Marriage with my daughter's father: Darling please be gentle - Chapter 77

Chapter 77: Chapter 77: It’s wrong for you to accuse me without any proof,
“You were never a barter for me, Angel,” Kalix finally spoke, but Winter remained unconvinced.

“If I wasn’t a barter, then why would two even make a deal?” She snapped, leaning into Kalix, her frustration bubbling over. He, however, remained rooted in place, unfazed.

Her anger had reached its peak, and she demanded an explanation. No more half-truths, no more silence. The real culprit was slipping through her fingers, and she couldn’t stand it.

But then, realization dawned. Her breath hitched as she noticed just how close they were—too close.

“Ahem.” Clearing her throat awkwardly, Winter started to step back, but Kalix stopped her.

Her eyes widened as he held her in place, their faces only inches apart. His grip was firm yet gentle, his gaze piercing.

“It’s wrong for you to accuse me without any proof, Angel,” he murmured.

Winter frowned, her confusion evident. She tilted her head, searching his eyes, but there was no deception in them.

“W-What do you mean?” She stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kalix arched a brow, amusement flickering across his face. Without another word, he released her, and the sudden loss of his touch made her stumble slightly.

“A smart woman like you should already have the answer,” he said smoothly.

Winter blinked, processing his words. Her mind raced like a bullet train, piecing everything together. And then, realization struck her like lightning.

Her gaze snapped to Kalix, but he remained infuriatingly calm, as if the truth hadn’t just unraveled before her.

***

Soon, they arrived at the company, where Dianna was already waiting in Kalix’s office. They were scheduled to attend a meeting with a client that evening regarding a new project, and Dianna had volunteered to join.

She knew Kalix wouldn’t refuse, considering the clients were old associates and, more importantly, close friends of her family.

“I thought we should go over a few details regarding the project, just in case the opposing party makes any changes. We need to have a few alternatives ready,” Dianna said expectantly, watching Kalix. But he continued to treat her as if she were invisible.

Sean, who had already informed Kalix about Dianna’s persistence in joining the meeting, knew his boss was irritated. However, Kalix’s blank expression made it impossible for anyone to read his true emotions.

“I thought I had an assistant to help me with that, but I guess Dianna is lacking work if she’s decided to volunteer,” Kalix said abruptly.

His words made Dianna uncomfortable, but it was the cold indifference in his eyes that truly unsettled her.

Her lips twitched anxiously, but she forced herself to smile. “I thought it would be better if I came along since Mr. Benford is not only an old client but also a family friend. He and my father go way back-”

“Do we operate based on personal connections, or does our caliber speak for itself?” Kalix countered, his tone sharp.

Dianna fell silent, her face stiffening. His message was clear. He didn’t appreciate her meddling.

“I-I know you don’t need me,” she stammered, still trying to salvage the situation. “But just in case you reconsider-”

Kalix, however, had already lost interest. Turning his head toward the glass wall, his eyes darkened at the sight outside.

Winter was talking with a male employee.

The man was smiling at her way too much for Kalix’s liking. And for reasons he wasn’t ready to analyze, he found the entire scene deeply irritating.

***

[At Winter’s Desk]

“I thought something serious happened when you left dinner midway, Miss Winter. But I’m glad everything is fine,” Felix said shyly.

Winter smiled at him just as Sean interrupted, startling both of them.

“Miss Winter, the boss needs you in his office,” Sean announced.

Winter frowned, noting the odd urgency in Sean’s expression. But she didn’t waste time and quickly excused herself, heading to Kalix’s office.

Stepping inside, she was surprised to find Dianna already there. The sight made something in her twist uncomfortably.

Her confusion was quickly replaced with something grimmer as she took in the scene.

Still, like the proud woman she was, Winter held her head high and approached them with unwavering confidence.

“You asked for me, boss?” Her tone was calm and professional, but her sharp gaze locked onto Kalix, silently demanding answers.

Kalix, lounging in his chair, smirked at the subtle fire in her eyes. She looked cute, though.

Dianna, however, felt her stomach churn at the silent exchange between them. She turned to Kalix abruptly, her irritation spilling over.

“Why did you call her here, Kalix?” She blurted out, breaking the tension. But Kalix didn’t even glance at her. His eyes remained fixed on Winter the entire time.

Dianna felt like he was mocking her, but she refused to let it shake her.

“How about Miss Winter joins us as well? After all, she is working under you,”

Kalix’s expression remained unreadable as he continued to lean back in his chair. His words are calm yet unyielding.

“I think that’s unnecessary-” Dianna began, but Kalix cut her off.

“Then it’s final. If you want to join me, Miss Winter comes along as well,” he stated firmly, his sharp gaze locking onto Dianna, leaving no room for objection.

Dianna’s expression twisted in frustration, but she knew she had no choice but to comply.

Meanwhile, Winter, completely unaware of what was happening, glanced at Kalix with a bewildered expression.

***

Dianna stormed out of Kalix’s office, her fury barely contained as she made her way to her cabin.

She had hoped to spend some time alone with Kalix under the guise of work, but even that small wish had been ruined because of Winter.

“What’s so special about her that Kalix can’t even spare me a fleeting glance?” She snapped, feeling utterly insignificant in his eyes.

His complete lack of acknowledgment only made her crave his attention more. She had known Kalix longer than Winter had, yet it was Winter who held all of his focus. It was infuriating.

Seething, she snatched her phone from the desk and dialed a number.

“It’s time for you to help me,” she demanded, her tone sharp and unwavering.

A mocking chuckle greeted her from the other end.

“So soon? I thought you didn’t need anyone to handle Winter,” Agnes taunted.

Dianna’s grip on her phone tightened, her jaw clenching at the provocation.

“Agnes!”

Dianna barely contained her frustration. She had ignored Agnes’s help before, but now that she had no one else to guide her, she was willing to reconsider her friend’s offer.

“Okay, okay, don’t curse me,” Agnes teased. “I know you gave me the most crucial details about Winter’s life, and trust me, I’ll make sure you get your payback.”

Dianna exhaled sharply, her anger momentarily easing. But no matter what, her hatred toward Winter remained persistent.

“Now, tell me what happened. Why are you so angry?” Agnes prompted.

Dianna’s expression darkened at the mere thought of it, but she soon opened up, expecting some help.

***

After dropping Seren off at school, Stanley got into his car and pulled out his phone, his thumb hovering over the screen as hesitation crept in.

He had intended to call Lilac, but something about the action made him pause.

Lately, Lilac had been on his mind more than he cared to admit. Ever since that night when she got drunk, something had shifted between them.

He knew Lilac wasn’t the type to rely on alcohol unless something was weighing heavily on her. And that night, he had no doubt that he was the reason behind her actions.

Since then, Lilac had never held back from expressing her feelings for him. But he had been the one to draw the line, not out of fear of her brothers, but because of his past.

He wasn’t the right person for her. He knew that. But her persistence, her unwavering belief that he could change his mind, was starting to get to him. It was making things harder than he wanted them to be.

Stanley stared at her name on his screen, internally debating whether or not to call.

Before he could make up his mind, his phone unexpectedly rang.

His expression darkened at the unknown number, and the second he answered, the words from the other end left him stunned.

***

Stopping his car in front of the hospital, Stanley rushed inside, his heart pounding from the words he had just heard. His legs moved on their own, his frantic gaze searching for the mentioned ward.

The moment he spotted it, he didn’t hesitate. Without a second thought, he barged in.

Lilac’s eyes snapped toward the door, disbelief flickering across her face before a wave of relief washed over her at the sight of the worry etched into his expression.

“Are you okay? Is it serious? Do we need to get you to a better hospital?” Stanley blurted out, his voice sharp with concern.

Lilac’s lips parted in surprise at his blunt remark, especially in front of the doctor treating her. She quickly shot the doctor an apologetic look.

“He’s just worried. Please don’t mind his words,” she whispered, watching as Stanley strode toward them without hesitation.

“It is merely a sprained ankle, Stanley. Please stop overreacting.”

“…”