Chapter 15 DEAN 285 Woudhurs My heart was full of helplessness as I looked at Callum , sitting directly across from me in a silent starcoff contest . He'd barged into my apartment early this morning - the downside of having neighboring units -and yet , hadn't said a single word . Even my favorite coffee was starting to taste bland under the weight of his stare . In the end , I gave in . Setting down my cup , I said , " Out with it already . If I have to endure your intense staring for a moment longer , I'm afraid I'll have goosebumps popping out of my skin ." He didn't reply . Just kept narrowing his eyes at me like I owed him something unknown . I sighed tiredly and rubbed my forehead . " I'm begging you , okay ? Just say whatever's on your mind and let me have some peace . " Callum studied me for a few more seconds , then finally spoke . " What did you do at the banquet last night ? " " That's what this is about ? " I exhaled in relief . I'd thought it was something worse . " I should've known better than to let you go alone , " he muttered , then shot me a glare . " But who knew you'd land yourself in that much mess in a single night ? " 08:51 Chapter 19 288 Vouchers " All I did was find myself a fiancée . How exactly is that a mess ? " I replied , slouching back into the couch " Yeah - none other than your half - brother's fiancée ," Callum shot back . " Even a toddler in Emerald City knows the Caldwells and Scotts are practically joined at the hip . " you " If you still had any real ties to the Scotts , maybe it wouldn't be such a big deal . But don ' 1. As far as they're concerned , you're an outsider now . Just that fact alone is enough for them to never acknowledge last night's engagement . " He paused , then concluded . " In short , you're stepping into muddy waters by getting involved with Lilith . " At the mention of ' half - brother , ' a flash of darkness crossed my eyes , but I didn't interrupt him and let him finish . Only then did I say with a drawl , my eyes half - closed . " Don't call him that in my presence . " I didn't explicitly say who the ' he ' was . But I was sure Callum would catch on - and also know I was deadly serious when I said that . " Sorry , my bad , " he apologized , then continued . " But seriously - why would you do something so risky when you barely know the girl ? " " And what the hell was that about an engagement promise made back when Aunt was still married to the Scotts ? " " If I remember correctly , the original plan was for you and Marissa , not Lilith as you insinuated . But since she was two years older than you , they postponed it . Then you left the country . " " You're right , " I said lazily . " But neither Mr. Caldwell nor that man objected last night , so it 08:51 Chapter 15 worked out in the end . No need to fuss over the details . " I paused mid - thought and sat up straighter as I realized something amiss . " Wait ... how did you know what I said ? You weren't there . " 283 Vouchers Callum scoffed . " I wasn't , but others were . " He pulled out his phone , tapped a few times , and turned the screen toward me . " See for yourself ." A video clip from the banquet was playing . I frowned . I'd noticed a few people filming , but I'd assumed the Caldwells or the Scotts would've done damage control by now . But , clearly , I'd overestimated them . " How far has it spread ? " I asked , my expression growing serious . Callum leaned back , his expression relaxed and calm . " Not far . Luckily , Adeline spotted it before it gained traction . " He paused . " You remember Adeline , right ? My secretary . " " Of course , " I nodded . " Go on . " " She happened to see the clip while watching short clips , and immediately called to notify me . If not for her , do you think I'd be here at the crack of dawn when I could be catching up on sleep for a few more minutes ? " " Sorry , " I apologized halfheartedly . " Did you get it taken down ? " 08:51 Chapter 15 11 288 Vouchers " Obviously . It only takes a few minutes for something to go viral . If I hadn't acted immediately , we'd be cleaning up a mess right now . " Relieved , I sank back into the couch . " Thanks , bro . " " I don't want your empty thanks , " he said flatly . " Cover my workload for the next two days . Then I'll believe you mean it . " I chuckled . " I have a better idea - how about I speed up the launch of the new branch so you can rake in a fortune sooner ? " Callum didn't look surprised . " Lazy bum . " Then his eyes narrowed again . " You looked nervous about the video earlier . Why ? Was it because of your mom ? " Not really . Mom wouldn't waste her time worrying about me mingling with the Scotts . Still , since he'd assumed that on his own , I let it go . Better that , than having to endure more grilling from him . But Callum was Callum . Twenty - plus years of friendship meant he read me like an open book . " That's not it , " he said with certainty . Then his gaze sharpened . " Don't tell me ... it's because of your flash fiancée ? " I didn't truly intend to hide it , just lazy , so I nodded . His expression changed into solemnity . 08:51 Chapter 15 " Be honest with me , Dean . What's your real intention in approaching her ? " " You're not trying to get involved in the inheritance fight through her , are you ? " I rolled my eyes . " Do I look that idle ? " 11 288 Vouchers Callum studied me for a moment , then answered with all seriousness . " Yes . " I ignored him . " Anyway , you're mistaken . I'm not interested in anything that carries that family name ." " Then you're in love with her ? " I shook my head . Now he was getting irritated . " Then what the hell is going on ? Give me a straight answer . I smiled faintly as the memory of last night replayed in my mind . " I guess ... she reminded me of myself . In a room full of her family and closest friends , there wasn't a single person on her side ." Callum's brow furrowed . " So you acted on a whim - out of pity ? " " I admire her . Her courage . Her resilience ." " She found out her fiancé and best friend were betraying her . And instead of hiding it or swallowing the humiliation , she exposed them . " " " She planned it carefully , and made sure it happened in front of an audience that would never forget . One that those two will never be able to escape for the rest of their lives . " 08:51 Chapter 15 1288 Nouchers " An audience that'll scorn and mock them for what they did every chance they get . " " Her methods were a bit rough around the edges , but what mattered and struck me the most . was that she had the guts to do it . Alone . " Callum stared at me for a long moment , then looked away . " What , now ? " I asked , irritated by the sudden silence . He looked back at me and said , his eyes sharp and insightful . " You're falling . " Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!