Chapter 74

“Really?” Calliope’s eyes lit up instantly. “Really.”

A broad smile spread across her face, and in a burst of joy, Calliope threw her arms around Silas and planted a spontaneous kiss on his cheek. After realizing what she had done, she pulled back, a little embarrassed.

“You should go find your friends. Mine are waiting for me too!”

After that, she dashed back to her room.

Silas touched his cheek, a gentle smile playing on his lips. He watched the door swing shut behind her, not needing to say anything more. The gloom he’d felt all evening vanished with that unexpected kiss, lifting his spirits entirely. She always had this inexplicable ability to make him happy.

With a smile still tugging at his lips, Silas returned to his own group. As he walked back into the room, his friends couldn’t help but tease him upon seeing his return.

“Mr. Myers, you just stepped out for a moment and came back all sunshine and rainbows!”

“First time seeing Silas in such a good mood!”

“Silas, what’s the scoop?”

“Nothing much,” Silas replied, his handsome face settling back into a more neutral expression. “Mind your own business and just have fun!”

“Alright.”

Meanwhile, back in her room, Calliope was met with Archie’s intense gaze.

“Why are you so afraid of him? Does he treat you poorly?” Archie asked, concern etched in his features.

“What? No, no!” Calliope hurried to explain. “He’s always been like an elder to everyone. Who wouldn’t be a little intimidated? It’s just how it is.”

“Really? If he ever hurts you, you have to tell me.”

Archie lowered his gaze, knowing he wasn’t strong enough yet. But one day, he promised himself, he’d be strong enough to protect her.

“Okay, I will.” Calliope smiled softly, her voice gentle.

They spent the evening eating, drinking, and chatting until it was quite late. As they stepped out of the room, they bumped into Uriah and Silas. The two men, looking sharp in their suits, seemed to be waiting for them.

“Come here,” Silas gestured to Calliope. She jogged over to him.

“Mavis, let me give you a ride home,” Uriah said to Mavis.

“Okay,” Mavis nodded, bidding goodbye to Portia and the others before following Uriah.

Silas glanced briefly at Archie, then at Portia.

“Archie, you take Portia home, alright? We’re heading out!” Calliope said, giving Archie a playful wink.

“Sure,” Archie agreed.

With an arm around Calliope’s waist, Silas led her out.

Archie watched Silas’s hand on Calliope for a long moment. But he just sighed, turning to Portia. “Let’s go, I’ll walk you home.”

Portia draped an arm around his neck, laughing. “No need, I’ve got my own ride coming!” She playfully pinched Archie’s cheek. “Sweetie, you should really find yourself a partner. You’re the only single one left! Oh look, there’s my darling now. Bye-bye!”

With a bit of a tipsy giggle, Portia ran over to a young guy waiting outside, clinging to him like a koala.

Archie stood there for a moment, hands in his pockets, before he slowly sauntered out of the club.

Outside, the night was deep, and as he stepped out, he caught sight of Gideon drunkenly making some antics.