Chapter 245

“Callie’s great. You’ve got good taste.” Upton glanced at Calliope and Baber before turning his gaze back to Silas. “I hope you treat her well. She’s even more extraordinary than you realize.”

“I know,” Silas said, his face softening with adoration. A small smile played on his lips. “Having her is the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Upton studied him for a moment before breaking into a chuckle.

“Never thought she’d end up marrying you. I never had much faith in Gideon, to be honest. But knowing she’s with you? That puts me at ease.”

Silas narrowed his eyes slightly. “You and Callie, you two are close?”

Upton shrugged. “She’s like a little sister to me.”

He exhaled and looked away for a second before continuing. “You know I don’t have much family. Baber’s mother passed away, and he’s the most important person in my life. Callie gave him a second chance. She’s helped me more times than I can count. So, yeah, aside from Baber, she’s the most important person to me. I care about Callie. A lot.”

Then, his voice dropped into something more serious. “So, treat Callie right. I’ll be standing in her corner if she ever gets hurt or feels wronged, even if it’s you.”

A smirk curled at the edge of his lips. “Callie’s so-called family failed her, but that’s fine. I can make up for a million of them.”

Silas held Upton’s gaze, then gave a firm nod. “I will.”

They chatted longer before Silas’ phone buzzed. It was about work. He sighed, excused himself with a quick kiss on Calliope’s cheek, and left.

Since Calliope had no pressing matters to attend to, she stayed behind to keep Baber company.

Upton had planned to leave for work but pushed everything aside. He wouldn’t go anywhere while Baber was recovering.

“What happened to Baber is partly my fault,” Calliope murmured.

Upton frowned. “How’s that?”

“Lisette was after me. Baber just got caught in the crossfire.”

Upton’s jaw tightened, his eyes darkening. “Don’t blame yourself. That woman is pure poison. She even dared to mess with my son.” He exhaled sharply. “She won’t get another chance.”

“She wouldn’t dare,” Calliope said, shaking her head.

Lisette was rotten, sure. But she was also a coward.

Upton tilted his head. “Mind if I make things difficult for the Jewell family?”

Calliope scoffed and shrugged. “I left that family a long time ago. Do whatever you want.”

Upton smirked, his deep eyes gleaming with something dangerous. “Good.”

No one messed with his son and walked away unscathed.

By lunchtime, the three of them ordered takeout – burgers, fries, and milkshakes.

Later in the afternoon, Calliope finally decided to head home.

Baber, however, was still sulking. His perfect day at the amusement park got ruined, and he wasn’t about to let it slide.

As soon as Calliope walked out the door, Baber’s little brain started scheming, thinking of revenge on Calliope. The moment she was gone, he tried sneaking out.

“And where do you think you’re going?” A deep, knowing voice cut through the air. Upton didn’t even look up from the couch.

Baber flashed an innocent smile. “Just going to walk Callie out!”

One raised brow from Upton. “You sure about that? You’re not planning something else?”

Baber hesitated. Then, realizing he’d got caught, he dropped the act.

Upton smirked. “Revenge is fine. But make sure you stay safe. Take a few of the bodyguards with you.”

Baber’s face lit up. “Thanks, Dad!”

A few minutes later, the little mastermind picked a handful of bodyguards, marched straight to the front desk, and sweet-talked his way into getting Lisette’s hospital room number.

Then, with all the stealth of a mischievous little fox, he slipped away to visit her.