Meanwhile, Calista stood at the window of Malcolm's study, gazing out at the garden below. Liam and Aurora walked side by side, their conversation seemingly effortless. Calista's eyes narrowed as she watched them, her mind whirling with calculations. "They make a decent pair," Malcolm said, coming to stand beside her. "Don't you think?"
Calista's gaze lingered on Aurora's face. "She's...different," she said, her voice neutral. "Not what I expected." Malcolm's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "I think she'll surprise you, Calista. She's intelligent and resourceful." Calista's expression remained thoughtful. "I'll be keeping an eye on her," she said, her voice low.
Malcolm's smile grew wider. "I'm counting on it, Calista. You always have a keen eye for potential."
As they watched, Liam and Aurora continued their walk, the soft glow of lanterns casting a warm light on the lawns. Calista's eyes never left Aurora's face, her mind racing with possibilities.
Later that evening, Calista retreated to her room, her mind still focused on Aurora. She picked up her phone and dialed a number, her fingers drumming against the nightstand as she waited for the person on the other end to pick up. The phone rang several times before a low, gravelly voice answered.
"Yes?" the voice said. "It's me," Calista said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I have news about Liam's fiancée."
There was a pause on the other end of the line. "Go on," the voice said.
Calista smiled to herself. "I think she's exactly what we need. Naive, impressionable...she'll be easy to manipulate."
The voice on the other end of the line chuckled. "And what makes you think she'll be useful to us?" Calista's eyes gleamed with calculation. "Let's just say I have a plan. And with Aurora on our side, we can finally get what we want."
The voice on the other end of the line fell silent, and for a moment, Calista wondered if she'd overstepped. But then the voice spoke up again.
"Very well. Keep me informed of any developments. And Calista?"
"Yes?" Calista said, her heart racing with anticipation. "Make sure Aurora doesn't suspect a thing. We can't afford to have her backing out ." Calista's smile grew wider. "Don't worry. I have everything under control."
As she hung up the phone, Calista felt a thrill of excitement. The game was on, and she was ready to play. She leaned back in her chair, her mind already racing with strategies and tactics. Aurora was just the beginning, and Calista was eager to see how far she could take this.
The darkness outside seemed to press in around her, but Calista felt no fear. She was in her element, and she knew exactly what she was doing. The phone call had been brief, but it had been enough to set the wheels in motion.
Calista's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she thought about the possibilities. She would play the role of the perfect stepmother, all the while manipulating Aurora to further her own goals. And when the time was right, she would strike, using Aurora to get what she wanted.
The thought sent a shiver down her spine, and Calista felt a rush of adrenaline. She was ready for this, and she would stop at nothing to achieve her aims.
Earlier that day, Annabelle rushed through the bustling halls of her fashion agency, her mind preoccupied with the upcoming show. She was wearing a fitted, high-necked black dress that showcased her pale skin and curves. Her long, burgundy hair cascaded down her back in loose waves, and her makeup was subtle yet polished. As she turned a corner, she collided with a tall, dark-haired man. "Oh, sorry!" Annabelle exclaimed, steadying herself. The man's briefcase nearly went flying, but he managed to catch it.
The man turned, his piercing blue eyes meeting hers. He had a strong jawline, a small scar above his left eyebrow, and a mop of dark hair that was perfectly styled. His tailored suit and confident demeanor suggested he was a businessman. "No worries, my fault," he said with a hint of a smile.
For a moment, they locked gazes, and Annabelle felt a spark of surprise. Then, with a nod, they both continued on their way.
Annabelle's assistant called out to her, distracting her from the brief encounter. "Annabelle, we need to finalize the outfit selection for the show."
She turned her attention to the task at hand, focusing on the rows of garments hanging on racks. She worked with precision and expertise, her experience as a fashion runway model guiding her decisions.
The rest of the day flew by in a whirlwind of fittings, rehearsals, and meetings. By the time she left the agency, she was ready to head to the hospital to visit her mother.
As she drove to the hospital, Annabelle's mind wandered to her sister Aurora's concerns about her upcoming marriage to Liam Flynn. Aurora had mentioned something about a marriage contract and feeling trapped. Annabelle had tried to reassure her, but she couldn't shake off the feeling that something wasn't quite right. When she arrived at the hospital, she was greeted by the familiar scent of antiseptic and the soft beeps of machines. She made her way to her mother's room, her heart filled with love and concern.
"Hey, Mom," Annabelle said, giving her mother a gentle hug. "How are you feeling today?"
Her mother smiled weakly. "I'm okay, sweetie. Just a bit tired. The chemo's taking a toll on me." She sat down beside her mother's bed, holding her hand. "I'm here for you, Mom. We'll get through this together."
As they chatted, Annabelle's thoughts drifted back to Aurora's situation. She wondered if she should try to talk to Aurora again about her concerns. After a while,she said her goodbyes and promised to return the next day. She left the hospital, feeling a mix of emotions: sadness, love, and determination to support her sister and mother through thick and thin.
LEVE FASHION AGENCY
The next day, Aurora sat at her desk, staring out the window as she thought about her upcoming marriage to Liam. Her office was decorated with elegant furniture and artwork, reflecting her refined taste. The sunlight streaming through the window highlighted the determined look on her face.
Her assistant knocked on the door, interrupting her thoughts. "Miss Willows, your sister Annabelle is here to see you."
Aurora smiled and nodded. "Send her in."
Annabelle walked in, looking stylish in her fitted cream colored dress and burgundy hair shining in the morning light. "Hey, sis," Annabelle said, giving Aurora a hug.
Aurora hugged her sister back. "What's up? You're not usually here during the day."
Annabelle sat down in the chair opposite Aurora's desk. "I was worried about you, Rara. We haven't talked much about your marriage to Liam Flynn, and I want to make sure you're okay." Aurora's expression turned serious. "I'm fine, Annabelle. Really. It's just a business arrangement. We'll benefit from it, and it'll help Mom's treatment." Annabelle's eyes narrowed. "Is that really all it is, Rara? You can tell me if you're having doubts. You're not exactly... in love with him, are you?"
Aurora's voice was firm. "Belle, I appreciate your concern, but I've made my decision. Liam is a good man, and this arrangement will be beneficial for both of us. Let's just focus on supporting Mom right now, okay?" Annabelle leaned forward, her voice taking on a persuasive tone. "But Rara, you're not just marrying him for Mom's sake, are you? You're marrying him for... other reasons, too?"
Aurora's expression remained resolute. "I've thought this through, Annabelle. I'll be fine. Let's not discuss this further."
Annabelle nodded reluctantly, though her eyes still held a hint of worry. "Okay, sis. If you're sure you're okay... I'll support you no matter what." Just as Annabelle was about to leave, Aurora's phone beeped, signaling an incoming text message. Aurora's eyes flicked to the screen, and her expression changed.
"What's wrong?" Annabelle asked, noticing the change in Aurora's expression.
Aurora hesitated before responding. "It's nothing. Just a work thing."
But Annabelle's eyes lingered on her sister's face, sensing that something was off. "Rara, you can tell me. What's going on?"
Aurora's voice was dismissive. "Really, Belle, it's nothing. Let's just drop it, okay?"
Annabelle's face showed her skepticism, but she nodded. "Okay, sis. If you're sure..."
And then, the office door burst open, and a stranger walked in. The woman was tall and poised, dressed in a designer black pantsuit. Her raven-black hair cascaded down her back, and her piercing green eyes seemed to gleam with an inner light. A gold Rubies watch sparkled on her wrist. "Can I help you?" Aurora's assistant asked, standing up from her chair outside the office. A hint of annoyance in her voice.
The stranger's eyes locked on Aurora, and a small, enigmatic smile played on her lips. "I'm here to see Miss Aurora Willows ."
Aurora's face went pale, and Annabelle's eyes widened in surprise as the stranger's words hung in the air, filled with an unspoken threat.