Chapter 22 - Calum It wasn't just the fact that Soraya was holding hands with Silas Ward that made him frown . It was the way she smiled Soraya looked contented and happy . Could Soraya be in a relationship with Silas ? " She is absolutely beautiful , the most captivating woman I've ever seen ! " Peter remarked , then stammered as he turned to Rose . " I - I don't mean anything by it . Miss Becket , you are also beautiful . Every woman has her own charms . " behold " Um- Rose gulped , frowning as she replied , " I'm not offended . Beauty is in the eye of the beholder ." Rose was trying to imply that perhaps Mr. Jones had different preferences . However , she still considered herself prettier than Soraya . " Yes , to s , to me , Rose is so much more beautiful , Claire chimed in . " Yes ! Absolutely ! Roger echoed . But while Calum's cousins said those words , their gazes betrayed them . They stared at Soraya in disbelief . Even Calum couldn't believe his eyes . It was rare for Soraya to wear a sleeveless dress , especially one that hugged her curves and was cut six inches above her knee . Her long legs were striking . They were flawless and fair as ivory . Melvin was also stunned . However , Jacob simply sat back , calmly sipping his wine , following their gazes . " I have to know her name ! " Peter said , his Adam's apple bobbing as he took in Soraya's features . -Soraya Azar . That's her name , " Edward Wright said , shocking everyone . " Edward , you know this lady ? " Peter asked . Soraya Azar , " Mr. Wright repeated . " How could you forget , Peter ? I've said that name a hundred times . Calum's jaw instantly tightened . " Mr. Wright knows Soraya ? " " You know Soraya Azar , Mr. Wright ? " Melvin asked , his brows furrowing Everyone around the table was curious . Even Jacob leaned in , waiting for Mr. Wright's reply . Edward Wright , CEO of a programming company in Knox City , was expanding his operations to Cedar Heights . Upon learning this . Calum had invited him to a business dinner . Mr. Wright had caramel skin and a buzz cut . Half African American , he was charismatic and kind . Mr. Peter Jones , on the other hand , was a passive co - owner of the company . He provided financial support but didn't handle daily operations . Mr. Wright's gaze lingered on Soraya as she took her seat . He smiled . " Yes , I know Soraya . We went to the same college " Oh ! I remember now ! " Peter exclaimed . " She's the girl you were always in love with in college ! You wanted to pursue her , bu father insisted you start the company , so you had to leave Cedar Heights ! " " And now I remember why you wanted to expand here , " Peter added . " You came back for her !" " Precisely , " Edward acknowledged " Well , we're in luck ! You don't need to search . She's right there " Peter painted , then quickly frowned . " But it looks like she's already . " Silas Ward . " Edward said . " I know him . To my knowledge , he's not married . As long as Suraya isn't either , there's still a chance . " " Bilas may be an accomplished man , but I'm far wealthier and have a good reputation , Edward said , turning to Peter . " I can offer Soraya so much more- 356 PM Chapter 22 A sharp shatter rang out . The wine glass Calum had been holding had broken into pieces . Everyone , especially Rose , turned to him in shock . He was just as surprised . He hadn't even realized how tight his grip had become against the glass . " Sorry . I don't know what happened , " Calum muttered . Rose quickly called a waiter to clean up the broken glass while Calum stood . " Excuse me for a moment . I need to use the restroom Rose Rose's Homach twisted . She couldn't help feeling unsettled after Calum shattered the glass in his hand . Why ? What made him react that way ? Was it because another man desired Soraya ? And why was this respectable man , Edward Wright , admiring Soraya so openly ? How could she have a secret admirer ? An her mind , she screamed , " Soraya is nothing compared to me ! " It didn't help that Calum had excused himself . Rose assumed he'd gone to think . But was that even necessary ? Thankfully , Calum returned just five minutes later , calm and composed . As food was served , Claire raised her voice . " Mr. Wright , are you sure you admire Soraya ? She's nothing special . If anything , she's a seductress ! She tried to seduce my cousin ! " Yes , that's true ," Roger added . Melvin stayed silent . Rose understood . Talking about Soraya could open a can of worms . After all , Soraya was married to Calum , which made Rose a mistress , Mr. Wright turned to Calum , frowning That must be a misunderstanding . That's not the Soraya I know . She isn't a flirt or the kind to seduce men ." " You know her well ? " Claire asked . had a few classes in college , " Mr. Wright replied . " But I've always admired her from afar . s not a nobody . I don't know what happened after I left , but back then , she was top of her year - a brilliant student , " Edward " And she's not a revealed . " But - Claire tried to say more , but Calum cut her off . " Let's not meddle in other people's affairs , Claire , " he said curtly . Then , smiling slightly at Mr. Wright , he added , " I apologize on behalf my cousin . " " Mr. Monclair ," Mr. Wright said , " may I ask - do you have a rift with Soraya Azar ? I want to make it clear that if you do , I will not do business with you " His words stunned Rose Why would he go to such lengths for Soraya ? " Rose knew how much Calum wanted this partnership . Mr. Wright's company , NexaCode Technologies , had launched some of the country's top - grossing apps . Glum had plans to create apps related to the Montclair Group . " No. " Calum responded " There's no rift between Soraya and me . I can assure you , I have nothing against her . In fact , she will soon shareholder of my company Hearing this , Rose's hand clenched into a fist . She understood Calum was trying to secure the partnership , but it treated her that Soruya had unknowingly gained a supporter in the name of Edward Wright ! Mr. Wrigh anded . " Good " Edward turned back to Soraya . Then Peter asked , " Are you going to approach her ? She doesn't seem to em to remember you " " I looked different back then , " Mr. Wright said " I w won't approach her now - not while she's with her kiver ." 156 PM P Chapter 22 Hearing this , Rose turned to Calum . For a fleeting moment , Calum's expression darkened , almost like he was jealous ! But he quickly looked at her , and she changed the topic to deflect " Let's eat , everyone ! " Rose announced . In the next half hour , they forgot about Soraya . They indulged in the feast as soft , enchanting music filled the restaurant courtesy of a singer and a pianist . Eventually , the performers took a break . The singer announced , " We're opening the stage to anyone who'd like to showcase their talent . Would anyone like to sing or play the piano ? " Claire's eyes lit up . She turned to Rose . " Why don't you play the piano ? " " Do you know how to play . Miss Becket ?" Peter asked . " Yes , I'm quite good . " Rose said proudly . " Then please , share your talent with us ." Peter urged . This was precisely what Rose needed : to remind Calum why he had chosen her . Smiling brightly , she said , " Alright . I'll play the piano . " Calum held her hand as sh as she stood . Rose took the stage and sat before the piano . " I'll be playing Rivers Flow In You by Yiruma , " she announced , referring to a piece of classical music . Her fingers danced over the keys , elegant and composed . Rose was smiling as she gave it her all in the performance . When she finished , the room burst into applause , especially from Claire , Melvin , Roger , and Calum . They were so proud of her . She scoffed quietly , seeing even some of Soraya's colleagues clapping Rose basked in the praise , but then Silas suddenly said . " That was okay . Pretty amateur , if y you ask me Silas turned to Soraya , saying , " Darling , why don't you show them how a pro plays the piano ? " Rose's eyes widened in horror . ' No. No way ! " 3/3