Calliope listened to Portia''s words with an unusual calmness. She quickly pieced it together in her mind. It was likely Lisette was spreading rumors.


    Weren''t these the same things the Jewell brothers had told her back in the day? Lisette misled them, and they took the bait.


    Now, Lisette had fed the same misinformation to Ss and stered it all over social media.


    It was baffling. Calliope had left the Jewell family, and none of the brothers had stood by her. So what was Lisette''s endgame here? What more did she want?


    Ss was already up to speed on the situation as Calliope hung up. He scrolled through the online chatter, his strikingly handsome face turning as dark as a thundercloud.


    He nced sideways at Calliope.


    Calliope remained remarkablyposed. She offered Ss a small smile. "You''ve seen it too?"


    "Lisette''s handiwork, right?" Ss asked, frowning as if ready to confront Lisette. "Most likely," Calliope replied. "You trust me, don''t you?"


    "Of course," Ss replied without hesitation.


    "Then we''re good," Calliope said lightly.


    "Do you want me to get this taken down?" Ss asked, his brows knit in concern.


    She wasn''t angry, which was a relief, but those rumors were far from ideal. Even if she could brush it off, its sheer volume could have some impact.


    "No need," Calliope said. "If we try to erase it, people will think I''m scared and guilty and trying to hide something."


    "But we can''t let it spiral out of control," Ss said, narrowing his eyes.


    me,"


    "I know. I''ll need to gather evidence and get some folks to vouch for Calliope mused. "Problems need solutions, and ignoring it isn''tone."


    AQUMS


    II


    She needed time. As long as the people she cared about believed her, she didn''t mind the noise.


    Her clear and resolute eyes met Ss''s. "I''m fine. As long as you don''t care, neither do I."


    "Okay," Ss said, gently ruffling her hair. "Let me know if you need help."


    "Will do." Calliope nodded firmly.


    The rumors about Calliope spread like wildfire By dawn, she was trending at the top of social media outpacing the hottest celebrities likely due to being the wife of Capitalton''s wealthiest man, Ss.


    In the morning, Calliope and Ss sat across from each other at the breakfast table.


    While sipping her coffee, Calliope skimmed through the vitriol directed her way.


    [This Calliope, I can''t believe how filthy she is!]


    [What trick did she use to snag Ss?]


    [I used to


    with Ss, but now I''m convinced


    ink nothing of her being


    she used some witchcraft!]


    [Yeah, how could he fall for someone like her?]


    [She''s got some nerve. Ss is my dream guy!]


    [Unbelievable. Calliope must have some real guts to hook up with those old guys!]


    [I''d gag just looking at those old guys, and she can sleep with them? All for money, huh?]