Gideon was out shopping with Yvette, his arms loaded with bags filled with things he had bought for her. As they turned a corner, they suddenly came face to face with Calliope and Portia.


    "Well, isn''t this just my unlucky day!"


    Portia nced at Yvette before turning her gaze on Gideon. "Mr. Baker, out shopping with your lover? Funny, when you were with our dear Callie, I don''t recall you buying her anything. But here you are, showering gifts on your little affair.


    But you know what they say, put lipstick on a pig, and it''s still a pig. Those clothes don''t suit her at all." Yvette, feeling small, tried to hide behind Gideon as soon as she spotted Calliope.


    "Ms. Jewell... you''ve got it all wrong," Yvette stammered. "Gideon and I aren''t like that. On your wedding day, I had a bit of an emergency. I never meant for Gideon toe, I didn''t want to disrupt anything. But he was worried, that''s why he showed up."


    Her eyes darted nervously to Calliope, expecting an outburst from the woman known for her fiery temper. But Calliope appeared remarkably calm, devoid of any anger.


    Standing there, Yvette couldn''t help but feel a pang of insecurity. Having grown up in a small town, she still carried that sense of being out of ce, no matter how shevishly dressed.


    Calliope, however, was different. Despite her humble beginnings, she had the grace and poise of a top- notch starlet, her pale skin wless, exuding an effortless elegance that Yvette could only dream of. Calliope took a leisurely sip of her iced coffee, her eyes flicking over Gideon and then Yvette. "No need to exin. He''s garbage I threw away. If you want him, he''s all yours."


    With a dismissive curl of her rosy lips, she sauntered off towards a jewelry store with Portia.


    Yvette watched her go, feeling a bit crushed.


    She admired the jewelry in that store too, but it was way out of her budget. She had hinted at wanting something simr, but Gideon hadn''t picked up on it. She couldn''t directly ask him either, fearing that he''d think she was only after his money.


    "Gideon, do you think she still misunderstands us? I''m sorry. Maybe you should try talking to her again... you know, for the sake of the shares," Yvette advised.


    Gideon had already turned his gaze toward the jewelry store. Inside, Calliope seemed unaffected by their encounter, trying on rings.


    "This one''s a couple''s set. It''s quite lovely," Portia suggested with a grin. "You were going to sweet talk Ss, right? He bought you that massive engagement ring, but you said it was too big for everyday wear. Why not get a pair that you both can wear daily?"


    Calliope admired the ring on her finger, genuinely liking it. The set was stylish, with smaller stones that were perfect for everyday wear.


    She nced at the men''s ring, imagining it on Ss''s hand. His fingers were long and elegant, and she thought the ring would suit him perfectly.