Chapter 18

She wanted to ask him why he was so nice to her, but then she thought, surely he couldn’t actually like her. He must just have a grateful heart, remembering the favor she did for him.

“Callie, Adah told you where the garage is, right? All the car keys are here, so pick whichever one you like. If you’re driving yourself, be careful. It’s best to take Damien with you; he’ll look out for you. If you don’t feel like driving, you can always have Damien or the others take you.”

The way he said “Callie” sent a shiver down Calliope’s spine. He spoke with the ease of a man addressing his beloved wife—so patient, so natural. It was such a stark contrast to Gideon.

Calliope had plans to meet up with Mavis and the girls for some shopping, so Silas offered to drop her off.

Their car had barely left the Myers Manor when Gideon suddenly rushed into the road, blocking their path.

Carl, the driver, slammed on the brakes. The car jolted to a stop, nearly sending Calliope forward—until Silas caught her, holding her steady against him.

“Mr. Myers, sorry, there’s someone in front!”

Outside, looking utterly worn out, Gideon stood in front of the car, his breathing uneven, eyes locked on them.

Calliope looked up and saw him too.

Gideon quickly strode to the side door and knocked on the window.

Silas didn’t roll it down immediately. Instead, he first checked if Calliope was alright.

“I’m fine,” Calliope said.

Only then did Silas release Calliope and lower the window, his eyes turning cold as he met Gideon’s.

“Are you out of your mind?”

“Uncle…” Gideon’s voice was tight with frustration.

He had planned to go to the company to find Silas, but the whole night had been unbearable. Thoughts of Calliope and his lost shares tormented him, making sleep impossible.

At dawn, he had come straight to the Myers Manor, waiting for hours just to intercept Silas.

But he hadn’t expected this—Calliope in Silas’s car, in Silas’s arms!

The woman who had chased after him for years, who had promised to marry him—and now, she was with his uncle?

She must be out of her mind!

“Calliope, what are you doing in my uncle’s car?” Gideon’s voice was tinged with agitation.

“Call her Aunt,” Silas’s eyes deepened. “Callie is now your aunt.”

“Aunt?” Gideon’s voice wavered, his expression twisting in disbelief. “Uncle, she’s Calliope! She’s my fiancée!”

“Fiancée? Not anymore. She’s my wife now. We’re legally married. Got the certificate and everything. Our wedding photos turned out beautifully; want to see them? I can send you a few. And from now on, show some respect to your aunt.”

Silas’s voice was icy.

Calliope remained silent, her expression unreadable as she met Gideon’s gaze with cool detachment.

“No way. Uncle, did she seduce you? How could you possibly be interested in her? Uncle, did Grandpa force you into this? This is just a temporary arrangement, right?”