Chapter 281

Yara had just opened and closed the tiger’s cage swiftly.

The guests, who had initially scattered, gathered around, drawn by the unfolding spectacle. The evening breeze was chilly, but no one seemed to notice as their focus was entirely on Calliope, each secretly holding their breath for her.

The initial skepticism about Calliope’s ability to handle the situation had shifted. Many were now in awe, convinced that a mere tiger was no match for her. Yet, there were still whispers of doubt, some arguing that a tiger’s ferocity surpassed an alligator’s, making it impossible for a woman like Calliope to handle.

“Do you think she’ll get eaten by the tiger?” someone murmured.

“I doubt it,” another replied, though uncertainty tinged their voice.

“It’s terrifying. There’s no doubt about that, but you must admit Calliope has guts!”

“It’s like Beauty and the Beast, but does the Beast even understand Beauty?”

“If she pulls this off, she’s fearless. If not, well, she’s just plain crazy.”

The crowd buzzed with chatter. Some were snapping pictures, others were updating their social media, and a few were even live-streaming the unfolding drama.

Amidst the cacophony, Calliope remained surprisingly calm. She had entered the tiger’s cage, her demeanor as composed as ever when approaching the resting beast.

Disturbed by the noise, the tiger glanced around irritably before locking eyes with Calliope. It seemed confused, sensing a stranger’s presence in its domain. With an irritated growl, the tiger directed its displeasure at Calliope.

The crowd instinctively stepped back, maintaining a safe distance from the cage. But Calliope stood her ground, her gaze steady as she met the tiger’s eyes.

“She’s doing the right thing,” someone explained to those around. “By looking the tiger in the eye, she’s showing it she’s not afraid. Animals can sense fear. If you show them your fear, they feel like they can attack. The fiercer she acts, the more the tiger will back down.”

“Exactly. That’s what I’ve heard too!”

“Still, the tiger growled, and she’s just standing there like it’s nothing. That’s impressive!”

“Seriously, I’m getting chills, but she doesn’t seem scared.”

Calliope’s next move left everyone flabbergasted. She smiled at the tiger and gestured as if calling a pet cat. “Kitty, come here. Let me pat your head.”

The crowd collectively gasped.

“Kitty?”

“Did she call a tiger ‘Kitty’? If the king of the jungle understood that, it might just lose its mind!”

“Is she joking, or is she trying to mess with the tiger?”

“She’s done for, mark my words.”

“She’ll meet a grisly end!”

The spectators believed Calliope had sealed her fate. Instead of playing it safe by staying near the door and keeping still, she had dared to address the tiger as if it were a house pet.

It was like addressing a formidable warrior as “sweetie” and inviting them for a head pat.