Chapter 440

They didn’t know that she owned companies in various industries. She had never shared any of this with them, nor had she ever boasted about her capabilities.

Though they were so familiar with her, there was an undeniable sense of strangeness.

Calliope had always been the little sister who listened, who followed their lead. But things had changed. She no longer sought their approval, choosing instead to forge her own path. She tended to discard their love and accept other brothers', her affection towards them lost.

Valerian watched her with a complex mixture of emotions, aware of his own mistakes but struggling to admit them. He wanted things to go back to the way they were, yet every time he tried, he ended up defending Lisette, inadvertently hurting Calliope in the process.

Though he knew his actions were wrong, he couldn’t shake the feeling that she should understand. She should love them. They were her real brothers; what did she have to worry about? Lisette was the one who truly had no one to care for her.

The three of them, each wearing a different expression, returned to the president’s office with Calliope.

As they settled into the reception area, Calliope crossed her legs with a calm confidence. Her perfectly-contoured eyes turned to Monty as she began, “So, have you got the paperwork ready?”

Monty jumped up swiftly. “Oh, right! I’ll get the agreement drawn up and carry out the procedure. But, Callie, you know these things take time to manage.”

“I get it,” Calliope replied, her voice steady. “No rush. I’ll handle my end.”

“Alright,” Monty uttered, nodding. He took a deep breath and continued as he glanced at her. “Callie, I’ve been thinking. I haven’t treated you fairly. You’re my daughter, after all, and this transfer of shares is...”

“I know it might take time for you to forgive me, but give your old man a chance. Come back home for dinner sometime. We’ll have a room ready for you.”

Calliope swept a look at Monty. “Are you sure? Don’t you feel I’m an eyesore? Won’t I just ruin your cozy family dinners?”

“Why would you say that? Of course not, you’re my daughter!” Monty hurriedly responded, “And with Thanksgiving coming up, it’d be great to have you and Silas join us.”

She shrugged noncommittally. “We’ll see.”

Not wanting to push her further in case she got irked, Monty quickly moved to have the transfer agreement drafted.

Meanwhile, Horatio and Valerian gazed at Calliope silently. Finally, Horatio spoke up, “Callie, I’m sorry.” Calliope looked at him, surprised. “What was that?”

“I’m sorry… I’ve neglected you all these years. Especially after you did the surgery and helped me walk again. Sorry, I misjudged you.”

He recalled the times she had selflessly supported him, and how he had let his attention drift because of Lisette.

Calliope gave him a wry smile. “Afraid I didn’t do my best work on you, huh? Don’t worry, I took an oath, remember?”