Calvin’s grip loosened as he heard her question, and his enthusiasm instantly faded. “Mallory, there are times when it’s better to know when to stop.”
That meant he believed it. He had left Mallory looking somewhat disheveled. While she fixed herself up, she said, “Sometimes, I feel sorry for Zendaya. In the end, things like childhood sweethearts and growing old together are just a joke.”
After that, he let her go. She left Centennial Hills under the unfriendly stares of the crowd. It was only when she stood by the roadside hailing a cab that something occurred to her. I seem to have a place here, too.
Over the past year, Calvin had showered her with gifts, giving her top-tier luxury items every month. Besides the house in Wavery, he had also bought her several properties across the country. He never hesitated to foot the bill for all those purchases. She could come and go as she pleased at his country club.
She had only stayed once at the house in Centennial Hills. That night, she had secretly attended an academic salon without telling Calvin and drank wine given to her by her senior. However, Calvin ended up catching her red-handed. Quite the actor, he had politely led her away and swiftly brought her to this place.
Then, he pinned her against the wall and entered her from behind, filling the air with the sound of their lovemaking. Finally, he took a bottle of limited edition red wine from the wine cabinet and poured it all over himself. “You love to drink, don’t you? Lick it clean.”
Occasionally, she would also think about the first time she met Calvin. It was a month before Zendaya’s wedding, and the legendary Barrett family had hosted a banquet that was the talk of the town.
Mallory had arrived late as she had been busy with an experiment. As soon as she gently pushed the door open and met his shining, jet- black eyes, she could no longer look away.
There was a large, floor-to-ceiling window behind him, his long legs were casually propped up, and he held a black file in his hands.
It was the first time she had seen such a good- looking person, and she couldn’t help but think he was really handsome. It was only later that she discovered the black file recorded traces of her life from childhood to adulthood.
Everyone took turns introducing themselves. When it was finally his turn, he casually extended his hand. “Calvin Barrett.”
“Mallory Whiteford.”
“A student of Mr. Quinsley?”
The atmosphere turned hostile as everyone’s gaze hardened. Zendaya set down her fork, and it made a slight sound as it hit the table.
Mallory didn’t dare utter another word throughout the entire meal. She couldn’t even remember what they had talked about while eating. All she remembered was discreetly slipping off her underwear under the dining table and stowing it in her bag, then hurrying out after the meal had ended.
Having had some alcohol, Calvin gazed at her with a faint glimmer in his eyes. “Do you know what you’re saying?”
“I said I want to be your lover,” she answered, smiling.
She was only eighteen years old at the time, and the vivacity in her eyes couldn’t be concealed. Her bright gaze, with its unmasked ambition and desire, somewhat entranced him. Suddenly, he stepped forward, cupped her face, and kissed her.
Her eyes widened, and she stared blankly at his tall, prominent nose and eyes burning with desire. Just like that, a year flew by. Their relationship lasted a whole year.
She knew not to go too far and how to play innocent, adeptly managing the ambiguous relationship between them.
There was just that one time when he had ruined her opportunity to study abroad. The head of the faculty had bluntly said, “Send my regards to Mr. Barrett.”
Rebelling, she didn’t visit Calvin for two weeks. When she finally bumped into him at the Sadler family’s banquet, she acted as if she didn’t know him. She even took a phone call in front of him, saying to the other party, “Don’t be mad. I’ll come see you tomorrow.”
“Are you seeing someone?” her stepfather playfully asked.
“Mm-hmm.”
Calvin’s expression instantly changed. Without finishing his meal, he elegantly wiped his hands clean, then said in front of everyone, “Mallory, I’ve brought the experimental data for you. Come to my room to get it.”
