The Prison-Made Queen novel Chapter 454

"Living together makes the treatment much more convenient," Leilani explained. "I don't have to run back and forth twice a day. Since my car isn't here, the commute was wasting too much time. This arrangement works perfectly."

Callahan fell into a thoughtful silence before speaking suddenly. "Tomorrow, I'll have someone send over some medicinal herbs and equipment for you."

Leilani was stunned. "No, that's not necessary. I just bought some..."

"It's fine," he interrupted, his tone leaving no room for refusal. "Your money is yours; mine is mine to spend on you. I know exactly what you need for the treatment. Use what I send. If there's extra, just bring it back later. Consider it a housewarming gift."

Leilani pressed her lips together, a warmth spreading through her chest. She didn't argue further. "Thank you," she said softly.

Silence lingered on the line for a few seconds before Callahan’s voice dropped lower, becoming more intimate. "Leilani."

"Hmm?"

"I know I've said this many times, but I can't help saying it again. Don't work yourself too hard." His voice was laced with genuine concern. "It worries me."

Leilani’s breath hitched. Her heart rate accelerated involuntarily, followed by a sudden, sharp ache in her chest. Growing up, no one had ever told her that her fatigue caused them pain. She gripped the phone tighter, giving a low "Mmm" in response.

Neither spoke for a while, the only sound the gentle rhythm of their breathing. Eventually, Callahan whispered, "Sleep now. Goodnight."

Leilani closed her eyes, her voice barely audible. "Goodnight."

The call ended, and the room returned to silence. Leilani placed the phone by her pillow, the corners of her mouth curling upward. She pulled the quilt over her shoulders and quickly drifted back into a deep sleep.

He hadn't expected the ambush awaiting him. The moment he sat down in Luke’s office, the agent slid a gold-embossed business card across the desk, his voice hushed.

"Clive, keep this card. It's Winifred’s personal number. As long as you're willing to have dinner with her, she can make the penalty fees for the breach of contract disappear."

Clive stared at the card, which bore no company logo, and let out a cold laugh. "Winifred? Isn't she the one tangled up with half the minor actors in our agency? You're giving me her card? For what?"

He picked up the card with his long fingers, twirling it under the light, his eyes full of mockery. Then, his expression darkened. He slammed the card onto the table. "Luke! Are you asking me to sell myself?"

His voice wasn't loud, but it was icy. The look he gave Luke was filled with disgust.

Luke jumped, startled by the intensity. In all the years he had managed Clive, he had never seen him this angry. Clive looked ready to tear him apart.