Chapter 2 Sharing A Car Ride Doesn't Seem Very Appropriate

"Stop." A firm, rough voice pierced the chaos. Joelle's grandfather, Aydan Bennett, looked around the assembly with a stern look and said, "This scene is quite shameful, wouldn't you agree?"

At his words, the once noisy crowd went quiet instantly.

Aydan let out a sigh of relief and turned to the caregiver next to him. He said, "Please check on Callum's whereabouts. Today's incident was our fault. He deserves an explanation..."

He was interrupted by a clear, cold voice that wafted across the crowd. "There's no need, Mr. Bennett."

This voice, deep and compelling, captured everyone's attention without effort.

Joelle blinked as a figure started to come into focus before her.

Walking up the stairs, Callum came into view on the second floor. Fresh from what seemed like a demanding meeting, he sported a dark, perfectly fitted suit with a deep blue velvet tie and a sleek silver tie pin. He had a long neck and a slender face marked by sharp features.

Set under finely shaped eyebrows and above a straight nose, his deep brown eyes gazed out. His hair was flawlessly styled, parted neatly on the side. Below one eye, a tiny mole added a touch of charm to his otherwise cool demeanor.

He was very tall and took every step extremely quickly.

Memories of their younger days flooded Joelle's mind as she watched him. Back then, Callum was more boyish, always waiting for her in his crisp, white, short-sleeved shirt, pushing his bike.

His embrace was always filled with the smell of sunshine and the tenderness of his devoted gaze.

Yet, the Callum standing before her now was distant, all signs of innocence were gone. What remained was a pure, masculine allure that unknowingly drew the admiration of all women present.

Joelle hadn't noticed, but her hands were beginning to sweat.

He walked past her, not even sparing her a look, leaving nothing but a cool breeze behind, and a trace of sadness in her heart.

Callum approached Aydan, saying in a calm, firm tone, "I have faith in Emmeline. She is not a woman who acts rashly. Once we sort everything out, we'll go ahead with our engagement celebration."

Aydan found Callum's stance unexpectedly reassuring.

Considering Callum's status and charm, he could easily win the affection of any woman he wanted. It was quite surprising, then, that he chose to tie the knot with Emmeline. She not only slept with someone else but also came from the declining Bennett family.

Aydan couldn't hide his admiration for the gentleman standing before him. Any worry he once had quickly dissolved. He responded, "Alright. Hearing you say that makes me feel at ease."

Joelle noticed the scornful look from her stepmother Verena, which seemed to say, "Despite your efforts, Callum ended up picking Emmeline anyway."

Joelle allowed a slight smile to cross her face, appearing completely unaffected by the situation.

This reaction took Verena by surprise.

-

As the evening event wrapped up, Joelle made up her mind to head back to her place. She donned her coat, let her hair fall loose, and stepped outside the Bennett family's house to await her ride.

All of a sudden, she was blinded by the bright lights of an approaching vehicle, causing her to narrow her eyes.

A luxurious Maybach halted right in front of where Joelle stood.

The window of the car slowly rolled down.

In the moonlight, the man inside presented a stern face, his features sharply handsome and distinguished. Sitting in the back, he carried himself with the air of nobility. His eyes moved to Joelle, offering her a fleeting look.

She was dressed in a dark red evening gown, the diamonds around her neck sparkling brilliantly, highlighting her smooth skin.

By the time Joelle felt his gaze on her, he had already looked away. His tone was calm yet authoritative as he said, "Get in."

With a touch of humor in her voice, Joelle answered, "Mr. Sullivan, considering how things stand between us, sharing a car ride at this hour doesn't seem very appropriate, does it?"

Callum looked up at her.