Chapter 116

“Well, you’re in for a disappointment. I’m not upset, not even mad. Heck, I want to throw a party with fireworks!”

Lisette’s chest heaved, struggling to maintain her composure. She couldn’t stand Calliope being better off than her. Any sign of Calliope’s happiness was like a thorn in her side. She had come to rile her up, but it seemed her efforts were in vain.

“You’re pretending, aren’t you?” Lisette chuckled softly. “There’s no way you don’t care! You love Gideon. He’s everything to you. But too bad he doesn’t love you back. He’s only got eyes for Yvette, and you’re a nuisance to him.”

Calliope crossed her arms, eyeing Lisette with a playful smirk. She tilted her head slightly, a glint of mischief in her eyes.

“Is it fun trying to get a rise out of me? If you want to see me going crazy, I can give you a show.”

With a sudden narrowing of her eyes, Calliope tossed a handful of powder in Lisette’s direction.

The powder was colorless and odorless, landing softly on Lisette’s face. She felt a slight chill but saw nothing. “What did you do?”

“Gave you a little something special.” Calliope grinned as she stood up, no longer paying Lisette any mind.

Inside the diner, a few burly waitstaff were keeping a close watch on Calliope’s direction, their eyes wary as they looked at Lisette.

But without Calliope’s signal, none dared approach her. The moment Calliope returned, they rushed to her side. “Callie, was she trying to give you a hard time?” asked Scarface, his voice laced with protective aggression.

“Callie, don’t worry. We’re here for you! If she tries anything, I’ll toss her into the deep fryer myself!” added Baldie, his tattooed head gleaming under the lights.

Calliope couldn’t help but laugh. “Relax, guys. She can’t touch me. Besides, she’s in for some trouble of her own.”

“Really?”

“Really.” Calliope looked at her crew, who, despite their intimidating appearances, were genuinely good-hearted and loyal.

She had opened this diner to provide them with a place to belong, never expecting it to become so popular. She loved the lively atmosphere, finding comfort in their camaraderie.

“Alright, enough gawking. We’ve got customers to serve!”

With her words, everyone sprang back into action.

Unsure of what Calliope had done to her, Lisette felt uneasy. Without touching her meal, she grabbed her purse and headed out.

“Leaving without even tasting the stew?” Calliope leaned against the doorframe, watching Lisette.

Lisette eyed Calliope warily, “What did you do to me earlier?”

“Poisoned you.”

Lisette frowned, skeptical of Calliope’s words. “You think you can scare me?”

“I’m not trying to scare you. You’ll act a little… strange.”

Calliope’s smile widened. She had sprinkled a concoction she’d been experimenting with—not harmful, but enough to make someone act a bit off, like they’d consumed magic mushrooms. Each person’s reaction varied, but it was always amusing.

“You’re the one who’s strange!” Lisette huffed, turning on her heel and marching away.

Half an hour later, at the Jewel Group…

“I’m a frog, ribbit! I’m a frog. Did you know that? Ribbit, ribbit!”

“I need bugs. I need big juicy bugs!”