Chapter 227

“Mommy?”

The single word from Baber sent shockwaves among them, leaving Horatio, Valerian, and Lisette utterly dumbfounded. The three of them cast glances first at Calliope, then at Baber, a picture of disbelief.

What was going on? Calliope was this kid’s mommy? The kid called Calliope “Mommy”? What was their relationship? There was no way Calliope had a child with Upton. Wasn’t Upton’s son’s mother already dead?

Plenty of women had tried to step into the role of Baber’s mother, but Upton had always remained devoted to his late wife. He never allowed anyone to take her place.

And yet, here was Baber calling Calliope “Mommy”? And did he just ask his dad to take Calliope home?

“Mr. Baber Thorne, who did you just call ‘Mommy’? Did you mean Calliope?” Valerian asked, still trying to make sense of what he just heard.

“Yeah, is there a problem? Callie is my mommy. What’s so strange about that?” Baber put his hands on his hips, his small but strikingly handsome face suddenly turning serious. Despite his young age, there was an undeniable authority in his expression.

“How could she be your mom?” Lisette blurted, her brows furrowing.

Calliope had already gotten involved with Silas – now Upton too? Impossible.

What could she possibly have that made these men fall for her? She couldn’t be Baber’s biological mother… so did that mean she had some sort of secret relationship with Upton?

“Mr. Thorne, Calliope is already married to Silas. That’s not exactly a secret.” Lisette turned to Upton, looking practically a tattletale.

Upton’s gaze lifted slightly, his sharp eyes carrying an unmistakable pressure. “I know she’s married to Silas. Any problem?”

Lisette felt incredulous. “Then you…”

“Keep your mind out of the gutter,” Upton said coolly. “Calliope and I are just friends. She’s Baber’s godmother.”

“That’s right! Callie’s my godmom. Got a problem with that?” Baber shot Lisette a glance, already not liking her. He and his dad kept tabs on Calliope’s life now and then, so he knew these people were her brothers and sister. But from what he’d heard, they weren’t exactly good to her.

Not that it mattered. His mommy was strong – strong enough to handle them without breaking a sweat. A bunch of idiots, none of them realizing how powerful she really was. They’d regret it soon enough.

Lisette still couldn’t believe it. “How could Calliope possibly be Baber’s godmother?”

What gave her the right? How did she even connect with someone as powerful as Upton?

“Mr. Thorne, you clearly don’t know Calliope very well. She’s not exactly the best influence. Asking her to be your son’s godmother, aren’t you worried she’ll be a bad role model for him?” Valerian claimed blandly.

Upton chuckled. “Seems like I know her better than you do.”

Valerian frowned.

Horatio, concerning his legs, decided to change the subject. He straightened up and turned to Upton. “Mr. Thorne, we actually came here today because there’s a favor we might need to ask.”

Upton gave him a glance but said nothing.

“I heard you sought out the Miracle Doctor to treat your son. We don’t know her real name or where to find her, so do you mind telling us?”

Horatio looked up, his voice taking on a pleading edge. “I have a serious issue with my legs. I need to find her as soon as possible.”

“The Miracle Doctor?” Upton flicked an unreadable look at Horatio. “I doubt she’d be willing to treat you.”

“Even if she refuses, I’d still like to meet her,” Horatio uttered. “Please, Mr. Thorne, could you at least introduce me?”

Upton crossed his arms. “And what exactly do you have to offer in exchange? It doesn’t seem that you’ve got something I’m interested in.”

Horatio paused. He was aware that Upton was a businessman. He never did anything for free.