"That Calliope, huh? She''s got quite the reputation. Rumor has it she didn''t even finish school before getting expelled. No degree, no decent job, and when she tried working for the Jewell Group, they kicked her out."


    "Let''s drop it, okay? Mr. Myers must have his reasons. Let''s not say too much."


    "Yeah, Mr. Myers seems to fancy her. Maybe she''s just got a way with men!"


    Even though no one thought much of Calliope, they didn''t dare say more considering how protective Ss was of her.


    Calliope, well aware of the murmurs, didn''t really care. She calmly sat in the office, munching on an apple while asionally ncing at Kelda, who just wrapped things up.


    Kelda, unable to let it go, stared at Calliope. "I don''t see what''s so special about you, besides being a bit pretty. But Ss doesn''t strike me as the shallow type. Surely, he sees more than just looks."


    Not minding Kelda''s gaze, Calliope raised an eyebrow. "Whatever the case, you still owe me three favors."


    "Ugh!" Kelda huffed. "Fine, what do you want?"


    "Haven''t decided yet. But once I think of some, you''ll be the first to know," Calliope said with a smile.


    "I''m warning you, don''t push it." Kelda shot Calliope a stare before turning to leave.


    A short whileter, the door swung open. Calliope assumed it was Ss, but as she nced up, she saw Gideon.


    "Uncle..."


    Gideon barely started when his gaze settled on Calliope; he was momentarily stunned, frowning, surprise Calliope was in Ss''s office.


    "What are you doing here?" Gideon asked, displeasure evident in his tone.


    "Is it so strange for me to be in my husband''s office? He even said he might hand over thepany to me," Calliope replied, taking another bite of her apple and eyeing Gideon.


    "What?" Gideon looked at her, disbelief written all over his face. "Hand thepany over to you? Are you dreaming? Do you think my uncle is a fool?"


    "He''s no fool, but he did say that," Calliope shrugged. "He''s a good man. Much better than you, at least."


    "You..." Gideon inhaled sharply. "My


    uncle is just stringing you along. The Baker Group doesn''t even bear his What makes you t


    t it to you?" Content Can


    He stepped closer, towering over Calliope. "Calliope, my uncle will tire of you soon enough. Don''t be so smug."


    "Am I being smug?" Calliope said innocently, "I don''t feel it at all."


    "You came here just to unt your status, didn''t you?" Gideon chuckled. "You think being Mrs. Myers will earn you respect? No one will like you e


    You have no background, no


    education, no skills. My uncle''s interest in you is just a passing fancy. And others wouldn''t eveny an eye on you.


    Everyone''s waiting for the day you be theughingstock. They''re all waiting to see you ditched. And the Baker Group has nothing to do with you!"


    Gideon leaned in, his face inches from Calliope''s. His eyes locked onto hers, and he felt his heart race with an unfamiliar impulse.


    There was a voice in his mind - kiss her.


    Her lips looked so inviting, soft and tempting... His uncle must have tasted them, right?


    Yet, despite having dated her for so long back in the day, he realized he never had the chance.