Second Chance His Unending Love (Calista Hartwell) novel Chapter 125

Chapter 125

Upstairs, Austin was in a foul mood, tossing and turning on the guest bed, his mind refusing to let go of Calista’s dismissive behavior.

Her coldness, that look of utter disregard, had settled into

his bones.

What gave her the right to dismiss him? He was exceptional-anyone could see that. Why couldn’t she?

A bitter frustration clawed at his insides until he finally sat up, his vision sharp with anger.

With a burst of restless energy, Austin swept everything within reach off the nightstand and dresser. Books, a water glass, a stack of papers-all crashed to the floor in a satisfying mess.

As his schoolbag tumbled from the chair, two small, flat objects slid out and skittered across the hardwood. He paused, breathing hard. Two pendant necklaces lay gleaming faintly in the lamplight.

Recognition arrived slowly, unwelcome and vivid. Years58

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back, before SSAT, Calista had driven across town to spend an entire day in a quiet cathedral, praying over these small charms.

One for protection, another one for success, she’d explained softly.

She’d gotten two for him, two for Olivia.

Austin had never put any stock in blessings or lucky tokens. To humor her, he’d shoved them into the side pocket of his backpack and promptly forgotten they existed.

Now, here they were.

His fingers closed around the pendants. The metal was cool, almost accusing. A thick, sour feeling rose in his throat-something between grief and fury.

She had cared once. Deeply.

But now? Ice. Distance.

A wall was built overnight simply because he’d shown kindness to Nicole.

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What mother did that? What kind of person held a grudge against her own son?

The thought was gasoline on the smoldering anger inside him. His fist tightened, knuckles white, before he hurled the pendants down with all his strength.

They struck the floor with a sharp “crack”. Not satisfied, he ground his heel over them, back and forth, until only glittering fragments remained.

Let her shower Olivia with all her affection. He didn’t need her hollow gestures anymore.

He would be better. Smarter. More accomplished. He’d

force her to see him.

The chess championship was his proving ground.

With his intellect and the Frost family’s elite resources backing him, victory wasn’t just a hope-it was an expectation.

He would win. And when he did, she would finally regret casting him aside.

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*****

Back at the military compound, Evander had barely stepped through his front door after the hospital discharge when an urgent call came through.

Inside, Calista and Olivia were midway through packing their belongings, preparing to return to Golden Crest

Court.

Noticing his unusually somber expression as he approached, Calista set down the folded sweater in her hands. “What’s wrong?”

“Are you both leaving?”

“Yes. It wasn’t really appropriate for us to overstay. Now that Killian knows I’m under your protection, he likely won’t dare make a move. Olivia and I should be fine back home,” Calista replied.

During her stay, Evander had slept at Connor’s house—a kindness that still weighed on her conscience.

Olivia looked up from her suitcase. “Mr. Hayes, could we

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reschedule our chess practice for the evenings after this?”

This time, Evander shook his head. “I’m sorry, Olivia. I have to go back on my word.”

Calista studied his pale features, concern tightening her voice. “What happened? You don’t look well.”

He chose his words carefully. “It’s nothing serious. A temporary assignment came up. I’ll be away for three to five days, so I won’t be able to play chess with Olivia for a

while.”

Relief softened Calista’s tension. “Chess is the last thing to worry about. Your duty comes first. Focus on your work-we’ll be fine.”

Yet a heavy reluctance lingered in Evander’s chest. He hesitated, then spoke with renewed conviction.

“Calista, I strongly advise you and Olivia to stay here. A trafficking ring has recently infiltrated the city. They’re not just targeting young children-they’re abducting teenagers as well. These individuals are ruthless, use brutal methods, and are reportedly armed with heavy weaponry.”

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He let the gravity of his words settle before continuing. “If you remain here, I can carry out my mission with a clearer mind, knowing you’re safe.”

Both women gasped in unison.

“A trafficking ring?”

“How can they be so brazen?”

“The details are still under police investigation,” Evander stated, his expression turning stern. He began unpacking the items Calista had just placed into her bag. “Please, listen to me. Stay here. Just for now. Alright?”

For Olivia’s safety, Calista agreed without further debate.

Yet a sudden, cold intuition gripped her. She seized Evander’s hand. “Evander… is your mission… about catching them?”

He didn’t answer directly, offering only a reassuring smile, “Don’t worry. I’ll be back soon.”

Olivia’s small voice trembled with worry. “Mr. Hayes,

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please be careful…”

After giving them a few more instructions, Evander retreated to his study.

Seated at his desk, fountain pen in hand, he wrote with/ focused intensity.

A soft knock interrupted the silence, and Calista entered. Her gaze drifted across the desk, catching the heading on the page before he could cover it fully.

The words struck her like a physical blow: [Last Will and Testament]

Her mind went blank. For the first time, the reality crashed down upon her-this refined, elegant, and gentle man held one of the most perilous occupations imaginable.

He possessed supreme status and authority; his medals of honor filled an entire shelf, each one a testament to his excellence as a commander.

He always seemed so composed, so effortlessly capable.

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