Chapter 173

“Wow, poor Lisette!”

“Calliope’s making things up!”

“Exactly. Lisette already said the dress is hers, and Calliope’s trying to steal her spotlight by claiming she gifted it!”

“That’s so shameless!”

“Our hearts go out to Lisette!”

“No doubt about it. The dress belongs to Lisette. She’s not the type to lie!”

A chorus of voices rose in support of Lisette.

Portia clenched her fists in frustration.

Lisette stood on the stage, her voice soft and sweet. “It’s my birthday today, and I don’t want to upset anyone. Let’s leave it at that. It doesn’t matter to me if the credit goes to Callie. She’s my sister, after all. If she wants the dress, I’d gladly give it, let alone a title for saving someone.”

She smiled, casting a sidelong glance at Calliope, a hint of triumph in her eyes. She knew just a bit of play-acting was enough to sway everyone in her favor.

Calliope was at a loss now, with no one to believe her.

It had always been like this. After all, she’d never had a good reputation and was disliked from a young age.

Calliope looked at Lisette, a faint smile on her lips. “I didn’t realize you were so generous. Is there anything I want that you wouldn’t give me?”

“Callie, what could you possibly want that I wouldn’t give you?” Lisette pursed her lips. “Whatever you desire, I’ll fulfill it for you.”

“Wow, what an amazing sister!”

“Yeah, she’ll do anything her sister asks!”

“Isn’t it supposed to be the other way around, with the older sister looking out for her younger sibling? But in the Jewell family, it’s the younger one who’s got the elder’s back!”

“Well, that’s because the elder sister’s not much help!”

“Exactly, Lisette is way more capable than Calliope, who doesn’t really contribute much.”

“So envious of such a wonderful sister!”

Meanwhile, Calliope grinned on stage. “There’s one thing I’ve always wanted from you. Since you say you’ll agree to anything, will you agree?”

“What is it?” Lisette’s brows furrowed as she looked at Calliope, unease creeping in.

“Can you leave the Jewell family?” Calliope raised an eyebrow. “You’re an adopted daughter, taking up my place and receiving all my family’s love. Can you leave the Jewell family?”

Lisette’s face went pale.

Calliope crossed her arms, her gaze piercing. “What’s wrong? Not willing? Aren’t you always pretending to be kind and generous? If you can give me anything, why can’t you return my family’s love?”

Many in the audience frowned. While everyone knew Lisette was adopted, for the biological daughter to demand the adopted one leave felt a bit harsh. The Jewell family adored Lisette because she truly was remarkable.

Calliope’s words came off as bratty and willful, but that aligned with her reputation. She’d always been like this, and many held her in low regard.

Rumor had it that she bullied Lisette during their school days. Being the adopted one, Lisette always swallowed her grievances.

Many people felt sorry for Lisette. Hearing Calliope now, a wave of indignation swept through the crowd.

“Isn’t she going too far?”

“How can she drive her sister out of the house?”

“Yeah, poor Lisette, being bullied since she was a kid and still facing it now. She treats Calliope so well, but because she’s adopted, she doesn’t dare to stand up for herself, right?”

“Calliope is so wicked!”