Chapter 201

“What kind of shady methods do you think I’m using to make money?” Calliope let out a sarcastic chuckle. “Did Lisette say I’m a gold digger or a homewrecker? She’s got a knack for spreading rumors.”

“Don’t you dare slander Lisette!” Valerian snapped, flaring up. “Lisette’s always defended you, but we’ve seen your scandalous photos!”

“What scandalous photos? I’d love to see how scandalous they are,” Calliope retorted, raising an eyebrow.

“I knew you wouldn’t own up to it. I’ve had Lisette send them to me!” Ulysses pulled out his phone and flipped through the images, shoving them in Calliope’s face.

“See? One man after another. You thought you were clever, didn’t you? But the whole world knows you’re not as discreet as you think!”

“So that’s what this is about…” Calliope gazed at the photos, unfazed, and even found them amusing.

Every so-called 'old man' in those pictures was a renowned expert in the field of medicine, research, or weapon design. Their interest in her wasn’t untoward. They sought her out for lectures or to consult her expertise.

She often wanted to refuse their invitations, but it was hard to turn them down when they came to pick her up. Yet, there she was, accused by Lisette of being a gold digger.

Calliope glanced at the three, considering her words, but decided against saying more. There was no point in explaining. Nothing she said would change their minds. Besides, she didn’t plan on wasting her energy caring about their opinions anymore.

Calliope smirked, mischief in her eyes. “If that’s how you want to see it, fine. If you don’t want these gifts, I’ll give them to someone who does.”

“Hey, Big Guy, get the crew out here! Time to pick out some gifts!” Calliope called back into the diner.

Big Guy immediately rallied the others, who came piling out.

“What gifts?” Baldy asked, his interest piqued.

“See those in the car? Help yourselves. Take whatever you like. Clear them out,” Calliope gestured with her chin toward the car.

“Seriously?”

“Callie, you’re the best!”

“We won’t hold back, then!”

The group swarmed the car, eagerly unwrapping presents.

“This helmet is perfect for my bike!”

“This tie screams ‘boss material.’ Let’s give it to the boss!”

“This watch is gorgeous! It looks expensive. Callie’s so generous!”

“Thanks, Callie!”

As they rummaged through and divvied up the items, they kept showering Calliope with gratitude.

Horatio and his companions were shocked as Calliope nonchalantly handed the gifts to the diner crew.

They couldn’t believe she’d give these high-end items to a bunch of people who, in their eyes, couldn’t appreciate them. It was like giving pearls to swine. Although they wanted to return the gifts to Calliope, seeing them handed out so readily left them feeling sour.

Ulysses glared coldly at Calliope. “You just gave them away like that?”

“You think they’re tainted, but they don’t,” Calliope replied coldly.

“Everyone got what they wanted? Okay, let’s get back to the diner!”

After that, Calliope led the group back into the diner, leaving Horatio and the others standing there, grappling with their mixed emotions.

Watching the crew walk off with what they both desired and rejected left them feeling even more unsettled.