"Go see what their attitude is now," Calliope said casually, sipping her morning coffee at the kitchen table.


    The Jewell family couldn''t really hurt her anymore. Besides, who would turn down a free dinner? She figured she might as well go and enjoy a meal on their dime.


    "Want me to tag along?" Ss asked thoughtfully, leaning against the counter.


    "No need," Calliope replied with a yful grin. "If you go, they''ll just be on their best behavior."


    The Jewells might not be afraid of her, but they definitely feared Ss. In his presence, they''d be nothing but polite. Alone, though, she was curious to see if they''d apologize or double down on their behavior.


    "I''ll pick you upter," Ss said, ruffling her hair affectionately.


    "Sure thing."


    After a moment''s thought, Calliope pulled up Monty''s number from where she''d blocked it and dialed.


    "You mentioned something about apologizing and taking me out to dinner, right?" she asked once Monty answered. "Do I get to choose where?"


    "How about Pearl Tiger Club? I hear their food is to die for. Mind if we go there?" Calliope suggested, picking a ce she knew would make Monty sweat.


    There was a noticeable pause on the other end before Monty replied, clearly taken aback. But, needing her favor, he chuckled nervously and agreed.


    "Of course, Callie! Wherever you want to dine is fine by us!"


    "Great. See you then."


    After hanging up, Monty turned to Zelda, who sat nearby, looking incredulous.


    "Did she say Pearl Tiger Club?" Zelda asked, wide-eyed.


    Pearl Tiger Club was a ce reserved for the elite-definitely not somewhere the average family could afford. Eating there required a VIP card that only a handful of people in the entire city possessed.


    "Doesn''t Lisette have one of those cards?" Monty asked, ncing at Zelda. "You spent a fortune and quite some time getting your hands on that card. Use it to make a reservation."


    "Are you out of your mind? Do you know how much a meal costs there? Is Calliope even worth it?" Zelda''s voice rose in disbelief.


    "If Lisette is worth it, why not Callie? Callie is your biological daughter!" Monty retorted.


    Zelda huffed, "I haven''t considered her my daughter for a long time. Lisette is my real daughter!"


    "But if this dinner can save ourpany, then it''s worth it. Even if it costs millions, keeping thepany means we can make billions!" Monty reasoned.


    "Mom, listen to Dad," Valerian chimed in. "Once Calliope eats, she won''t refuse to help! And as for Horatio''s legs, she''d be obliged to help after such a meal."


    "Let''s do it," Horatio added. "Just treat her well. She''s stubborn and meticulous,


    but if she''s satisfied, she might just lend a hand."


    "I feel sick just thinking about it!" Zelda eximed, her frustration boiling over.


    "Then don''t go," Monty said with a dismissive wave.


    "No way, upstairs.


    I have to be there!" Zelda stormed off to change, fuming all the way