Chapter 139

Gideon clenched his fists, sneaking a glance in Calliope’s direction. She was listening, but she kept her cool, merely raising an eyebrow at him.

“Got it,” Gideon replied, not daring to go against Eamon’s wishes.

Dinner time rolled around, and everyone gathered at the table.

Calliope sat between Eamon and Silas. They kept asking her what she wanted from the spread, offering to serve her portions. It was clear they were fond of her.

In stark contrast, Wette, who was supposed to be the honored guest, was sandwiched between Gideon and Fleur, looking anything but pleased. Although she sat with everyone, she couldn’t break into their lively chatter and laughter.

Gideon’s gaze was fixated on Calliope, leaving Yvette wondering what was going through his mind.

On the other side, Fleur’s glare was sharp enough to cut through steel, her disdain evident every time Yvette went to pick up her fork. That made Yvette feel like she’d done something terribly wrong. She didn’t dare touch her food after that. The meal was a nerve-wracking ordeal for her.

After they finished eating, Verity suddenly chimed in, “Oh, by the way, Yvette, you’ll soon be part of the Baker family. So you should start pulling your weight around here, don’t you?”

Yvette’s instincts screamed trouble.

Sure enough, Verity continued, “I remember Fleur appreciates a diligent daughter-in-law, right? Like how-”

Verity almost mentioned Calliope’s name but caught herself just in time.

“Let’s put it this way. A hardworking daughter-in-law should be eager to help with chores. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. After a meal, it’s only polite to lend a hand in the kitchen.”

Yvette turned an alarming shade of green with anger. With so many people around, why should she, a future daughter-in-law, need to help in the kitchen?

She looked to Gideon for support.

Gideon, however, was still watching Calliope. The mention of chores brought back memories of how Calliope used to wash dishes every time they visited the Baker family. Initially, Fleur had ordered her to do it. Later, Calliope would volunteer, to make a good impression on Fleur.

Gideon said nothing, and neither did Fleur.

So, Verity pressed on, “Well, what’s the matter? It’s your first visit to meet our family. You came empty-handed and refused to help, huh? Fleur, it seems your future daughter-in-law could use some guidance. Don’t you think so? Otherwise, it might be your reputation on the line.”

Fleur shared the sentiment. Whenever Calliope visited, she always brought something along. But Yvette, on her first visit, came without even a basket of fruit. It was too embarrassing.

“Did you hear what Verity said?” Fleur snapped at Yvette. “If you want to join the Baker family, you better learn to follow the Baker family rules!”

Yvette trudged off to the kitchen, her face a stormy shade of gray.

After dinner, Silas spent some time with Eamon while Calliope joined Dahlia and Calista for a game.

When Yvette reemerged, she found the room was bustling with activity, each person engaged in their own thing. Gideon was nowhere to be seen, likely having a discussion with his father.

Feeling out of place, Yvette was startled when Fleur called for her.

“Come with me. We need to talk,” Fleur said curtly before stepping outside.

Yvette quickly followed, her heart pounding with anxiety.