Chapter 22
– Calum
It wasn’t just the fact that Soraya was holding hands with Silas Ward that made him frown. It was the way she smiled
Soraya looked contented and happy.
Could Soraya be in a relationship with Silas?
“She is absolutely beautiful, the most captivating woman I’ve ever seen!” Peter remarked, then stammered as he turned to Rose. “I—I don’t mean anything by it. Miss Becket, you are also beautiful. Every woman has her own charms.”
behold
“Um- Rose gulped, frowning as she replied, “I’m not offended. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
Rose was trying to imply that perhaps Mr. Jones had different preferences. However, she still considered herself prettier than Soraya.
“Yes, to
s, to me, Rose is so much more beautiful, Claire chimed in.
“Yes! Absolutely! Roger echoed.
But while Calum’s cousins said those words, their gazes betrayed them. They stared at Soraya in disbelief. Even Calum couldn’t believe his eyes. It was rare for Soraya to wear a sleeveless dress, especially one that hugged her curves and was cut six inches above her knee.
Her long legs were striking. They were flawless and fair as ivory.
Melvin was also stunned. However, Jacob simply sat back, calmly sipping his wine, following their gazes.
“I have to know her name!” Peter said, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he took in Soraya’s features.
-Soraya Azar. That’s her name,” Edward Wright said, shocking everyone.
“Edward, you know this lady?” Peter asked.
Soraya Azar,” Mr. Wright repeated. “How could you forget, Peter? I’ve said that name a hundred times.
Calum’s jaw instantly tightened. “Mr. Wright knows Soraya?”
“You know Soraya Azar, Mr. Wright?” Melvin asked, his brows furrowing
Everyone around the table was curious. Even Jacob leaned in, waiting for Mr. Wright’s reply.
Edward Wright, CEO of a programming company in Knox City, was expanding his operations to Cedar Heights. Upon learning this. Calum had invited him to a business dinner.
Mr. Wright had caramel skin and a buzz cut. Half African American, he was charismatic and kind.
Mr. Peter Jones, on the other hand, was a passive co–owner of the company. He provided financial support but didn’t handle daily operations.
Mr. Wright’s gaze lingered on Soraya as she took her seat. He smiled. “Yes, I know Soraya. We went to the same college
“Oh! I remember now!” Peter exclaimed. “She’s the girl you were always in love with in college! You wanted to pursue her, bu father insisted you start the company, so you had to leave Cedar Heights!”
“And now I remember why you wanted to expand here,” Peter added. “You came back for her!”
“Precisely,” Edward acknowledged
“Well, we’re in luck! You don’t need to search. She’s right there” Peter painted, then quickly frowned. “But it looks like she’s already.
“Silas Ward.” Edward said. “I know him. To my knowledge, he’s not married. As long as Suraya isn’t either, there’s still a chance.”
“Bilas may be an accomplished man, but I’m far wealthier and have a good reputation, Edward said, turning to Peter. “I can offer Soraya
so much more-
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Chapter 22
A sharp shatter rang out. The wine glass Calum had been holding had broken into pieces. Everyone, especially Rose, turned to him in shock. He was just as surprised. He hadn’t even realized how tight his grip had become against the glass.
“Sorry. I don’t know what happened,” Calum muttered.
Rose quickly called a waiter to clean up the broken glass while Calum stood. “Excuse me for a moment. I need to use the restroom
Rose
Rose’s Homach twisted. She couldn’t help feeling unsettled after Calum shattered the glass in his hand.
Why?
What made him react that way?
Was it because another man desired Soraya?
And why was this respectable man, Edward Wright, admiring Soraya so openly? How could she have a secret admirer?
An her mind, she screamed, “Soraya is nothing compared to me!”
It didn’t help that Calum had excused himself. Rose assumed he’d gone to think. But was that even necessary?
Thankfully, Calum returned just five minutes later, calm and composed.
As food was served, Claire raised her voice. “Mr. Wright, are you sure you admire Soraya? She’s nothing special. If anything, she’s a seductress! She tried to seduce my cousin!
“Yes, that’s true,” Roger added.
Melvin stayed silent. Rose understood. Talking about Soraya could open a can of worms. After all, Soraya was married to Calum, which made Rose a mistress,
Mr. Wright turned to Calum, frowning That must be a misunderstanding. That’s not the Soraya I know. She isn’t a flirt or the kind to seduce men.”
“You know her well?” Claire asked.
had a few classes in college,” Mr. Wright replied. “But I’ve always admired her from afar.
s not a nobody. I don’t know what happened after I left, but back then, she was top of her year–a brilliant student,” Edward
“And she’s not a
revealed.
“But–Claire tried to say more, but Calum cut her off.
“Let’s not meddle in other people’s affairs, Claire,” he said curtly. Then, smiling slightly at Mr. Wright, he added, “I apologize on behalf
my cousin.”
“Mr. Monclair,” Mr. Wright said, “may I ask–do you have a rift with Soraya Azar? I want to make it clear that if you do, I will not do business with you”
His words stunned Rose Why would he go to such lengths for Soraya?”
Rose knew how much Calum wanted this partnership. Mr. Wright’s company, NexaCode Technologies, had launched some of the country’s top–grossing apps. Glum had plans to create apps related to the Montclair Group.
“No.” Calum responded “There’s no rift between Soraya and me. I can assure you, I have nothing against her. In fact, she will soon shareholder of my company
Hearing this, Rose’s hand clenched into a fist. She understood Calum was trying to secure the partnership, but it treated her that Soruya had unknowingly gained a supporter in the name of Edward Wright!
Mr. Wrigh anded. “Good”
Edward turned back to Soraya. Then Peter asked, “Are you going to approach her? She doesn’t seem to
em to remember you”
“I looked different back then,” Mr. Wright said “I w
won’t approach her now—not while she’s with her kiver.”
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Chapter 22
Hearing this, Rose turned to Calum. For a fleeting moment, Calum’s expression darkened, almost like he was jealous! But he quickly looked at her, and she changed the topic to deflect
“Let’s eat, everyone!” Rose announced.
In the next half hour, they forgot about Soraya. They indulged in the feast as soft, enchanting music filled the restaurant courtesy of a singer and a pianist.
Eventually, the performers took a break. The singer announced, “We’re opening the stage to anyone who’d like to showcase their talent. Would anyone like to sing or play the piano?”
Claire’s eyes lit up. She turned to Rose. “Why don’t you play the piano?”
“Do you know how to play. Miss Becket?” Peter asked.
“Yes, I’m quite good.” Rose said proudly.
“Then please, share your talent with us.” Peter urged.
This was precisely what Rose needed: to remind Calum why he had chosen her. Smiling brightly, she said, “Alright. I’ll play the piano.” Calum held
her hand as sh
as she stood. Rose took the stage and sat before the piano.
“I’ll be playing Rivers Flow In You by Yiruma,” she announced, referring to a piece of classical music.
Her fingers danced over the keys, elegant and composed. Rose was smiling as she gave it her all in the performance. When she finished, the room burst into applause, especially from Claire, Melvin, Roger, and Calum. They were so proud of her.
She scoffed quietly, seeing even some of Soraya’s colleagues clapping
Rose basked in the praise, but then Silas suddenly said. “That was okay. Pretty amateur, if y
you ask me
Silas turned to Soraya, saying, “Darling, why don’t you show them how a pro plays the piano?”
Rose’s eyes widened in horror. ‘No. No way!”
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