Her Rebirth of Retribution

Chapter 229 A Complete Transformation

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.

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

dismissive glance toward Calista, who she considered no more than an inconvenient addition

to hook her arm through Kallum's. Her purse

possibly explain why there are these sharp objects

untrained eye,

unnoticed. But

sharp vision had immediately

vel

among the embellishments of the purse. A simple scratch from it could potentially draw blood from Kallum in

as an accidental scrape from an unpolished gemstone, chalking it up to mere coincidence. Yet, it was this very design that could cunningly collect a blood sample without suspicion. "Sharp?" Charlene responded, visibly startled, then quickly recovered with a forced chuckle, "Are you talking about the pearls and gems on my bag? Oh, they are not sharp in the slightest. I'm puzzled as to why you would ask." As she tried to reclaim her

a significant

cold and steady. "trust what Callie said. As for you, what exactly are you after? My blood sample? Considering our families

are you trying to

tie now?"

blanched at his accusation. "Have you

her bag, persisting despite the awkwardness of the situation. "Mr. Kallum... Please don't be swayed by her words! Take a

subtle design, convinced that the tiny, less-than-half-a-centimeter needle was

to be certain of

unsure of