NOVEL NEXT Chapter 15: You Came Too Late
Chapter 15: You Came Too Late
Henry stared at Eira, not believing her. "How is this even possible?" he shouted in a shaking voice. "Who are you? How dare you take that name!"
Beatrice rolled her eyes; she sharpened her tone. "Tell me, girl, who are your parents? It can't be Helen... it just can't."
Vanesa looked around, confused. "What are you even talking about? What's going on?" she whined, clearly annoyed that she didn't understand anything.
Henry sneered, looking Eira up and down. "I knew it," he spat. "You're nothing but a gold digger, clinging onto Callian Reed for his money and status. Just like your mother, Helen! She was just a—"
Eira's hand flew up, and she slapped Henry across the face, her eyes showed nothing but anger that was building up this entire conversation.
"Don't you dare say another word about my mother," she hissed. "You know nothing about her."
The room fell silent again...
Beatrice's face twisted around like a rollercoaster, and she stepped forward, slapping Eira hard. "You need to learn your place, girl," she said coldly.
The president stood up, looking around in shock. "This is too much! This behaviour is unacceptable. Both of you, Eira and Vanesa, are suspended from the university, effective immediately."
Eira felt warm water slip down her cheek. She didn't say anything, just nodded, picking up her bag and turning to leave.
Her hands shook as she reached the door, and when she opened it, she stumbled forward, falling into Callian's chest.
He wrapped his arms around her, his eyes darkened as he looked past her at the people in the room.
"What is going on here?" he demanded answers. "Who thought they had the right to hold a meeting like this without my knowledge? And who dares to make my wife cry?"
The president stammered, trying to find words. "Mr. Reed, I—"
Callian cut him off, stepping forward. "Tell me, Mr. President, which family has been keeping this university afloat? Which family's donations are feeding this place? How dare you allow this... this insult to my wife?"
Beatrice's face paled, and even Henry looked away, unable to meet Callian's furious gaze.
Callian held Eira closer, his arms were protectively around her. "You will respect my wife. She earned her place here with her own merit, her own hard work. And if any of you think you can speak about her—or her family—with disrespect, you'll have me to answer to."
He glanced at the president, who was visibly shaking. "So, Mr. President," he said calmly, but there was steel in his voice. "What will it be? Will this university stand by those who abuse their power, or will it show some integrity?"
The president swallowed, bowing his head. "Of course, Mr. Reed. We deeply apologise for the... oversight. This matter will be handled with the utmost care, I assure you."
Callian nodded, "See that it is. Now, we're leaving. And I'll be watching how you handle this."
With his arm firmly around Eira, Callian led her out of the room.
His presence was strong like the biggest mountain to ever exist as he protected her from the judgmental stares of everyone behind them.
Almost like a lion protecting its child, "I'm going to crush this family."
As Callian guided Eira through the university halls, whispers followed them with every step.
Students glanced, murmuring under their breath.
"Is that Callian Reed?"
"Yeah, he's here… with her."
"She really has him wrapped around her finger, huh?"
Eira's face was pale, and waterfalls fell from her eyes like it was never going to end.
Callian tightened his grip on her shoulder; he cut them across the crowd.
Without saying a word, he led her outside to his car and drove her home.
When they arrived, Eira looked out the window.
She barely waited for the car to stop before opening the door.
She walked toward the house with her slumped shoulders, fighting back tears. Callian stayed in the car, watching her.
He wanted to say something but felt her slipping away. Finally, he called out, "I'll be back soon, Eira."
She didn't look at him, just nodded. "Alright… have fun."
Callian frowned.
Her words were soft, but the tone stung. "Eira," he called, trying to catch her eye, but she had already stepped inside.
Letting out a sigh, he ran a hand through his hair. Something was wrong. He could feel it.
"What's going on with you?" he murmured, stepping out and calling after her. "I know I was late, I'm sorry. I had important matters to handle."
Eira turned back. "Were these 'important matters' good to you, Callian?"
He blinked, confused. "What? Eira, what are you talking about?"
But she only shook her head and went inside, leaving him standing there, baffled.
He let out a frustrated sigh, feeling a strange tension pressing him down.
He climbed back into his car, leaning back against the seat, not being able to understand his woman.
"What did I miss?" he muttered to himself. Then, his phone buzzed.
He picked it up and opened the notifications, his eyes rolled up as he read the headlines.
"Callian Reed Spotted with a Mysterious Woman in a Late-Night Stroll."
"Who's the New Woman by Callian Reed's Side?"
His jaw tightened as he scrolled through the articles, each one having its own speculation about his loyalty, his marriage, his reputation.
And the photos—images of him walking alongside a woman, laughing, whispering, talking closely.
The same jacket he had worn yesterday, the same expressions, but nothing he remembered as anything out of the ordinary.
"Damn it…" he muttered under his breath, staring at the screen in shock.
Now it made sense—the hurt in Eira's eyes, the cold distance in her voice.
She had seen these headlines.