Chapter 89

Sunday evening.

Calliope was heading to the family manor with Silas. She wore a long, white sweater, layered with a coat. Her long hair was partially pinned up with a clip, cascading like a waterfall down her back. When she was quiet, she was truly striking.

Calliope walked arm-in-arm with Silas into the grand hall of the manor, which was already bustling with people. The moment they spotted the couple, they were all captivated by their presence.

A perfect pair, everyone thought.

“Silas, Callie, you are here!” someone called out warmly, greeting them both.

Silas nodded slightly to everyone in acknowledgment and led Calliope to the sofa. “Make some room for Callie.” Dahlia immediately shuffled over, giving Calliope a playful nod. “Aunt Callie, have a seat!”

She winked at Calliope with a mischievous grin.

Calliope settled down, and on the other side, Calista scooted over as well. “Uncle Silas, there’s room for you too!”

“It’s quite the gathering tonight. What’s everyone chatting about? Could it be about Gideon’s big news?” Calliope teased the moment she sat down.

Silas raised an eyebrow but remained silent, glancing over at Fleur.

“What news?” Verity’s eyes widened with curiosity. “Fleur, is there something we should know? You only have one son, Gideon. Is he getting married?”

“Wow, Gideon, that’s something, moving on quickly after that last engagement fell through. Did he have someone lined up even before the wedding?” Verity, who was at odds with Fleur, jabbed; she never missed an opportunity to stir the pot.

Fleur’s face turned sour. “Calliope, what nonsense are you spouting?”

“Isn’t it true? Gideon mentioned himself wanting to get married.” Calliope feigned innocence and continued, “He hasn’t told you all yet? I can’t be the first to know, right?”

She then looked directly at Gideon, who was glaring darkly. “Gideon, marriage is a big deal. Your parents should be in the loop. Oh, does Fleur disapprove of Yvette? I get it, Yvette’s background isn’t exactly stellar, perhaps not up to the family’s standards. I mean, even I don’t meet Fleur’s standards.”

Then she turned to Fleur. “Honestly, Fleur, if Gideon likes her, don’t pressure him. It’s not uncommon for family rifts to start over a woman. Why not just embrace it? Eventually, you’ll be the mother-in-law, and she, the daughter-in-law, will have to follow your lead!”

“Calliope!” Gideon snapped, his voice low. “Would you just stop?”

“Are you raising your voice at my wife?” Silas, who had been sipping his coffee leisurely, suddenly fixed his deep gaze on Gideon.

Gideon swallowed hard, clenching his jaw. “I appreciate your concern, Aunt Callie, but my affairs are my own.”

“Come on, Gideon, Callie is family. She’s just trying to give you some friendly advice,” chimed in Verity, always one to fan the flames. “Don’t be mad. If there’s truly someone special, bring her over. Don’t worry, no matter who she is, you’ve got my support!”

Fleur’s face was ashen with frustration. She truly couldn’t take a liking for that Yvette.

Yvette might be useful in some ways, but if she, a country pumpkin, married into the family, Fleur’d get crazy, fearing she would become the laughingstock of her social circle.

Just as Fleur was about to speak, Eamon, who had been silent until then, decided to chime in.