His face was strikingly handsome, and there was a devilish smirk ying on his


    lips.


    "Well, well, well, if it isn''t my lifesaver! Long time no see!"


    Nigel Howell made his way over to Calliope''s side. "Heard you were dining here, so I just had to drop by and say hello!"


    Calliope just blinked at him.


    Nigel pulled out the chair next to her, crossing his long legs casually, and raised his wine ss in Monty''s direction.


    "Hey there, are the Jewell family folks giving my lifesaver a hard time again? What''s the deal? Do you think my lifesaver looks like an easy target? How exactly are you nning to mess with her, huh?"


    Nigel''s presence was somanding that the entire private dining room seemed to shrink a little under his gaze.


    With just a few words, he had Monty and his group looking a little pale.


    Monty quickly stered on a smile and said, "Mr. Howell, you must be joking. Callie is my daughter. Why would we ever bully her? We''re here because she wanted to dine at this club."


    Nigel''s gaze settled on Calliope. "My lifesaver wants to eat here, and she needs you to bring her? I doubt that."


    Monty was momentarily taken aback.


    "If my lifesaver wants to dine here, she only needs to give me a call! Besides, doesn''t she have a husband who frequents this club? Come to think of it, my lifesaver seems to have some pretty deep connections here too!"


    Nigel''s eyes sparkled with amusement as he looked at Calliope. He was clearly enjoying himself.


    His words left Monty at a loss for what to say.


    Horatio, standing to the side, chimed in, "Mr. Howell, this is just a family matter. No need for you to trouble yourself. We''re just having dinner. I''ll make sure to toast youter!"


    Nigel narrowed his eyes, that smirk still on his face. "And who do you think you are, offering me a toast? Don''t tell me you''re trying to cozy up to me? Looking to ride on my coattails, are we?"


    Horatio was left speechless. This guy had a sharp tongue that made any conversation tough to navigate.


    Just then, Zelda and Valerian


    returned. Zelda seemed calmer now


    ''n''


    but her expression shifted when she saw Nigel. She wasn''t sure who Nigel was here for, but knowing his reputation, she greeted him


    swarmly.


    "Mr. Howell, what brings you to our little gathering?"


    Nigel replied, "Certainly not here to see you, old witch."


    Zelda''s face turned pale.


    “Is there something you need, Mr. Howell?" Valerian asked as he took a seat, ncing from Monty to Nigel.


    "Just saying hello to my lifesaver." Nigel reached over and yfully ruffled Calliope''s hair, leaving it a mess.


    He chuckled, "Look at that, now you''re a little scruffy pup! How adorable! My lifesaver, through and through!"


    Calliope shot Nigel a re. "What''s your problem? Hands off!"


    "I didn''t touch anything I shouldn''t have, so why the fuss?" Nigel said with a mock-


    pout, his gaze dropping yfully.


    Calliope gave him a fierce look.


    "So fierce and adorable," Nigel


    teased with a grin. "If Ss ever lets


    you go, give me a call. I''ll marry you


    swor


    myself!"


    Calliope rolled her eyes.


    "I should head out. But remember, if anyone gives you trouble,e find me,


    okay, my dear lifesaver?"