So, a lot of folks didn''t know, but Calliope, despite not being the apple of the Jewell family''s eye, was actually a little richdy. She had more money than her father, Monty, ever did.


    The funny part? Not even the Jewell family knew about the fortune her grandfather left her.


    Her grandfather always said, "Keep your wealth under wraps."


    He was always worried the Jewell family might try to take everything from her. She took his advice to heart and never told a soul that it was all hers. She even had a crew of really capable people working for her, managing the wealth.


    Money made more money, and her assets had multiplied tenfold.


    Now, she owned various shops collecting rent and other ventures, but she barely had to lift a finger. Her crew was fiercely loyal because she''d saved their lives at some point, so they were devoted to her. She treated them well, which only made them more grateful and reliable.


    She owned Kirin Fondue, a fondue restaurant on a street her grandfather had given her. It was about five or six years ago when she met Rafferty Stanley during a mission.


    When she first met Rafferty, he was barely hanging on, just a breath away from death. She brought him back to life.


    After that, Rafferty stuck by her side. He had a lot of secrets, but he never talked about them, and she never pressed him.


    By some twist of fate, she discovered he had a knack for cooking, and together they opened this fondue restaurant.


    On paper, Rafferty was the owner, but she was the real boss.


    She''d drop by the ce to help out whenever she had the time. Sometimes, when she had meetings with other business managers, they''d choose Kirin Fondue as the venue. It became her little secret hideaway. Aftering back to life, she hadn''t visited the ce for a while, but Rafferty understood she was busy with wedding ns, so he didn''t mention it.


    It was still early in the day, and the ce wasn''t crowded. Calliope and Rafferty were having coffee in the backyard, chatting away.


    "How''s your health beentely?" Calliope asked, taking a sip of her coffee and noticing Rafferty''s paleplexion.


    "Not dead yet," Rafferty replied with a nonchnt shrug.


    "Here," Calliope said, sliding a small ceramic bottle toward him, "I tweaked the form a bit. This version should be more effective than thest. One pill a day. I''m still working on a long-term solution for your condition, but no breakthroughs yet."


    "Don''t worry about me. I don''t mind, living or dying," Rafferty chuckled, though his eyes remained lifeless. He was handsome, with charming eyes and fair skin, his features undeniably striking. But a man without the will to live was hard to convince otherwise, let alone make happy.


    The fact he was still alive was a small miracle in itself.


    Calliope nced at him. "You still owe me a life."


    "That''s why I''m still breathing," Rafferty shrugged. "So, you really let go of Gideon?"


    "Yep," Calliope nodded. "Pretty smart, huh?"


    Rafferty nodded in agreement. "He really wasn''t right for you. But Ss..."


    "He''s not the right one either?" Calliope raised an eyebrow.


    "He''s got a dangerous edge, but it''s hard to say. You''re quite the enigma yourself after all," Rafferty looked up. "By the way, I remember you mentioned wanting a race car modifier. I found someone for you. He''s really good. Want to meet him? If you do, I can call him over."


    "Sure, have hime over then."


    Calliope nodded immediately. "I need him to fix up a car for me."