Her Rebirth of Retribution novel Chapter 229

Louis' usually unflappable poker face cracked slightly at the sight of Calista, a testament to the stark transformation she had undergone. The Calista they once knew seemed a distant memory compared to the striking figure she presented now. It was as if she personified the phrase “a complete transformation,” resonating powerfully with just a glance.

Calista, noticing their astonished expressions, allowed a small, knowing smile to play upon her lips. “Are you gentlemen ready? We should be making our way now.”

Kallum was quick to join her, affirming with a simple, “Alright, let's go.”

As he uncharacteristically left his two friends behind, their murmurs and Remus' incredulous shouts faded into the background.

Feeling a need to defend his friend, Kallum admitted, “Um... Remus didn't mean any harm, he often speaks without thinking.”

Calista's laugh was light, a gentle sound that eased the slight tension. “No, he's right. I did use to bother you quite a bit, and I wasn't exactly attractive back then.”

A twinge of regret shadowed Kallum's features for a moment, regretting how the conversation had veered into the past—a past he wished he could rewrite every minute to spare Calista any distress.

“Actually... um, you weren't ugly before either...” Kallum hastened to add, his voice earnest.

He truly never saw her as unattractive, even when her face was mostly obscured by her thick bangs. She had a delicate beauty that didn't need the spotlight to be seen, although it was true that she shone much brighter now.

Calista sensed his anxiousness and was about to tease him when they were interrupted by a new arrival.

“Mr. Kallum?” A woman in a stunning blue dress with a daring slit approached them, her presence commanding yet elegant.

Kallum recognized her immediately—Charlene Leighton, a relative from his mother's side, technically his cousin. He nodded coolly in acknowledgment, his demeanor turning noticeably colder.

Charlene, picking up on the shift in his attitude, was puzzled and slightly wary. Remembering her underlying mission, she mustered the courage to approach him, clutching her ornately beaded purse. With practiced poise, she said, “It's been a few years since we last met, hasn't it? I hope you still remember me.”

Her words were accompanied by a playful blink and a dismissive glance toward Calista, who she considered no more than an inconvenient addition to the family due to Wanda's impulsive favoritism.

“How about we head to the banquet hall together?” Charlene suggested, stepping closer and reaching to hook her arm through Kallum's. Her purse swung forward, poised to brush against his hand. Yet, just as her bag was about to make contact, Calista intercepted, grabbing the strap.

Calista maintained her playful demeanor, locking eyes with Charlene. “Well, the only way to be certain of any issue is to put it to the test, isn't it?”

Charlene hesitated, unsure of Calista's intentions.

In the next instant, Calista tightened her grip on the purse and, without any warning, pressed the side with the embedded needle against Charlene's arm.

A sharp cry of pain escaped Charlene as the needle broke her skin. Calista held her firmly against the wall of the corridor, immobilizing her completely. She didn't stop there; with a chilling smile, she slowly dragged the needle down, creating a superficial cut along Charlene's fair skin.

The pain was akin to a knife's edge, exacerbated by the intensity of Calista's imposing stare, which seemed even more menacing than the needle itself.

Charlene felt her sanity fraying at the edges as she cried out, “Let go! You b*tch, let go of me!”

In her panic, Charlene's free hand flailed, reaching to grab at Calista's hair, but Kallum was quicker, seizing her hand before it could make contact. His gaze fixed on the fresh bloodstain, his eyes ablaze with a fierce protectiveness that bordered on murderous.