Calliope regarded Oliver with an unreadable expression. She didn''t bother to exin herself or justify anything. Her gaze was cool, almost icy, as she studied Oliver. She waspletelyposed, unppable even.


    Oliver was the kind of man who could fill a room with his presence, a natural leader, someone people instinctively respected or, more often, feared. Years of power had given him an intimidating air. Most people would have felt a chill just being in the same room as him.


    But Calliope wasn''t most people. She remained calm, almost detached, looking at him for a long moment before she finally spoke up.


    “I wouldn''t rmending to me or to Ss for anything,” she said, her voice steady. "There''s nothing for you here, Oliver. Not anymore. You were the one who turned your back on Ss. Don''t expect him to wee you with open arms. He''s not a fool. He knows who''s in his corner and who isn''t."


    "You abandoned him, and now he''s more than capable of standing on his own. He doesn''t need you. So, what are you hoping to get out of this?"


    Calliope popped a slice of orange into her mouth, chewing as she watched Oliver fall silent.


    He tried a different tactic. "I could give you a lot, you know. I could give you more than you think. Money, for starters. I know that matters to people like you. All you have to do is leave Ss, and the money''s yours. Whether Ss chooses toe back to me after, well, that''s between him and me. You''ll be out of the picture."


    Calliope raised an eyebrow, amused. "How much are we talking?"


    "At least seven figures," Oliver replied smoothly. "You could take that money and show up your family to make them regret ever treating you the way they did. I know your folks have never been your biggest fans. You need this, don''t you?"


    Calliopeughed, a clear, ringing sound. "Seven figures is a pretty big deal for most people, even the Jewell family. But honestly? That''s less than I spend on a weekend. And Ss earns more than that in a single day. Surely you did your research beforeing here?"


    "So, let me get this straight. You''re offering me a one-time buyout, but Ss brings in that kind of money every single day. Are you bad at math or do you just think I am? Or


    and easily bought?"


    maybe you assume I''m


    Her stare was razor-sharp, but she never once backed down.


    Oliver had expected her to be easy to sway. Instead, he found himself facing someone shrewd and unppable, someone who was more than a match for him.


    That realization made his temper re. He''d never been a patient man.


    His demeanor shifted instantly, his face hardened, his voice dropped cold. "Listen, kid. You think I''m here to negotiate? You think if I don''t pay, I can''t get you away from Ss? I''m just offering you a chance to deave with a little dignity, that''s all."


    Calliope grinned. "Is that so? Well, go ahead, Oliver. Show me what you''ve got. Let''s see if you really have a way to make me leave my husband."


    "Seven figures? Please. You''re seriously underestimating me. If you really want me gone, you''d better be prepared to cough up at least half your worth."


    "But even half of what you''re worth doesn''te close to Ss''s value. He''s young, talented, and only going to get richer and more powerful. Why would I sell my shares while it''s stiff on the rise? I''m not stupid."


    Calliope''s eyes glittered as she stared him down. She couldn''t help but think Oliver was seriously delusional.


    After everything he''d done to Ss—all that pain, even trying to ruin him—he actually thought he could just waltz back in and expect Ss toe running back. It was almostughable.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!