Chapter 358
Calliope glanced at Valerian, a smirk playing on her lips. “Mr. Valerian, thank you for going through all this trouble. Must’ve been quite the hassle to make those reservations!”
Each of Calliope’s sarcastic remarks seemed to send a shiver through everyone present. They felt uncomfortable and a little annoyed, but none dared to react openly.
“Callie, don’t be so formal. We’re family, not employer and employee. You’re not our maid, so drop the ‘Mr.’ and just call me Dad, alright?” Monty was still trying to mend fences and build a better relationship with Calliope.
He walked over to Calliope, intending to give her a friendly pat on the shoulder, a gesture of warmth between a father and daughter.
But just as he approached, Million wedged itself between them. Suddenly, Million stood on its hind legs.
With one paw, it smacked Monty’s shoulder while Monty’s hand was still outstretched. The result was an odd tableau of man and wolf, awkwardly draped over each other.
Calliope broke into laughter at the sight.
Zelda and others looked on, their expressions a mix of bewilderment and amusement.
Monty tried to extricate himself, but Million was surprisingly strong. He couldn’t shake off the dog and was also wary of being bitten, so he turned to Calliope for help.
Calliope gave Monty a fleeting glance. “Looks like Million’s taken quite a liking to you!”
Monty sighed internally. What was he supposed to do with a wolf’s affection?
With Million practically dragging him, Monty stumbled towards the club’s entrance. The staff, witnessing the spectacle of a man and wolf buddying up, were wide-eyed with astonishment.
“Sir, may I see your membership card?” a staff member asked, barely suppressing a laugh.
Monty awkwardly fumbled for his card, but Million pressed even harder, nearly making him hunch over.
“Sir, your reservation is confirmed. We’ve got a private room ready for you. Right this way!”
The staff originally intended to greet Calliope, but she gave them a quick wink, signaling them to stay quiet. So, maintaining a professional demeanor, they led Monty and Million to the private room, with Calliope following close behind.
Horatio and the others trailed after them. Zelda occasionally shot daggers at Calliope with her eyes, itching to say something snarky but holding back because Monty had advised her to keep her cool and be nicer.
Once they all settled into the private room, Calliope immediately took charge of ordering food. Monty and the others barely got a word in as Calliope rattled off her choices like she knew the menu by heart, without even glancing at it.
“Isn’t that a bit much?” Monty asked, finally able to breathe now that Million had hopped off him.
“Not at all. I actually think we could have a bit more,” Calliope replied earnestly, wearing a cheeky grin. “Or do you think I’m not worthy of a feast?”
Monty hesitated. “No, no, you’re definitely worthy!”
Horatio and Valerian exchanged glances, while Zelda rolled her eyes dramatically.
Calliope quipped, “Zelda, are you trying to evolve into something with all that eye-rolling?”
Zelda spluttered, “Huh!!!”
“Alright, that’s enough for now. Let’s start with these,” Monty hurriedly instructed the waiter, eager to move things along.