His actions were so natural and affectionate that she couldn''t help but feel her cheeks heating up and her heart racing like a wild horse. She looked down, pretending to be engrossed in her slice of cheesecake. When she finished thest bite, the car had pulled up at the Baker family.


    Coincidentally, Gideon and Yvette had just arrived, too. Gideon stepped out of the car, intending to open the door for Yvette, but paused when he saw Ss''s car pull up. He was momentarily stunned. He hadn''t expected Ss and Calliope to show up as well.


    His gaze instinctivelynded on the car. Ss was the first to step out, his long legs unfolding gracefully. He walked around to the other side and bent down to open the door.


    When Calliope stepped out, Ss instinctively ced a hand above her head to prevent her from bumping


    it.


    While watching Ss''s considerate gesture, Gideon''s eyes narrowed slightly.


    Calliope exited the car and exchanged a look with Ss, her cheeks rosy, eyes sparkling like stars. Gideon stared, realizing he had never seen her like this before. She seemed to have blossomed overnight, radiating a newfound femininity and brilliance. She was like a little sun, impossible to look away from.


    The two were engrossed in conversation, leaning close and asionally sharing a softugh.


    She didn''t even nce in Gideon''s direction. It was as if he didn''t exist to her at that moment. Unable to contain himself, Gideon suddenly said, "Uncle Ss!"


    Only then did Ss and Calliope turn their attention toward him. Ss gave him a brief nod, maintaining an air of aloofness that made Gideon uneasy. It didn''t bother him in the past, but in front of Calliope, it made him feel stifled.


    "What brings you here?" Gideon asked, his eyes flicking to Calliope before he could stop himself.


    "Eamon mentioned you were


    nning to discuss your marriage to Yvette today and wanted us, the


    elders, to be here for the discussion," Ss replied coldly. "Since we''re here, let''s head inside."


    With that, he gently ced a hand on Calliope''s waist, guiding her toward the entrance.


    Gideon watched them walk away, eyes lingering on Calliope''s slender waist, his fists clenching


    involuntarily. The inexplicable frustration in his chest made it hard to breathe.


    Noticing Gideon hadn''te to open her door, Yvette stepped out on her own. She saw his clenched fists and the way his eyes followed Calliope.


    She couldn''t help but bit her lip.


    After a moment, she rxed her jaw and walked over, slipping her arm through Gideon''s.


    "Gideon, I''m a bit nervous. Do you think your mom will approve of us?


    And what about your grandfather? I''ve heard he can be quite


    intimidating, very stern..." Her voice was soft, with the vulnerability that instinctively made one want to protect her.


    en


    "Don''t worry. I''m here," Gideon assured her, snapping back to reality as they made their way into the grand hall of the estate.


    Yvette had never been to the Baker estate before. She knew it was worth a fortune.


    Though the front gate appeared modest, the ce was


    breathtakingly grand inside. With its


    beautiful rock gardens and lush


    greenery, the massive courtyard was impably maintained.


    As they entered the main hall, the grandeur of the estate became even more apparent. Though the decor


    was old-fashioned, everything was rich with history and undeniably valuable.