Calliope was the epitome of elegance and grace, her gown more stunning than anything Lisette could dream of. Her natural beauty was magnified by the dress, making her look every bit the fairy-tale princess under the sparkling lights.


    As she descended, she captured the room''s attention, outshining Lisette, who moments ago had been the belle of the ball. Lisette''s allure seemed to fade inparison, making her look almost mundane. Surrounding Calliope were equally captivating individuals, the kind who would stand out in any crowd. Uriah and Archie were impossibly handsome, their presencemanding admiration. Portia and Mavis, with their impable backgrounds, exuded an aura that was simply beyond Lisette''s reach. Instantly, all eyes were on Calliope and her entourage.


    "Wow, she looks like she walked out of a fairy tale!"


    "Who is she?"


    "Isn''t that Calliope, the eldest daughter of the Jewell family? She''s never been one to stand out, right? I don''t remember seeing her much at these annual gs."


    "Wasn''t she considered the ck sheep of the Jewell family?"


    "Who knows, but she''s stunning. That dress is simr to what Lisette is wearing, but she makes it look so much more morous!"


    "She''s breathtaking. And is that Uriah with her?"


    "Oh my, isn''t he the head of the Stewart family? What''s he doing here? Is he close with the Jewell family?" "He seems more familiar with Ms. Calliope, doesn''t he?"


    The chatter was relentless, a testament to the impact Calliope had made.


    Lisette, the center of attention


    moments age, looked pale now. She hadn''t anticipated Calliope showing up in a gown from the same designer, K. Worse, hers seemed outdated next to Calliope''s, which was thetest, limited edition that everyone was talking about.


    Damn, Calliope! Stealing her spotlight!


    Lisette clenched her fists, ncing at Valerian and the others, who were equally shocked.


    "Is she out of her mind?" Before Valerian could respond, Zelda stared in disbelief at Calliope.


    It was supposed to be Lisette''s


    night, a perfect birthday celebration where they could find her a suitable match. But there was Calliope dressed to impress, seemingly intent on overshadowing Lisette.


    Who did she think she was? Didn''t she know whose night it was?


    Zelda was seething. She had invited Calliope to sever familial ties, and then, she was more determined


    than ever that Calliope was nothing but a show-off without any real talent.


    As Calliope and her group


    approached, Zelda stormed up to her, feeling the weight of everyone''s eyes upon them. She grabbed Calliope''s wrist and pulled her away without hesitation.


    "Callie!" Portia called out, frowning, wanting to intervene, but Zelda moved too quickly for them to react.


    Calliope stumbled as she got dragged along, barely keeping her bnce.


    Zelda pulled her into a side room, ring at her from head to toe.


    "Do you realize it''s Lisette''s birthday today? Are you here to ruin it by dressing like this?


    What, did youe to steal the spotlight at the party we threw for Lisette?"