With
With 86

Chapter 86

+25 BONUS

There was a fairly large foyer that led into the villa. It was decorated in a minimalist style, and even the shoe racks were made of expensive mahogany.

The vases placed on the foyer’s cabinets were all antique. Although Calla did not know much about antiques, she remembered seeing some at museums or the homes of executives.

She changed into a pair of indoor slippers and finally entered the living room, which had heavy mahogany furniture that seemed rather imposing.

Calla held her breath as she looked around. The decor of the house was punctuated with porcelain, ceramics, and paintings–making it appear all the more grand.

A middle–aged man who was around 50 years old was seated on an antique mahogany chair. There was a pair of gold–rimmed glasses perched on his nose, and he wore black pants with a white shirt, looking every inch like an important government official.

Luckily, his features weren’t as stiff as Mercer’s, so he looked very easygoing when he smiled. Mercer strongly resembled the middle–aged man, who was obviously his father.

In the living area a few feet away from him, Calla could see a lounge chair, where an elegant middle–age woman was seated.

The woman was probably over 50 years old, but she had taken care of herself very well, boasting fair and firm skin.

Her eyebrows were also plucked thinly, and she wore heavy makeup. Perhaps she wanted to disguise the wrinkles on her face. That aside, there was a sharp look in her eyes. She did not look as kind as the middle -aged man.

Calla wondered if the woman was Mercer’s mother. Her eyes certainly resembled his.

Now that she thought about it, the cold streak in Mercer’s personality probably came from his mother. It was just that Rose Dawson had an even sharper look in her eyes.

Calla looked at them for a while, and they looked back at her. Rose’s eyes seemed to pierce into her like pair of daggers. Oddly, they both seemed surprised by what they saw, though Calla had no idea why that

was.

Suddenly, Calla felt a tightening around her waist.

She looked down to see that Mercer’s arm had encircled her. He was being respectful, but there was no smile on his face as he said, “Dad, Mom, this is Calla, my wife.”

Calla hurriedly bent her head and politely greeted, “Hello Dad, Mom.”

Simon tactfully placed the gifts on the coffee table. “Mr. Garland Senior, Mrs. Garland Senior, these are the gifts that Ms. Sherman has prepared for you.”

Calla could feel Rose staring fixedly at her, and she hastily lowered her eyes.

Shawn put down the newspaper he was holding and smiled kindly. “Calla, isn’t it? Come and sit down. Let’s have a chat.”

Chapter 26

“Thank you, Dad.” Calla thanked him. Mercer pulled her over by the wrist to sit on a three–seater mahogany couch.

A maid came over with tea. Calla felt rather uncomfortable, as she did not feel at home around them. She swept a glance at the antiques and the expensive carpet beneath her feet, feeling extremely out of place.

Shawn suddenly received a phone call, so he got up and put on his coat. As he did that, he said to Rose,” There’s an inspection team over at Central, and I’ve got to rush over to meet them. Take care of Calla, and make sure you treat her nicely.”

“How could I treat your son’s wife badly?” This was the first time Rose had spoken since Calla came in. She made Calla feel uncomfortable, while both Shawn and Mercer looked uneasy.