Chapter 19

“Can I have a word with him alone?” Calliope glanced at Silas. She worried that Gideon would keep pestering him. She knew Silas was a busy man, and there was no need for him to waste time on her matters. She could explain things to Gideon herself.

Silas gave her a slight nod.

“I’ll have Damien come pick you up,” he said, giving her the respect she deserved.

After Calliope got out, the car drove off.

She now stood face-to-face with Gideon, who watched Silas’s car disappear, disbelief written all over his face. His uncle explained nothing, as usual.

Gideon turned to her, inhaling sharply, his eyes filled with anger and disbelief. “Calliope, you must be joking, right? Is it because I wasn’t around that Grandpa had Uncle take my place at the wedding?”

Calliope looked at him calmly. “Are you just worried about losing your shares?”

“I’m serious, Calliope. You better explain what’s going on. You know I’m getting upset,” Gideon said, a hint of desperation in his eyes.

Of course, he was. Without this marriage, the shares Grandpa promised would slip right through his fingers. And on top of that, seeing Silas with Calliope made him uneasy. Calliope was supposed to be his. She had always chased after him. Yet now, she was by Silas’s side without hesitation. What was that all about?

“Are you trying to intimidate me? Do you think I care if you’re upset?” Calliope chuckled lightly. “Even if you were furious, it wouldn’t concern me.”

“I know you’re just talking nonsense,” Gideon frowned. “Tell me the truth, this whole marriage certificate thing is fake, right? You’ve always wanted to marry me. If that’s the case, I have time today. Let’s go get the certificate, then we can have dinner at the family house.”

He reached for her hand, only for her to yank it away.

“Gideon, I’m warning you. Don’t try anything foolish. I’m your aunt now,” she said coldly. “Forget about those shares. I begged Grandpa to let me marry you; that’s why he made that promise. But I’ve realized something—I don’t love you. I’m not interested anymore. I’m happy with Silas.”

She stepped forward slightly, her voice unwavering. “The wedding already happened. The marriage certificate is real. So from now on, show some respect. I’m your elder now. If nothing else, respect your uncle’s wife. You know your uncle’s temper isn’t great. Do you really think he’d tolerate this behavior?”

Gideon’s expression hardened with disbelief. “No way, Calliope. You’re lying! You love me. How could you choose my uncle over me?”

“You’re just upset because of Yvette, aren’t you? Every time it’s about Yvette, you throw a tantrum,” Gideon said, stepping forward and trying to pull Calliope in for a kiss.

Just then, Damien pulled up in a Porsche, catching the scene as he got out. Startled, he took a step forward, ready to rush over and protect Calliope. But before he could act, he watched in surprise as Calliope swiftly slapped Gideon’s hand away. In one fluid motion, she grabbed his arm and flipped him effortlessly over her shoulder. Gideon, completely unprepared, hit the ground with a thud.

Calliope dusted off her hands, looking down at Gideon with a calm demeanor. She steadied her breath and said coolly, “Kid, stop fooling around. This isn’t a game. Also, your grandpa said there’s a family dinner tonight. Don’t forget to show up.”