“That's impossible,” Jarrett retorted. “Sterling has numerous enemies. Whenever he goes to unsafe places, he never brings less than fifty people with him. And that's a conservative estimate. Those people are internationally renowned mercenaries. Not ordinary people can handle them.”
Calista chuckled. “This time it's different. At the very least, there's one place where he'll have minimal guards. It's there that we can take his life.”
Seeing Calista seemingly at ease and joking around, Jarrett responded with a mix of sincerity and jest, “Fine, as long as you have a way to take him down, I have a way to absorb his power. No matter how you look at it, I'm the one who benefits. But with such a good opportunity, why didn't you approach Kallum?”
Calista looked at him with a half-smile.
“What do you think my relationship with Kallum is?”
Jarrett took a drag from his cigarette. “More than family, less than lovers? Who knows what kind of game you're playing?”
Calista shook her head. “Even though I'm entangled with the Fairchild family, and Kallum is always at my beck and call, I can't deny that he's special. But I'm always scared. When a person loses everything and then gets it back, they catch a disease called unease. No matter how good the current situation is, I still want to plan an escape route for myself.”
Jarrett was somewhat bewildered as he listened, but he understood the last sentence. “So, you're helping me just to make me your backup plan?”
He found it amusing. There was no way Kallum would ever let go of Calista. Moreover, Kallum had an intense personality; if he loved someone, he would elevate them to the highest pedestal. No one else could possibly interfere. This worry of hers was arguably for nothing.
Calista nodded solemnly. “If something happens, it's best if you give me a way out. If not, I'm not afraid of giving you an advantage. The Fairchild family is already flourishing. For Kallum, Sterling is just icing on the cake. For you, although it's not exactly a lifesaver in desperate times, it's definitely a timely assistance, the most suitable indeed.”
Jarrett narrowed his eyes. Even with glasses on, they couldn't conceal his roguish charm.
“Since you've put it that way, I'd be rude to refuse. But can I ask you a question?”
“Sure.”
Jarrett exhaled a puff of smoke, his expression unreadable behind his glasses.
“You said Kallum is different. In what way is he different?”
If one were to disregard wealth, just based on appearance and age, he believed he was no less than Kallum. Why then, was Kallum considered different? Even if he had lost, he deserved an explanation.
Calista was momentarily taken aback. He said nonchalantly, “Perhaps it's because... he was the first person I fell in love with.” He was also the last person she loved.
“Then I loved him for over a decade.”
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