Chapter 198 You’re My Lover (CALIA)

Chapter 198 You’re My Lover (CALIA)

I didn't know where Elion was, so the first place I headed was his mansion. The house held so many memories—both sweet and bitter. I spoke to the guards at the front gate. They didn't recognize me, or perhaps they had simply forgotten me. They told me Elion wasn't home. When I asked where he might be, they refused to tell me and tried to shoo me away instead. In my frustration, I remembered I still had Edward's number. I tried calling him, and he answered on the second ring.

"Hello?"

"Edward. It's me, Calia."

"Calia. How are you?"

"I'm not doing well. I need your help. Do you know where Elion is right now?"

"What's wrong?"

"It's a long story. I can't explain it right now."

"Okay. Let me check. I'll call you back once I have some information."

“Thank you very much, Ed.”

Five minutes later, Edward called to tell me that Elion was at his office. I wasted no time heading to his office near the town square. Elion owned a famous skyscraper there, finding his office wasn't hard.

I rushed into the lobby, nearly colliding with a young woman in a tight dress. She cried out in anger, but I ignored her and walked straight to the receptionist.

"Please, I need to see Elion Starling."

"Do you have an appointment?"

I shook my head.

"But this is important. Is he in his office?"

"Mr. Starling is in a meeting on the fortieth floor."

"Please, put me through to him. Or to Jack."

"I'm sorry, he can't be disturbed. You can wait in the seating area over there."

I couldn't wait. Every second was precious if I was going to save Lea. I slipped through the employee entrance and headed for the elevators. The elevator doors opened just as an employee stepped out. I got in and pressed the button for the fortieth floor.

My heart was pounding violently against my ribcage. The price for his help was my life. I knew the consequences. There was no way he would simply let me go once he found out Lea was his daughter. But if that was the only way to save Lea, I would do it, no matter the risk.

The hallway on the fortieth floor was eerily quiet. There was no one there but me and the loud sound of my own footsteps. I kept walking until I found a pair of massive double doors at the end of the corridor. Without a second thought, I pushed them open.

"Elion..."

All eyes turned to me, including Elion's blue ones. He stared at me coldly. I walked toward him, tears streaming down my cheeks.

"I need your help. Please. This is really important."

Elion looked at me, his expression remaining cold and unreadable. I started to worry that he might throw me out, or worse, refuse to help me because I had once kicked him out of my apartment.

"Jack, take over the meeting."

"Yes, boss."

He led me out of the meeting room and took me to his office. He didn't say a word until he had closed the door behind us.

"What is it?"

"I need your help."

"What kind of help?"

I sank to my knees, weeping at his feet.

"I need your blood, Elion. Please. I’m begging you."

"What the hell are you doing? Stand up."

He pulled me to my feet and embraced me. I wept against his chest. I felt an urge to pour out all my sorrow to him. I hadn't been like this with Dimitry, but with Elion, I felt we were on equal footing because he was Lea’s father.

"What happened? Why do you need my blood?"

"Lea... A car hit her while we were at the park. She lost a lot of blood and needs a transfusion, but they’ve run out of her blood type."

"Is her blood type B?"

"Yes. It’s B, just like yours. Because she’s your daughter."

He abruptly pulled away, his expression hardening.

"Are you fucking kidding me? You told me Lea was Dimitry’s daughter. Are you trying to play me just because you need my blood?"

"No. She really is your daughter."

I bit my lip, holding back sobs that were becoming uncontrollable.

"I lied to you because I was afraid you’d take Lea away from me."

"Why did you think I’d take her from you?"

"Because... Because you wanted an heir."

"I do need an heir, but I wouldn't be petty enough to separate a child from her mother."

"I'm sorry, but I was terrified of losing Lea. If you don't believe me, you can run a DNA test. She really is your daughter."

"We’ll do that later. Right now, the most important thing is saving our daughter's life. Besides, even without a DNA test, I already had a feeling she was my daughter because we share the same blood."

"Thank you."

"But you don't think it's free, do you?"

"What do you mean?"

That smirk. I absolutely hated it.

"You're not stupid, Calia."

He pushed up my chin, forcing me to look up at him.

"You become my lover. Deal?"

I clenched my jaw. Even though I knew the consequences, agreeing to his terms still felt difficult.

"You're putting a price on saving your own daughter's life? How petty."

"It’s not putting a price, it’s insurance in case you try to lie to me."

"You're petty."

He gripped my hand before I could strike his chest.

"So, do we have a deal or not?"

"Fine. I accept your terms."

"Good. From this moment on, you’re my lover."

He cupped my face and kissed me hard. I pressed my lips together tightly and pushed him away.

"Your blood first, before you claim me as yours."

He smirked.

"We’re going to the hospital now. Let’s not keep our daughter waiting."