Chapter 293

“Mr. Lopez, I didn’t mean it that way!” Monty was growing pale, trying to explain in a panic. “I didn’t mean to fool you. They’re both my daughters. I thought bringing Lisette was the same as bringing Callie.”

“Well, if that’s how you see it,” Mr. Lopez replied, glancing up with a sharp gaze, “maybe working with you or someone else is the same for me too.”

He leaned back a little, his gaze piercing. “The Jewell family isn’t as influential as you think. Many people would line up for the chance if I wanted to switch partners, and it’d probably be more beneficial for me. Calliope was the only reason I chose to work with you.”

Monty hadn’t expected Mr. Lopez to be so upset only because Calliope wasn’t there. In his mind, Lisette was cleverer and more capable than Calliope. Mr. Lopez would prefer Lisette!

“Mr. Lopez, my dad didn’t realize you wanted to meet Calliope. It was a misunderstanding,” Lisette interjected, trying to defuse the situation as she noticed Monty was at a loss.

“If there’s anything you need, you can discuss it with me. Calliope’s reputation, well, you might have heard. It’s not great. She’s known for being a bit of a slacker. Even if she were here, she might not be able to have a proper conversation with you. But I can assure you, I’ll take your opinions seriously.”

Lisette looked at Mr. Lopez confidently, as if to say she understood things that Calliope couldn’t grasp.

Mr. Lopez suddenly smirked with coldness. “Interesting. You’re saying Callie’s no good and you’re much better, and that I should heed your words over hers? Do my preferences need your approval, Lisette?”

His lips curved into a smile that was both charming and unnerving, his eyes narrowing.

“That’s quite unfortunate! I’ve never been one to take advice from people I don’t know well. Seems like this dinner is unnecessary.”

Mr. Lopez leaned back in his chair, directing his attention toward Monty with authority and intimidation. Monty was flustered. He hadn’t expected Lisette’s words to fall flat. It was clear Mr. Lopez was intent on making things difficult for them.

“Mr. Lopez, I truly didn’t mean to offend,” Monty continued to plead.

Mr. Lopez’s expression turned steely. “I’m giving you one last chance. Have her leave and bring Calliope to me, or else we won’t work together anymore.”

“Mr. Lopez, we’ve worked together for years!” Monty’s face darkened. “Is it really necessary to end things over something so trivial?”

“Trivial?” Mr. Lopez chuckled dryly. “Anything involving Calliope is far from trivial!”

Monty furrowed his brow. “What’s your connection to Callie?”

He was puzzled. Initially, he assumed Mr. Lopez’s interest in Calliope was out of curiosity about the recent event. But now, it seemed much deeper than that–as if Mr. Lopez had known Calliope all along. Moreover, he was willing to forsake their partnership over her.