got away from
here, maybe you
you
when she did.”
should focus on cleaning
up that
mess
of yours. Getting
this stupid
over one woman–honestly, I’m
“What
are you
you implying?”
His eyes
turned dangerous, suppressed
suppressed anger rumbling in his
deep voice.
“I’m sure the board members at your much
company
have mentioned
it too,
right? she’s been doing behind your back? Are you seriously going to keep
That woman you’ve got playing dumb?”
hanging
around–do you really
have no
clue how
0
