Second Chance His Unending Love (Calista Hartwell) novel Chapter 103

Chapter 103

Calista admonished him lightly. “Keep your voice down.”

Those words sounded too ambiguous.

Remembering Alisa’s words, Evander’s eyes gleamed before he sat down with a troubled expression.

“I’m actually quite afraid of these relative birthday parties. You know my situation-I can’t avoid everyone urging me to marry or being forced into blind dates. If I don’t bring a companion this time, they’ll definitely introduce me to all sorts of women.”

He spread his hands and sighed, “I have no interest in them and don’t want to lead them on. So, do you understand my dilemma? Calista, you’re the only woman I’m close to. Agreeing to this would be a huge favor to

me!”

Calista roughly understood why Evander was so worried.

He was always a gentleman, elegant and respectful toward women. If he were too polite, the women might get the wrong idea. But if he was too cold, that wasn’t hiso

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style-he wasn’t rude.

Calista was still hesitating.

Evander decided to add more fuel to the fire. “Then

I guess I’ll just have to let my aunt introduce me to potential girlfriends.”

“You…” Calista felt an inexplicable annoyance and turned away sullenly.

Evander continued, “And then I’ll thoroughly humiliate them, reject them, and mold myself into a despicable scumbag. That way, I can protect my innocence.”

Evander said this with a completely serious face.

Calista turned back and hit him helplessly. “Alright, alright, I’ll go, okay?”

Evander immediately grabbed her hand. “Really?”

Calista emphasized again, “I’ll bring Olivia and attend as a friend.”

Evander, in a good mood, curved his lips into a smile and

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made an OK gesture. “No problem!”

After agreeing to Evander, Calista began pondering what birthday gift to bring.

Although Evander had already prepared everything, she felt embarrassed to just show up empty-handed. She wanted to bring a token of her sincerity.

The next noon, Calista returned to the Hartwell Manor.

She remembered her father had collected many famous paintings, among them Winslow Homer’s “The Heron by the Lake,” which would be perfect as a gift.

Hugh watched Calista rummaging through his collection room and finally asked after holding back for a while, “All mysterious-whose birthday party are you planning to

attend?”

“A friend’s.”

“Friend? Christina?”

Calista glanced back at Hugh, surprised he remembered

her friend’s name.

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Not wanting to elaborate, she gave an ambiguous “Mm-hmm.”

Hugh wore a regretful expression, as if not very satisfied.

“Dad, what’s with that look?”

“The look of a frustrated parent seeing their child waste potential!”

“Why?” Calista felt completely baffled.

Hugh explained, “Did you know Evander is getting married soon!”

“Evander?” Calista hadn’t heard about this.

“His father has been so smug lately, boasting to everyone. I feel completely outshone.”

Hugh spoke in a childish tone, glaring angrily.

Calista couldn’t help but laugh. As she carefully placed the found painting aside, she coaxed, “You have a son and a daughter, and your son gave you two grandsons. Aren’t

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you much happier than Sir Hayes?”

“It’s not the same,” Hugh sighed and shot Calista a look.

What he hoped for was for Calista to move past her trauma and find happiness again.

He pondered for a moment and asked, “That scumbag hasn’t come looking for you, has he?”

Calista wasn’t sure how to answer.

Hugh immediately grew tense. “Calista, haven’t you given up on him yet? Do you know back then…”

Before Hugh could finish, Calista’s mother, Elena, coughed lightly at the doorway, and Hugh immediately fell silent.

Calista looked up, puzzled. “What’s wrong?”

Elena nudged Hugh and smiled, “Nothing. Your father just means it’s such a pity that because of him, you were separated from us for so many years.”

Calista walked over and hugged the elderly couple, 15:50

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comforting them, “Dad, Mom, don’t worry. I won’t get back together with him.”

“Good, that’s all we needed to hear.”

Elena ushered Hugh away.

Hugh walked with his hands behind his back, muttering, “Even Evander’s iron tree has bloomed. When will my daughter’s spring arrive?”

Elena huffed at him, “Even if Calista never marries, we can still support her.”

“That’s not what I meant. I’m worried that someday, when we’re gone, no one will take care of her!”

“Stop talking like that.”

Calista carefully packaged the painting, had a meal with her parents, and then returned to her residence.

The security guards had already registered Calista and Olivia’s identities, allowing them free access.

Seeing her return, Alisa said with a beaming smile, “MS:50

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Hartwell, Mr. Hayes sent someone over.”

On the coffee table sat an exquisitely wrapped large gift box, with several stylishly dressed stylists standing nearby.

Alisa eagerly praised Evander, “Mr. Hayes is so considerate. He even prepared your evening gown for the party and specially arranged for stylists to come.”

As she spoke, Alisa opened the box and lifted out the shimmering champagne-colored fishtail dress.

Calista thought he was indeed very thoughtful, covering every detail, but wasn’t this a bit too much?

I’m just accompanying him. Dressing up so elaborately somehow feels like meeting the mother-in-law.

Alisa held the fishtail dress up against Calista and exclaimed admiringly, “A fine sword needs a hero. Ms. Hartwell, you’ll look absolutely stunning in this dress. Mr. Hayes personally picked it out, and it truly suits you perfectly!”

Calista shook her head, thinking she had never even 15:50

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