Chapter 456

But she did mention it wasn’t a hundred percent certain–there’s always a risk. There might be risks, but maybe she wasn’t giving it her all either.

Horatio figured no one really knew Calliope, especially not how she felt right now. She was the one calling the shots. Maybe she’d even revenged herself on them.

All they could do was try to make amends, but who knew how it would turn out?

After the meeting, Calliope was swamped with company work.

Horatio and Monty, on the other hand, seemed to have had a change of heart. They were all about her, constantly bringing her food and little gifts.

They used to act like she was invisible, but now they were in and out of her office all the time, asking if she needed this or that, all smiles and enthusiasm.

As the day wound down, Monty piped up, “Callie, how about coming home for dinner tonight? It’s been ages since the family sat down together for a meal!”

Calliope glanced at Monty, a hint of amusement in her eyes. “Are you sure Zelda’s going to be thrilled to have me over? Coming home isn’t out of the question, but maybe talk it over with the family first before you extend the invite.”

Gathering her things, she turned to Franco and said, “Ready to go?”

She didn’t pay much attention to Monty and Horatio after that.

Monty looked awkward, stealing a glance at Calliope with some hesitance but ultimately keeping quiet.

Horatio waited until Calliope was out of earshot before turning to Monty. “It’s going to take time for her to come around.”

“Yeah,” Monty sighed. “We really need to talk to your mom. She can’t keep holding this grudge against Callie.”

“True,” Horatio agreed with a frown.

As level-headed as they tried to be, their mother had always had it out for Calliope. She’d nearly lost her life during childbirth and had held that against Calliope ever since, convinced she was a bad omen. It had driven an irreparable wedge between mother and daughter.

Calliope and Franco made their way to the parking lot when her phone suddenly buzzed.

“What did you say?” Calliope’s expression shifted as she answered the call.

“Really? I got it, I’ll find a time to head back,” she said, her face turning serious as she ended the call.

“What happened?” Franco asked, pausing with the car door open, concern etched on his face.

Calliope shook her head thoughtfully. “Nothing major, just need to head back to the countryside for a bit.”

Franco nodded. “If anything comes up, let me know. Don’t worry. Whatever I promised, I’ll sort it out for you.”

“Thanks!” Calliope gave him a nod before getting into the car.

Once she was home, her mind was still spinning with thoughts. She didn’t even notice when Silas came in, and by the time she came back to reality, Silas had already sat beside her.

“What’s wrong? Something on your mind?”

“Yeah, I used to live with my grandpa in the countryside. I got word today that the old house is going to be torn down. They want me to go back and sort through some things.”

Her gaze dropped. “That’s a place where my grandpa and I have stayed for quite a long time."

“You don’t want it taken down?” Silas asked.

Calliope shook her head. “They’ve talked about demolishing it for a while now. Because of me, it’s been delayed. But now the village needs the space, and I can’t hold onto it any longer.”