Calliope met the group with a polite nod, but it was pretty clear they all looked down on her. She didn''t really care, though. After a quick chat with Ss, she headed back to the CEO office.


    And Ss stayed behind in the conference room. He scanned the room, his eyes sharp and focused. "So, you all have a problem with my wife?"


    "Mr. Myers, it''s not just us saying this, but your wife just doesn''t seem to be a good match for you."


    "We''ve all heard about Calliope. She''s got quite the reputation, and she was even kicked out by the Jewell family. She doesn''t seem to be on your level at all."


    "Plus, her bad reputation might harm ourpany."


    "Right, if she''s bad news, it could cost us a lot!"


    "You should consider a divorce, Mr. Myers. We heard you only married her out of obligation. Now that your debt is paid, it''s time to move on."


    "Someone of your stature should marry within your social ss. A powerful family alliance is what you need!"


    "Calliope''s got nothing going for her except looks. And her fashion sense? Don''t get me started. Plus, she''s someone illiterate,cking education."


    "Yeah, she even mentioned she just wants to coast through life. Someone with so little ambition isn''t right for you!"


    "Please, Mr. Myers, heed our advice. Distance yourself from her!"


    "She''s not the right one for you!"


    Ss listened in silence, his expression growing darker by the second. "And who exactly do you think is the right one?"


    "Well, someone from a prominent family, at least," a voice suggested cautiously.


    "Why can''t I choose someone I actually like? Ss retorted with a coldugh I work hard so my wife can enjoy life. If she doesn''t spend my money and livefortably, what''s the point of her having a husband?


    I introduced you all to her, not so you could judge or advise me. If I can''t even support my own wife, what right do I have to be the leader?"


    He looked around the room, his gaze scornful. "Whether she''s strong or not, capable or otherwise, she is my wife. You must respect her.


    I''m not asking for your opinions. If


    you''re unhappy, feel free to pack your things, and leave. But my wife must receive respect! And thispany? It''s as much hers as it is mine. If she wished, I''d hand it over to her in a heartbeat."


    Ss''s voice resonated with intense authority, his words leaving the room silent.


    The board members exchanged uneasy nces, not daring to speak up or retort anymore.


    Ss''s gaze swept across the room, and after a moment, he continued in aposed manner, "And you''re wrong, dead wrong. She''s not weak, not useless. She''s just discreet. If the Baker Group is handed over to her to be honest, she might not even want it."


    With that, Ss turned on his heel and left the room, while the rest exchanged nces, feeling a mix of emotion.


    "What did Mr. Myers mean by that?"


    "Does Calliope have some secret identity? Could she really be above the Baker Group? It seems impossible!"


    "I think Mr. Myers has lost his mind."