“Sorry, Callie.”

Valerian’s expression was a mix of emotions. He had planned to casually bring up Lisette while offering the cake, hoping to find out when she might come back. But now, he didn’t dare to ask. He knew that pressing for answers would only upset her.

As he thought back to their childhood, his heart softened a bit. At first, they were all thrilled to have this little sister. When she finally arrived, they were charmed by her. She was as cute as a button, sweet and polite. She’d call their names softly, making their hearts melt every time.

Back then, nothing made him happier than coming home from school to see his little sister. He wanted to give her the world, fearing his older and younger brothers might steal her attention away. She was their only sister, after all.

He remembered how he used to envy classmates who had sisters. Even after he had his own, that envy disappeared.

Initially, he genuinely cherished her. But then Lisette arrived, and things indeed began to change.

Lisette was the youngest, and they were naturally inclined to dote on her. Was that really so wrong?

Callie, however, seemed to hold onto her resentment. Perhaps she felt she deserved all of her brothers‘ affection.

Valerian didn’t believe he had done anything terribly wrong, but thinking back to young Calliope, he realized she was his sister too, and maybe he should have treated her better.

Horatio seemed to share this realization. It was as if a light bulb had gone off, reminding him that Calliope was, in fact, his real sister. He regretted not paying more attention to her over the years.

Just then, Ulysses burst through the door, still wearing his costume from the film set, his hair styled in a period-appropriate fashion. He’d clearly rushed over as soon as shooting wrapped up.

Ulysses had been filming in a nearby city and wasn’t up-to-date on family matters, unaware of Calliope’s situation.

Seeing the press conference by chance, he discovered the family business had been handed over to Calliope, which made no sense to him. So, after finishing his scene, he drove home as fast as he could.

“Dad, what’s going on here? Horatio, Valerian, you’re here too. Why is the company in her hands?”

Ulysses glared incredulously in Calliope’s direction. “What makes her qualified? How can she possibly manage a company? I’ve been away filming and come back to find everything upside down.”

“Ulysses, didn’t I tell you not to concern yourself with the family business?” Monty frowned. “Aren’t you busy with your acting career? Why rush back?”

“Exactly, Ulysses, you didn’t need to come back.” Horatio glanced at him.

“Horatio, Valerian, Dad might be confused, but you too?”

Ulysses was baffled, staring at Calliope, who was behind the office desk. She looked every bit the part of the company’s boss. She sat comfortably in the executive chair while their father and brothers stood nearby, resembling her assistants more than her family.

“Ulysses, I already explained, we have our reasons.” Monty sighed. “Callie has proven herself capable, which is why the company’s been entrusted to her. She’s your sister, after all. Don’t overreact. Handing the company and shares to her doesn’t harm us; it doesn’t change our returns.”