Lisette was undoubtedly the evening''s star, so even though Calliope made quite the entrance, Zelda quickly helped shift the spotlight back to Lisette.


    Since it was Lisette''s birthday party, naturally, there were plenty of people who hade bearing gifts. Monty and Zelda stood by Lisette''s side, helping her receive presents.


    Calliope and her friends found a corner to sit in for a while. She watched Lisette from afar, a thoughtful look in her eyes.


    Meanwhile, Portia and Archie were chattering away about something, and Mavis was off socializing with a group of people, led by Uriah.


    While observing the scene, Calliope suddenly felt two shadows looming over her. She nced up to see Valerian and Ulysses approaching, both looking rather displeased.


    "What do you want?" Calliope asked coolly, raising an eyebrow.


    "Did you do it on purpose, giving Lisette that dress? You knew you''d outshine her," Ulysses used angrily.


    "I gave it to her, and she''s not happy? Then she can give it back. I didn''t have to give it to her," Calliope replied nonchntly. "It''s my dress. I can wear whatever I please. Why are you being so unreasonable?" "Calliope, you''re being difficult. It''s Lisette''s birthday. Why steal her thunder?" Ulysses fumed.


    "Calliope, you''re really overstepping. You celebrated your birthday yesterday. Do you really need to be the center of attention again today?" Valerian added, clearly annoyed.


    Upon overhearing that, Portia couldn''t hold back. She stood up in a huff.


    "What, no one else can look good just because it''s Lisette''s birthday? Oh, is that so? So, should everyone who looks better than Lisette go home?" she shouted, drawing the room''s attention.


    Everyone began whispering amongst themselves, intrigued by themotion.


    "Don''t twist our words!" Valerian snapped, getting more frustrated with Calliope by the second.


    "I''m not twisting anything. Isn''t that exactly what you meant?" Portia retorted defiantly.


    "We''re talking about Calliope, not everyone else!" Ulysses interjected, exasperated.


    "Oh, it''s about Callie? Why? Is Lisette so insecure that she''s afraid Callie will outshine her?" Portia continued loudly. "It''s not like Callie''s trying to steal the show. Even in a potato sack, she''d outshine Lisette. It''s not Callie''s fault that Lisette doesn''t have the same presence


    People around them couldn''t help but nod in agreement. Instinctively, they nced between Calliope and Lisette,paring the two.


    Those who had attended past


    birthday parties couldn''t help but remember how Calliope had always been understated yet striking. Even in less fitting and morous attire, she had an inner beauty that fancy clothes couldn''t overshadow.


    Tonight, Calliope had truly captivated everyone, reminding them of her unique charm. Even when she


    stayed under the radar, her presence was unforgettable.