“And Callie promised she’d fix Horatio’s legs! She also promised to get Lisette out.”

Ulysses cast a skeptical glance at Calliope. “Her? Are you all out of your minds?”

“No, we’re not,” Valerian said, pulling Ulysses aside. “Let’s step outside. I need to fill you in on a few things.” Ulysses frowned, a mix of anger and confusion etched on his face. But with his head in a fog, he reluctantly followed Valerian outside.

As the two talked outside, Calliope remained seated at the head of the table, casting a casual glance at Horatio and Monty. “Aren’t you curious when I’ll get Lisette out?”

“No need to ask. We’re sure you have a plan!” Monty replied optimistically. “Our Callie is the best and will sort it out!”

Monty grinned, “Callie, don’t worry. Just let us know when you think it’s best to get Lisette out.”

Calliope shrugged. She understood their urgency but wasn’t in the mood for lengthy explanations.

She could release Lisette anytime, really, but she wasn’t planning on doing it so soon. There were other matters to arrange.

Calliope was well aware that the Jewell family was trying hard to win her favor. They’d even renovated rooms in their house for her. She was curious to see Lisette’s reaction when she noticed the family’s newfound affection towards her.

Especially since Horatio had given Calliope the largest room in the house, the one Lisette had always coveted. Calliope wondered if Lisette would lose her cool over it.

Ulysses and Valerian soon wrapped up their conversation, with Ulysses returning with a face like thunder, glaring at Calliope.

“Calliope, you’re really pulling out all the stops for your own gain,” Ulysses snapped. “Let me tell you, the company is in your hands now, and you’d better do a good job. Fix Horatio’s legs and get Lisette out! Especially Horatio’s legs. It’s crucial you get it right. He can’t have any complications.”

“If you mess up his legs, or if anything goes wrong, I won’t let you off the hook!” He shot her a piercing look, his skepticism still evident.

Valerian had vouched for her abilities, but Ulysses remained unconvinced.

The company was now her responsibility, but could she really lead it successfully? True, she’d redecorated the office to her taste, but what about the work? Was she really capable? Even their father couldn’t manage this. Could Calliope, the so-called “loser,” really have what it takes?

“Callie, come home for dinner tonight,” Monty chimed in. “Your mom’s agreed to it, and we’ve got a surprise for you!”

“Yeah, Callie, join us for dinner,” Horatio added eagerly.

“And we can discuss Horatio’s legs too,” Valerian suggested. “It’s been ages since we all had dinner together at home.”

Calliope gave them a cool glance. “Sure.”

She was curious to see that room at home and maybe snag a few things from Lisette’s room. After all, Lisette had once taken her things. It was time for a little payback.