Second Chance His Unending Love (Calista Hartwell) novel Chapter 75

Chapter 75

Calista never expected to run into Evander at her parents house. The setting yanked her back 20 years to when she’d fought her parents tooth and nail, refusing to marry anyone but Killian.

She’d railed against their arranged marriage and complained that what century were they living in, trying to set up some childhood engagement.

She’d also thought young Evander was way too quiet, like some boring closed book.

She’d even used needing a passport for international travel as an excuse to grab the family registry and run straight to the City Hall with Killian.

All those impulsive, stupid memories came flooding back right now, and she felt her toes curl in her shoes as she took a step back.

She hadn’t felt this way when she’d met with Evander one-on-one before, but running into him here at the Hartwell Manor made her want to bolt.

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Elena was clearly startled when she saw Calista too. She turned and caught Kyle’s expression, the one that said he was here for the drama, and she understood.

She shot him a glare before turning to greet Calista and Olivia. “Calista, Olivia, come on in.”

Olivia noticed her expression and bit back whatever she’d been about to say.

Elena forced out an awkward laugh. “Calista, you remember, don’t you? This is Sir Hayes’ son, Evander. Hah, it’s gotta be 20 years since you two have seen each

other…”

“Evander, this is my daughter Calista.” Elena played peacemaker and introduced the two of them.

Olivia stood there silently laughing to herself. She wanted to say, “Grandma, you really don’t need to introduce them. Mom and Mr. Hayes already know each other pretty well.”

Since Elena had already introduced them that way, Calista didn’t bother explaining. She just nodded and greeted Evander. “Hello.”

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Evander stared at her in disbelief. He finally made some progress, and now they were back to square one?

Seeing how awkward Calista looked, pretending they barely knew each other, he could only nod along obediently. “Long time no see.” They’d been apart for a whole 12 hours and 20 minutes.

Everyone took their seats, and that was when Calista noticed the vase sitting on the coffee table. She stared at it for a while, and the more she looked, the more familiar

it seemed.

Evander smiled slightly and explained, “I came across it by chance and thought Mr. Hartwell might like it, so I brought it over.”

He didn’t mention the auction, but Calista knew this particular piece could only have come from last night’s event. She never expected that the piece she’d been obsessing over had been bought by him, and now here it was at Hartwell Manor of all places.

She couldn’t hold back anymore. She carefully picked up the vase and examined it closely.

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Olivia spotted the signature and gasped with delight. “Mom, isn’t this the Master Plumon piece you’ve been

talking about forever? Mr. Hayes, how did you even find this?”

Now she finally understood why Kyle had called so urgently to get Calista back here.

Just then, Kyle walked over with a mischievous grin on his face and raised an eyebrow at Evander.

Evander had been playing the perfect son in front of Kyle’s parents for years, making even their actual son look bad by comparison.

Kyle figured Calista was the only person in the world who could handle Evander.

Now that Calista was divorced and the Hartwells had

maintained their connection with Evander all these years,

it was time to remove the thorn that had been stuck

between the two families. He crossed his arms and settled

in to watch Evander squirm.

Elena quietly kicked Kyle. He wasn’t a kid anymore, but

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his scheming was written all over his face.

“Kyle, why don’t you keep Evander company for a bit? Calista, Olivia, come with me for a second.” Elena pulled Calista and Olivia into a room.

Elena took Calista’s hand with guilt written all over her face. “Calista, today was completely unexpected. I have no idea what got into your brother, calling you back here like this.”

Calista shook her head. “Mom, it’s fine.”

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. Your father and I are here, and we won’t let him bully you. What happened in the past is in the past, and I won’t let him use any of that against

you.”

“Mom, actually…”

Before Calista could explain, Elena seemed to steel herself with determination. “We’ll get through lunch politely, and after that, your father and I will keep our distance. from him so you don’t have to feel uncomfortable.”

Elena’s maternal love touched Calista deeply. “Mom, 15:40

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Evander hasn’t been bullying me.”

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