Chapter 219 Being A Clown
Noticing the crowd’s gaze on her, Calista felt a sense of bewilderment. Could it be that Sterling had: obtained some sort of evidence and, in the lace of death, wished to drag her down with him, hence the reason for this banquet?
But what difference would his evidence make? Even if she were to hand the money over, it wouldn’t benefit him. Regardless of the worst
outcome, she would remain unscathed. So, what was Sterling’s real. intention?
She scoffed, “I have no idea what you’re talking about. Uriah? I’ve never even heard of his name.”
Inside the banquet hall, Calista and Sterling confronted each other, their auras starkly contrasting. One emanated icy reserve, while the other exuded a sister and mysterious presence.
Sterling’s lips curled into a sardonic smile. “Let’s dispense with the pleasantries. I once collaborated with Uriah, supplying him with a considerable arsenal. Yet, in an hour’s time, the police will arrive to apprehend me. I can’t help but feel aggrieved. I worked alongside Uriah, only to face arrest now. Meanwhile, there are others who engaged in dealings with him, even pocketed a hefty sum from his coffers. Why haven’t their misdeeds been brought to light?”
The insinuations in Sterling’s words twisted Calista’s expression sour. “Me? Collaborating with Uriah? If it weren’t for your involvement, orchestrating my capture by Uriah, I’d never have crossed paths with him. Or are you implying that since you’re headed for a jail cell, this is your final act of defiance before confinement, dragging innocent bystanders into your downfall?”
Calista paused, a wry smile dancing on her lips. “Yes, the auction incident was a huge blow to your finances, but surely, you don’t hold such a grudge?”
The doubts sown in the crowd’s minds lessened significantly. Before her induction into the Fairchild family, Calista was just an ordinary girl from a respectable lineage. How could she possibly be connected to Uriah? Conversely, Sterling bore a palpable grudge against Calista. Her previous deception, tricking Sterling into acquiring worthless land, still stung. That night, Sterling seethed with fury, nearly bursting a
vein.
Witnessing Calista’s effortless escape from his grasp left him dumbfounded. That idiot Quincy, without external aid, would have crumbled under Calista’s cunning within three moves.
“So, you’re admitting to having met Uriah?”
Sterling’s gaze swept the assembly, his voice projecting. “Just returned from Corleon myself. Went there on a hunch that Uriah had stashed something. It took some digging, but guess who I stumbled upon at Uriah’s hiding spot?”
He pointed at Calista, a light chuckle escaping him. “Caught Calista red–handed, masquerading as a medical aide for a special support feam. Later, Kallum made a hefty purchase of goods from Corleon. Sure, Corleon boasts a robust underground market, and I acknowledge Kallum’s possession of items confiscated from Uriah a year ago. But when I uncovered the hidden cache, it was gone. Kallum then made a special trip to peddle what he’d acquired a year prior. It wasn’t hard to deduce his intention to bury at
secret, was it?”
Sterling shook his head, sighing theatrically. “Even Uriah couldn’t resist the allure of a beautiful woman. Initially, I ordered for your demise, yet not only did you survive, you unearthed a clandestine affair. Who
buy that there’s no connection between you two?”
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13:23 Fri, 31 May
Chapter 219 Being A Clown
His words provoked murmurs among the attendees, speculative glances darting at Calista. Sterling’s insinuations painted a picture of Calista having received something substantial from Uriah, their association seemingly more than casual.
“Are you quite finished?”
Calista restrained Kallum’s urge to intervene, casting an indifferent gaze at Sterling.
“Admittedly, you spin quite the tale. However, my venture to Corleon was solely driven by global concerns, contributing modestly to societal welfare. If you knew anything about me, you’d understand my recognition as a prodigious figure in medical research! 1 delved into studying the K Virus, joining a specialized research team, risking interaction with K Virus patients. It’s disheartening to see my altruism twisted.”
She paused, her tone measured. “Kallum’s return for me stemmed from concern over my safety in a perilous locale. Recognizing Corleon as a lucrative trading hub, he seized the chance to offload his wares amassed during his visit. Selling Uriah’s wares locally would prove cumbersome.”
A trace of mockery gleamed in her eyes. “Where did you hear about Uriah’s mythical treasure? Your assumption that Kaiser’s sale of numerous items equated to your quarry was rather hasty.” She continued, dismantling Sterling’s claims one by one. “Moreover, the existence of this treasure has only ever been your assertion. Is this vendetta because I once cost you a considerable sum? Are you attempting to besmirch my connection with Uriah, hoping to extort this so–called ‘treasure‘ that may not even exist? Quite cunning of you, exploiting Uriah, a man both sensitive and devoid of concrete evidence due to his demise.”
Calista’s cloquence was masterful, articulating every facet with clarity, elucidating all dubious implications. Her demeanor remained composed, her aura detached. Her gaze upon Sterling was akin to observing a mere jester.
Sterling’s laughter dwindled, incredulity etched onto his features. It was hard to fathom that a year prior, Calista was a timid recluse. Their initial encounter bore an opportunity for Sterling to throttle her and seize her USB drive. Yet now, she bared her claws and fangs, effortlessly ensnaring his lifeline.
Indeed, he should have dealt with her decisively from the outset.
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