Chapter 7

The four of them walked into Cypress Club, a place that existed in a quiet corner of the most bustling area in the city. It was a world on its own, a far cry from the concrete jungle out there. There were pleasant sceneries everywhere, from bridges to streams to gazebos. Each step they took revealed a carefully crafted landscape. Only the most prominent figures in the nation had the privilege of entering Cypress Club. Tonight, the club was even more star-studded than usual. Escorted by a group, Nadia passed through the winding corridors and walked to the Hibiscus Room that they had booked. Clad in a minimalist yet stylish white dress, she exuded an aloof elegance that was out of place in the noisy club. Yet, she became the center of attention. Samuel walked slightly behind Nadia, keeping a close yet respectful distance with a warm smile on his face. Callum was hiding in the shadows with a wine glass in his hand. His unreadable eyes were fixed on Nadia's slender figure. He recognized her. Why was she hanging out with Samuel? Eyes narrowed, he immediately located Nadia's side profile in the crowd. He confirmed that it was indeed her. But she was still his wife on paper! His gaze followed the group, ultimately stopping at the door of the Hibiscus Room. The door was left slightly ajar. As if in a trance, Callum wandered over and peeked into the room through the opening. Samuel took the main seat, flanked by two ladies. One of them was Nadia. Judging by her unassuming looks, Callum doubted that she was Nior—the all-powerful, mysterious being. He snorted quietly. The other woman looked younger. Her youthful face wore an ingratiating look. She couldn't possibly be Nior. A possibility struck him. His sharp gaze traveled to the cheerful but impressionable young man beside Nadia. Could he be Nior? Was Nior close with Nadia? If so, Callum wondered why Nadia had never brought up Nior. Callum felt irritable all of a sudden. At that moment, Nadia got a call. She whispered something to Samuel and left the room alone. She was about to answer the call at a quiet corner of the corridor when a huge force dragged her aside. As her world spun, she collided against a firm, burning chest. The person before her smelled familiar—and drunk. It was Callum! "Nadia, you've become bolder," Callum's voice rang on top of her head with unfettered sarcasm and rage. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but we're still married. Are you so eager to find your next lover out of loneliness?" He gripped her waist tightly with a crushing force. Pain shot through her body. She struggled to break free and push him away. Sounding icy, she demanded, "Callum, what's wrong with you? Let go of me!" That only prompted him to do the exact opposite. His handsome face loomed before her. A mix of anger, disgruntlement, and possessiveness that went unnoticed by him flashed in his eyes. "What's wrong with me?" He snickered. "I watched my wife chatting and laughing with another man. What do you think?" "Mr. Ford, you're forgetful. We're in the middle of a divorce, remember?" Nadia's head snapped up. She met his eyes fearlessly with a smirk. "Besides, since when have you had strong feelings for me?" His eyes narrowed. A sensual scene appeared in his mind when he stared at her lovely face. "You know exactly when you drive me crazy." Stunned, she blushed in embarrassment. Since when had Callum become this bold? "Mr. Ford, did you stop me just to reminisce about the past?" He finally released her and reverted to his aloof self. "Are you close with Samuel?" "So what?" "If so, you must know who Nior is, right?" Callum finally asked the pent-up question. Nadia watched him with amusement. "I didn't know you were interested in Nior as well. Oh, I forgot you run businesses in the medical industry." But Callum was not in the mood to run around in circles. He immediately made an offer. "Tell me who Nior is, and I'll amend the divorce agreement to offer you two million dollars more." She folded her arms and studied him like he was a monster. "Given Nior's business value, Ford Group will benefit greatly from working with them. Don't you think you're being a little stingy in your bid for their expertise?" For the first time, Callum had a better understanding of Nadia's greed. He forced her up the wall, trapping her between his arms. Staring in her eyes, he asked, "How much do you want?" Nadia shoved him away. "Mr. Ford, be patient. You'll meet Nior at Global Medical Summit next week. You can't handle them right now." He looked into her spirited eyes. His tone took on a threatening edge. "Nadia, how dare you turn me down?" "Mr. Ford, you can't buy everything." Nadia's eyes became cold. She always had a way to rile him up. His expression darkened immediately. "Nadia, know your place. Grandpa has asked that you show up to the Fords' Anniversary Gala. I hope you won't let him down." Callum smoothed his wrinkled collar and put on an air of arrogance once more. He sounded like he was giving out an order. Hah! He mentioned Barclay again. Nadia silently snickered. Callum always brought up Barclay to control her, but this would be the last. Taking a deep breath, she suppressed her irritation and faked a perfect smile. "Mr. Ford, don't worry. I'll still play my part. I promise not to embarrass you." She even gave him a light, elegant nod, as though the fight had never happened. "If there's nothing else, I'll leave now." She turned around and walked to the Hibiscus Room without hesitation with her chest puffed. Callum stood and watched the door close behind Nadia, hiding the view within the room. He clenched his fists. The veins on the back of his hand bulged. Damn it! He couldn't believe that Nadia angered him again. He quickly dialed a number. "Hold onto the divorce papers for now. We'll send it out after the Anniversary Gala." Julian seemed confused upon receiving the order, but he had no time to think. He immediately turned the car around to retrieve the divorce papers he had just delivered. Callum came to a stop when he arrived at his empty private room. Wyatt and Brittany were nowhere to be seen. The smell of food and alcohol filled the air. Only Brittany's phone lay on the table, looking abandoned with its screen turned off. Callum was gripped by uneasiness. His heart skipped a beat. "Brittany?" He raised his voice. "Brittany!" He was greeted with silence. His expression changed as he dashed out of the private room. The bodyguards in black, who stood guard at the door, looked serious when they saw him running out. "Where is she?" Callum's tone was cold and carried a hint of anger. The bodyguards exchanged looks. Clearly, they had no clue about what just happened. "Look for her!" Callum let out a low growl. "Lock the main door and search every inch of this place!" The bodyguards immediately dispersed and went into action.