Chapter 52

Zelda’s expression was stern as she said, “You and Gideon have been together for years. It’s fine to act up a bit, but once you’ve had your fun, you should really let it go. Gideon’s already apologized, what more do you want?”

“Well, he could start by getting down on his knees and begging me.”

Calliope glanced at Gideon. “But aren’t you guys ordering anything? Aren’t you hungry? I need to eat first before I can deal with all this.”

Though reluctant, Zelda knew she had a job to do. She handed the menu over to Calliope. “Fine, you order. Maybe then we can talk some sense.”

Calliope started browsing the menu while Zelda tried to reason with her, pouring her heart out. Fleur joined in, doing her best to persuade Calliope, even bringing up shares in the family business, promising half would be Calliope’s.

“You like Gideon, so you should be with him,” Fleur insisted. “I know I’ve been a bit biased before, but I’ll try to change.”

Calliope continued to focus on the menu, not caring about what they said. By the time they finished talking, she’d practically decided on the entire menu.

She looked up and smiled sweetly at Fleur. “Oh, Fleur, you’re funny. What do you mean by giving me half? Those shares already ended up in my pocket; they’re mine now, not your son’s. How could he divide that? Do I look like a fool to you? Should I hand over my shares so he can give me half back? Didn’t they teach you math?”

Fleur’s face darkened.

“Callie, the shares aren’t what’s important. Didn’t you say you loved me without any conditions?” Gideon implored, looking at Calliope with a deep sincerity. “Didn’t you say you’d marry me even if I had nothing?”

“Ugh—who says such sappy things?” Calliope retorted. “Besides, I’m already married to your uncle. You want to marry your aunt? Maybe you should talk to your uncle about that—sounds pretty scandalous to me!”

Gideon frowned, looking at Calliope. He had a feeling something about her had changed, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. She was more outspoken now, and it was infuriating.

Yet, for some reason, she seemed even more captivating today.

Calliope elegantly sipped her coffee. “Is there anything else you’d like to say? The food’s about to arrive. How about we eat first and talk later?”

The waiter was quick to bring out the dishes, and Calliope didn’t hesitate to dig in. Despite her sharp tongue, her dining manners were impeccable, exuding an innate grace.

While Calliope enjoyed her meal, everyone else was too tense to eat. The more leisurely she ate, the more anxious and frustrated they became.

Dish after dish began to fill the table. As they started stacking up, Zelda finally noticed something was off. “Calliope, how much did you order?”

The spread was enough to feed three tables. With just a handful of people, had Calliope lost her mind?

“They make great food here, so I ordered everything to try. Why aren’t you eating? Don’t like it? If not, I’ll just pack it all to go!” Calliope replied nonchalantly.

“Calliope…” Zelda was too exasperated to speak.