Chapter 470

Gideon couldn’t afford to lose his place as heir to the Baker Group. As long as he had Calliope on his side, Silas would be sure to let Gideon continue. After all, Gideon was truly talented and incredibly smart.

Calliope had no idea she’d been manipulated by Yvette. Since her split with Fleur, she’d been knee-deep in company matters.

Monty and Horatio would drop by Calliope’s office now and then. Toward the end of the workday, Valerian made an appearance at the company.

He brought a small cake for Calliope, along with some other treats, displaying a doting demeanor.

Seeing him smile at her reminded Calliope of her childhood, the time when she had just returned home.

She always remembered that first year back; they were all so kind to her. Even though Zelda harbored some resentment, her brothers were always good to her.

Perhaps it was because she was the only girl. They competed to shower her with affection. Whatever she wanted, they raced to provide it. Each of them seemed eager to give her the very best, though that only lasted for a year.

When Lisette came along, everyone’s focus shifted to her. They treated Lisette even better; they believed she needed more love. Lisette was a natural actress, and every performance of hers seemed to convince them completely.

“Callie, I picked this up on my way here. Didn’t you always love cakes from this place? I remember the strawberry one was always your favorite when you were little.”

Valerian placed the cake in front of Calliope. His attempt to please her was all too obvious.

Calliope knew why. He wanted her to help Lisette as soon as possible.

She glanced at the cake with mild interest, and then looked up at Valerian. “Are you sure you remember what cake I like?”

“Isn’t it strawberry?” Valerian looked genuinely puzzled.

“That’s Lisette’s favorite,” Calliope replied coolly.

After Lisette arrived, Calliope lost even the right to enjoy her own favorites. Since Lisette loved strawberry cake, it became Calliope’s supposed favorite too.

She had once liked strawberries herself. But after Valerian slapped her over a single strawberry, she couldn’t stand them anymore.

Valerian was oblivious to this. He couldn’t understand her aversion.

He glanced over at Monty and Horatio, seeking answers from them with his eyes. Monty and Horatio, just as clueless, shook their heads.

“Callie, don’t all girls love strawberry cake?” Valerian inquired as he chuckled awkwardly. “It’s just cake, after all. It’s all the same. If you want something else, just tell me, and I’ll get it next time. For now, just make do with this one.”

Calliope looked up with a slight smile. “You used to say the same thing, but it seems I’ve never really gotten to eat what I wanted, even after all these years.”

Valerian paused, thinking. Her words jogged his memory. It was always Lisette’s favorites being bought, with Calliope being told to make do. It was always the same excuse.

Calliope would often get upset, resulting in her having nothing at all.

And the promise of getting her favorite next time? It was never fulfilled.