chapter930

"Why not?" Nigel protested at once, looking deeply aggrieved. "What's so wrong with me?"

"It's not about something being wrong," Calliope replied coolly, giving him a once- over. I simply don't like you. Why would I choose you? Sure, you're good-looking, well-off, and accomplished-but I want for nothing. If I want a handsome guy, I can find one. Money? I've got plenty. Ability? I don't rely on anyone for that."

The truth was, her heart already belonged to Silas. Maybe Silas would ultimately leave her for that other woman, but her own feelings couldn't just vanish overnight.

Calliope felt a cold knot tighten in her chest at the thought of Silas with another

woman.

She didn't want to go on talking to Nigel.

"I'm tired. I need to rest," she said, voice clipped. "You should go back, too."

She didn't give him a chance for another word, turning away and heading straight to her room.

Nigel lingered outside her door for a long moment, then turned to Leland, who stood quietly nearby. What does Silas have that I don't? Does she really not care for me at all?"

"You're the best, sir!" Leland said with conviction.

Nigel stared at him, then shook his head, clearly doubting the value of Leland's opinion.

Calliope had assumed Lisette would be laying low for the night especially after drinking too much and suffering such a humiliating scene. But she had underestimated just how persistent Lisette could be.

Sometime past midnight, Calliope's phone buzzed with a message from Lisette. Apparently, she had something 'important' she just had to discuss.

Portia, still awake, noticed Calliope checking her phone and rolled over. "Who's texting you?"

Lisette, I think, Calliope replied.

Portia snorted. "She's texting you now? Hasn't she embarrassed herself enough tonight? That crazy witch-she honestly deserves to be taken down a peg."

Calliope smirked. "Relax. The drug should be hitting her any minute now."

Portia blinked, curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?" Was Calliope actually saying she'd slipped Lisette something?

That would make things interesting.

Calliope shrugged. When she tried to drug me at dinner, I got to her first. She and

Blythe White thought they could set me up but I saw through it.

Portia's eyes widened in delight. "Wait, you figured out her whole scheme?"

Calliope nodded. "Every detail."

"And you turned the tables on

Portia nearly bounced with

excitement. "This is brilliant!

vel

Whatever she tries, you're reve

pay her back double!"

Portia sat up, fired up now. "So, what's your plan? I'm in!

"First, Portia pressed, "what exactly was she planning for you? Need me to find more backup?"

"Whatever it was, we are not letting Lisette get away with it," Portia said with a steely glint in her eyes. "She tried to ruin you? Let's see how she feels when her reputation is in shambles."

Calliope's expression hardened. She wanted Robert Goldman to cause trouble for

me," she said evenly. "I'm going to see her first."

She paused, thinking it through. "I'lK text you when it's time. Gather a crowd, especially Valerian Jewell and a few of the best gossips you can find you know who I mean."

"Done. I'm on it!" Portia gave a sharp, confident nod and squeezed Calliope's hand.

"She picked the wrong day to mess with us."