My Cold-Hearted Husband Wants Me Back-Chapter 17: A Step Ahead

Callum gulped. The stare had been on him for five excruciating minutes. Eryx hadn't said a word, but his eyes were practically cursing him out with every passing second.

Finally, Eryx leaned back in his seat, and Callum let out a quiet, shaky breath of relief.

"Find the woman," Eryx's voice was low, but the cold authority behind it filled the room. "Use any method necessary." His eyes narrowed. "And check again... see if Gideon Winfield has another daughter."

"Yes, sir." Callum bowed slightly before turning, eager to leave as the air in the room felt far too cold for his comfort.

"Wait."

Callum froze in place. "A-Anything else, sir?" he stammered, turning back slowly.

"That man..." Eryx's eyes locked onto Callum's. "Don't you think he looks familiar?"

"You mean... Mr. Winfield?" Callum asked, just to be sure.

Eryx's slow blink was all the answer he needed. Callum thought for a moment, and then his eyes widened in realization. "Sir... isn't he the same man we saw at the hospital a few days ago?"

"Hospital?" Eryx's brow furrowed, his eyes narrowing as he tried to recall his visit there the other day.

"Yes, sir. The one you bumped into in the hallway..." Callum added, hoping to jog his memory.

"Ah..." Eryx nodded slowly, the moment finally coming back to him. His frown deepened as he stared at his desk. "Look into his details as soon as possible. I have a feeling I've met him more than once..."

"Right away, sir." Callum took a deep breath, turning toward the door. Just as his hand touched the doorknob, he suddenly remembered something. "Oh, sir, since the appointment with Mr. Winfield was brought forward, should I reschedule the one I pushed back yesterday?"

The same sharp eyes were fixed on Callum, who stood there waiting anxiously for an answer. "Which one?" Eryx asked, his voice clipped and impatient.

"The meeting about the launch of Auréa's new cosmetic line..." Callum's words trailed off when he noticed Eryx's eyes narrowing dangerously.

"And do I need to attend that kind of meeting? Seriously? How do you handle my schedule, Callum?" Eryx's tone was icy, each word laced with frustration.

"But, sir..." Callum gulped, feeling cold sweat forming on his forehead. "Madam specifically asked you to attend and to personally choose the model for the new product."

Eryx's jaw tightened. "And why me? After all these years working for me, haven't you learned by now? There must be something she's planning." He leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing even further. "My mother never does anything without a reason."

Callum shifted uncomfortably. "Should I... cancel it, sir?"

Eryx stayed silent for a long moment, his fingers tapping slowly on the desk. Then, with a sigh, he said, "No. Let's see what game she's playing this time. Confirm the meeting but keep it brief."

"Understood, sir." Callum gave a quick nod, relief washing over him as he finally reached the door.

But just before he stepped out, Eryx's voice stopped him again. "And Callum?"

"Y-Yes, sir?"

"Make sure you find out everything there is to know about Gideon Winfield. Every detail. I don't care how small."

Callum swallowed hard. "I'll get right on it, sir."

As the door finally closed behind him, Eryx leaned back in his chair, his eyes dark with thought. There was something about this whole situation that didn't sit right.

Meanwhile, at the Grantham mansion, the dining table was shrouded in an eerie silence. The only sound filling the room was the soft clink of utensils meeting plates.

Naomi shifted uncomfortably, sensing the tension in the air. Desperate to break the silence, she forced a bright smile. "Don't you need to go to the office today, Mom?" she asked, her voice light and hopeful.

Regina Grantham didn't even glance up from her plate. "Why? Do I need to?" she replied flatly, scooping a perfect bite of food into her mouth with an air of indifference.

Naomi let out an awkward laugh, her eyes flickering toward Lunara, who sat across from her, visibly anxious. Lunara's movements were tense as her fork hesitating each time it neared her plate.

Earlier that day, Regina had insisted Lunara join them for lunch. Despite Lunara's polite refusals, the older woman wouldn't take no for an answer, brushing off her protests with a deceptively warm smile and a casual "The more, the merrier."

But now, with the heavy silence stretching between them, it was clear this wasn't a casual family lunch.

"So, Lunara," Regina finally spoke, her voice smooth but carrying a sharpness that made Naomi tense. "How have you been settling in?"

Lunara's fingers tightened around her fork. "I—I'm doing fine, Madam, thank you," she answered quietly, keeping her tone polite.

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Regina's lips curved into a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Good. It's important to feel... comfortable when you're around family."

Naomi's heart sank. She recognized that tone — her mother was definitely up to something. "Mom..." Naomi's voice held a warning, but Regina didn't even spare her a glance.

Instead, Regina's eyes remained fixed on Lunara, her expression deceptively pleasant. "So, what do you do nowadays? Working? Still studying?" she asked, her voice light but probing.

Lunara set her fork down carefully, clearly aware of the shift in atmosphere. "I... I handle my mother's flower shop, but..." she hesitated, her voice growing softer, "something happened, so I'm currently... not working."

Regina's eyes gleamed with something that made Naomi's stomach twist. "That's great!" she said brightly, her reaction so unexpected that both Naomi and Lunara blinked in confusion.

Before either of them could respond, Regina continued, her smile widening in a way that felt far too pleased. "You see, I've been looking for a model for my new line of cosmetics... and you," she tilted her head, her eyes sweeping over Lunara with an almost predatory interest, "you're perfect. Exactly the one I've been searching for."

Lunara froze, her eyes widening. "Me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes, you." Regina's tone softened, but there was an edge beneath it. "You have that fresh, delicate look... so natural and charming. I think you'd be perfect to represent the brand."

Naomi's chest tightened with unease. "Mom," she started again, her voice low, "what are you planning?"

But Regina ignored her, her focus entirely on Lunara. "What do you say? Will you think about it?"