Gideon lunged toward Calliope, his intentions clear as day. Just as he was about to kiss her, Calliope''s hand flew up,nding a sharp p across his face.


    She didn''t stop there. With a swift kick, she sent Gideon flung heavily to the floor, leaving him utterly bewildered.


    As hey there, trying to gather his scattered thoughts, the office door swung open.


    Ss strode in, his expression darkening dangerously at the sight of Gideon on the ground.


    "What are you doing?" his voice boomed across the room.


    Gideon''s heart raced, pounding so hard it felt like it might jump right out of his chest. Nervously ncing


    at Calliope, his eyes darting cunningly, he quickly concocted a story while his mind was still in a whirl. "Uncle Ss, I... I just slipped!"


    "Slipped, huh?" Ss turned his gaze to Calliope, eyebrows raised in question.


    Calliope shot Gideon a sideways nce, recognizing the panic and silent threat in his eyes. She smirked slightly and nodded at Ss. "Yeah, he did."


    With Calliope''s confirmation, Ss let it slide. He handed her a small box with a gentle smile, "Callie, I bought a cupcake for you just now. I remember you saying it''s your favorite."


    "Thanks." Calliope, ever the well-behaved one, took the cupcake and nibbled on it.


    Ss returned to his desk and summoned Gideon over.


    "So, what brings you here?"


    Gideon, still rattled, stole another nce at Calliope, feeling the lingering cold sweat on his back as he was so frightened of Calliope telling on him. He wasn''t sure why he''d acted so impulsively, but he was both angry and inexplicably drawn to securing that kiss.


    After thest nce at her, he turned and approached Ss.


    "Uncle Ss," Gideon paused as if pondering over something, and then pulled out a document. "Here''s the guest list I made for my wedding. Grandpa wanted you to check if anyone''s missing."


    ncing up at Gideon, Ss took the list and scanned it briefly, adding a few names on it.


    "That''s it," Ss said. "Make sure these additional folks are invited; they''re important business contacts." "Got it," Gideon nodded. He lingered, unsure whether to leave.


    Ss, sensing this, studied him for a moment before asking, "You''re still here. Anything else on your mind?"


    "No..." Gideon hesitated, then remembered, "Oh, yes. Yvette''s parents areing over for dinner tomorrow. Grandpa insists you both join us."


    He secretly hoped Ss and Calliope wouldn''t attend, but since it was his grandfather''s requirement, there was no much he could interfere.


    He gazed at Ss, hoping thetter would decline. In his opinion, having him, his parents and grandfather join the dinner would be suffice.


    But Ss, who was always tied up at work with no free time to spare, didn''t refuse it this time, and instead, he agreed without hesitation.


    "Sure, just send me the details. I''ll be there on time."


    "Alright."


    Gideon felt a mix of frustration and resignation, He knew Calliope''s background wasn''t the best, but Yvette''s was even less impressive He was well aware of her parents'' situation. Tomorrow''s dinner could turn embarrassing, but he had no choice.


    As he turned to leave, Gideon nced at Calliope once more. She sat there, radiating grace and


    elegance, even in casual attire.ne


    exuding an aura of refined poise that seemed so effortless.