Chapter 115

It was a typical Monday, and Kirin Fondue was bustling with the usual crowd. Calliope was helping out by serving dishes, and as she approached the table by the window, she noticed Lisette sitting there. Her brow furrowed slightly, but she didn’t let it show as she set down the dish she’d been carrying. Ignoring Lisette, she was about to turn and continue with her work when Lisette called out, “Aren’t you going to sit with me for a moment? I’ve got some things to discuss with you.”

Calliope paused briefly, then turned and sat across from Lisette, leaning back in her chair with her hands in her pockets, exuding a casual defiance. “What is it?” she asked. “What do you want to talk about?”

Lisette gave Calliope a once-over, smugness flickering in her eyes. “You seem to be enjoying your time as a waitress, Calliope. Even after becoming Mrs. Myers, you’re still here. Didn’t Silas give you any spending money?”

Calliope shrugged. “I’m not like you, Lisette. I don’t need to rely on a man for money.”

Lisette shook her head. “That’s where you’re wrong. I believe a woman should be as successful as possible to marry rich. I make my own money, and I’m marrying into wealth.”

Calliope glanced at her. “So, are you here to share your ambitious plans with me?”

“Of course not,” Lisette replied. “I’m here to tell you that Valerian knows you saved him back then. But he said he’d still stand by me. So don’t think you can stir up trouble. Even if it goes public, he’ll be on my side over yours.”

“Valerian cares more for me than he ever will for you,” Lisette added triumphantly, watching for any distress on Calliope’s face. But as the seconds ticked by, Calliope remained unfazed, neither disappointed nor hysterical. “Are you done?” Calliope asked evenly.

“You’re not upset?” Lisette narrowed her eyes, frustration bubbling inside her.

“Why should I be upset? I don’t expect anything from Valerian. He’s your brother, not mine.”

Calliope shrugged again. “Oh, and thanks for helping me see who cares about me.”

Lisette fumed silently while her eyes bore into Calliope. If Valerian couldn’t provoke her, perhaps Gideon would. “Calliope, there’s something you probably don’t know,” Lisette said with a sly grin. “Gideon is getting married. To Yvette.”

Calliope remained as calm as ever, her gaze steady on Lisette. “So?”

Lisette had hoped for an outburst, but Calliope just sat there, composed and unbothered. The excitement on Lisette’s face faltered. How could Calliope be so calm? Why wasn’t she angry?

“Gideon’s marrying Yvette, and you’re not upset? Not even a little sad? Come on, Calliope, stop pretending. Everyone knows you loved Gideon and wanted to marry him. You only ended up with Silas because Gideon wasn’t around, right? Aren’t you even a bit rattled?”

Calliope smirked. “Why should I be sad? Gideon’s no longer my problem. I’m free to be with my husband without any drama. Isn’t that a good thing? What’s the matter, Lisette? Are you disappointed I’m not upset? Were you hoping I’d be angry?”