Of course Lisette remembered exactly how she used to get under Calliope''s skin back in the day.


    But hearing Calliope''s words now? She felt her face flush green with


    embarrassment.


    She didn''t dare throw a tantrum, though. She understood perfectly well: if you were the favorite, you could get away with a little drama, and people would rush tofort you. But if you weren''t? Any attitude just made everyone annoyed with you.


    So Lisette just forced a smile and said lightly, "Oh, that''s on me. No big deal. I mean, I''ve already had family photos taken before, but Callie''s never had the chance. She totally deserves it.”


    "After all, I''m not really family. People should care more about Callie anyway."


    She smiled again, ying the same old game. Usually, this kind of self-pity would have everyone rushing to her side, showering her with sympathy, and then they''d all turn on Calliope, scolding her for being unkind.


    But this time... nothing. No one took her side.


    Even Ss, sitting nearby, looked straight at her and asked, "So, is this what you used to do? Always ying the victim and getting my wife in trouble with the family?"


    "What''s your point with all this? Are you saying the Jewell family never treated you right? You think we all owe you something? That just because you were adopted, everyone should bend over backwards for you?"


    Ss''s words were sharp as a knife.


    Lisette''s cheeks burned and she couldn''t say a word.


    After a tense pause, she took a deep breath and managed, "That''s not what I meant at all, Mr. Myers, you''ve got it wrong!"


    "I honestly just feel like I''m only the adopted one here. Callie''s the real daughter and she deserves more attention. I mean, I''ve never


    expected much. As long as I''ve got a on my te, I''m honestly grateful


    roof over my head and fool


    She gave them her most sincere smile. Of course, it was all for show.


    Ss just scoffed, not bothering to answer.


    Lisette kept quiet. She knew as long as Ss was around, even if the Jewell family wanted to defend her, they''d always put Calliope first. After all, Calliope was Ss''s wife, her position was special.


    Realizing she was fighting a losing battle, Lisette wisely held her tongue.


    At dinner, everyone crowded around the table. tes of roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans passed from hand to hand. But everyone was eager to serve Calliope, piling her te high, while Lisette was left to fend for herself.


    For the first time, Lisette truly felt what it was like to be left out. She swallowed her feelings, kept her head down, and got through the meal.


    Afterwards, she slipped quietly back to her room. She knew hanging around wouldn''t change anything. With Ss here, everyone''s attention was glued to Calliope. They liked Calliope more, and wanted to impress Ss while he was watching.


    Meanwhile, Ss and Calliope lingered in the living room for a while.


    Monty and the others sat with them,


    feeling the tension in the air, but nobody dared to say much. They sipped coffee, made some small talk, but Ss was the strong, silent type. He just listened, his presence alone filling the room. He had a way about him that made you feel like you were sitting with the CEO of a Fortune 500pany.


    Thankfully, Ss didn''t stay long. Not muchter, he and Calliope disappeared upstairs.


    As soon as they were gone, Monty wiped the sweat from his brow and let out a huge sigh of relief.


    "Whew, thank goodness, they finally went upstairs! Do you think Mr. Myers is nning to stay with us for a while?"