Chapter 180

“Is it my fault, or is Calliope the problem?” Zelda fumed, her voice rising. “Can’t you see she’s doing it on purpose, targeting Lisette?”

“Don’t you know Callie’s backed by the Baker family and Silas?” Monty replied, scratching his head. He had hoped to use this opportunity to get in Silas’s good graces.

Well, so much for that plan. Not only did he fail to improve their relationship, but he might have severed it completely.

With Silas making such remarks, the Jewell Group was likely in for a rough ride. The company was already struggling, and if people feared offending Silas and chose not to collaborate with the Jewell family, what future did they have?

“Silas is just infatuated with her for now. He’ll drop her soon enough,” Zelda retorted, rolling her eyes. “Why are you so worked up?”

“Callie is still your daughter,” Monty said, frowning.

“But she nearly killed me. Since she returned home, chaos has followed. If it weren’t for Lisette, I’d have faced so many more disasters! When I gave birth to Calliope, it was a difficult labor. After bringing her home, it was like opening Pandora’s box. She’s a curse, I’m telling you. Since she left, the Jewell family will only get better!”

As Zelda recalled the past, a wave of frustration washed over her. She had once held out hope for Calliope, but Calliope had brought nothing but trouble from a young age. Over time, Zelda’s fondness for her dwindled.

Then Lisette came along. Every time Calliope caused trouble, Lisette saved the day, and Zelda grew more attached to her. Lisette was her good luck charm, and she adored her.

Calliope’s departure was a relief. Zelda decided to act as though she’d never had her. After all, with three sons and Lisette as an adopted daughter, she wasn’t lacking without Calliope.

Monty furrowed his brow.

“Let it be. She chose to leave,” Valerian said coldly. “Good riddance. It’s not like she was ever fond of us. I refuse to believe we can’t survive without her.”

“Relax. Even if the company goes under, I’m here. I’m getting more popular by the day,” Ulysses smirked. “Calliope was useless. She wouldn’t have contributed anything by staying.”

He had no respect for Calliope. He thought she was a cowardly, useless mess, nothing compared to the capable Lisette.

Monty glanced at Ulysses and sighed.

The birthday party had thinned out, losing its earlier buzz. Although they tried to keep the atmosphere lively, it was nothing like before.

Lisette was in a foul mood. She had been envious of Calliope’s birthday bash the day before, and now her own party was turning into a disaster.

That evening, Horatio and the others had arranged a drone show to celebrate Lisette’s birthday. Despite their efforts to give Lisette the best, it paled in comparison to the grand fireworks display Calliope had the night before. The drone show seemed embarrassingly modest by comparison.

Instead of being happy, Lisette felt humiliated. She knew people would inevitably compare her to Calliope.

Of course, she couldn’t show her anger. She swallowed her frustration and forced herself to thank Horatio and the others, even though she was seething inside.