Chapter 147

“Well, isn’t it the Jewell brothers? Are you here for your sister’s birthday bash, too?” Nigel smirked as he exited the elevator, running into Valerian and his brothers.

The Jewell brothers had planned to prepare for Lisette’s birthday party the following day. Every year, they went all out to surprise her and make her birthday stand out from the rest.

Running into Nigel was the last thing they expected. They exchanged puzzled glances when they noticed the enormous gift box in his hands.

“Our sister’s party isn’t until tomorrow. Nigel, did you get the dates mixed up?” Horatio questioned, eyeing Nigel suspiciously.

“Today, we don’t even have the ballroom set up yet,” Valerian added.

“No, no. Today’s Calliope’s birthday, right? I heard she’s celebrating on the top floor,” Nigel replied, looking at the brothers with confusion. “You mean you’re not here to celebrate with her?”

He shrugged nonchalantly. “Oh, and by the way, you guys are empty-handed. What kind of brothers don’t have a birthday gift ready for their sister?”

“What’s this about Callie having a birthday?” Valerian frowned, perplexed. “Her birthday’s tomorrow, Nigel! What are you on about?”

Nigel argued, “How could it be tomorrow? Her birthday is today, and even an outsider like me knows that. But you, her brothers, don’t?”

“So, you’re thinking of Lisette’s birthday, right?” Nigel continued with a hint of challenge in his voice. “Does Calliope not deserve her own day? Does her birthday have to be overshadowed by Lisette’s?”

His words hit like a ton of bricks, and the brothers suddenly fell silent, their expressions darkening.

“Come on, Callie’s older. She should let her younger sister share the spotlight. What’s wrong with celebrating together?” Valerian argued back.

“Did you ever ask if Callie wanted that?” Nigel raised an eyebrow.

“Of course, she’s fine with it,” Valerian insisted weakly.

“Really? You think she’s thrilled about not having a birthday that’s hers?”

Ding.

The elevator doors opened, and the echo of laughter and music spilled out from the nearby ballroom.

Nigel strode confidently towards the noise, then paused to call back over his shoulder, “Aren’t you going to see how your sister’s birthday is going?”

The brothers hesitated but followed, curiosity and a tinge of guilt guiding their steps.

As they reached the entrance, they were stunned by the sheer opulence of the ballroom. It was far grander than anything they had arranged for Lisette.

Valerian muttered, “We told her she’d be sharing her party with Lisette, didn’t we? Yet here she is, throwing this grand affair. What’s Lisette supposed to do now?”

They couldn’t afford to book the best ballroom at the Capitalton, so they settled for a smaller venue. But Lisette deserved the very best, or so they believed.

Valerian felt a knot in his stomach, while Horatio and Ulysses said nothing, peering into the dazzling room. The ballroom was stunning, far outshining Lisette’s planned celebration. It was packed with people, the kind of crowd that the Jewell brothers could only dream of mingling with—Capitalton’s elite.

In the center of it all stood Calliope, dressed in a gown that screamed luxury, like a princess surrounded by her court.