Valerian and his group didn''t look too pleased after hearing what Julius and the others had said.


    Lisette''s expression wasn''t any better, either. She could see it clearly now- Calliope didn''t even have to say what she wanted. If she so much as nced at something, one of her brothers would buy it for her instantly. Ss had even given Calliope everything he owned.


    Meanwhile, Lisette had to bend over backward, ying all sorts of games and acting sweet just to get her brothers to give her a little something. They''d never hand over everything for her, not in a million years.


    Sure, they were nice to her, but only because she worked for it-acting, ying coy, constantly testing the waters. If she let up for a second, the three Jewell brothers would see right through her.


    She looked at Calliope with a burning envy.


    Were her brothers really that amazing? Did they really care about Calliope that much?


    No. Lisette decided right then she''d win those brothers over for herself. Why did Calliope get everyone''s love so easily, while she, Lisette, had to w for scraps?


    She''d finally gotten the Jewell family to care about her, butpared to Calliope''s brothers, they didn''t evene close. Not even in looks. Calliope''s brothers were in another league. Horatio and Ulysses weren''t bad, but next to Quentin and the others? Forget it.


    Why were these guys so good to Calliope? She wasn''t even rted to them by blood.


    Lisette just couldn''t figure it out. She felt bitter. Everything she fought for, Calliope got effortlessly.


    Even Ss. Lisette had tried to get close to Ss before. She''d put in the effort, tried to win his attention. But he''d always brushed her off. Yet he treated Calliope like she was a princess.


    "Calliope, don''t you think you should rein in your so-called brothers a little?" Valerian grumbled, ring at Calliope and her group.


    Then he turned to Lisette, trying to look big and important. "Lisette, don''t worry about it. Whatever she gets, I''ll get for you too!"


    Valerian was determined to keep up, no matter what. If Calliope''s brothers bought her something, he''d do the same for Lisette.


    Horatio and Ulysses didn''t say anything, but they both clearly felt they couldn''t lose face in front of Calliope''s other brothers. If she got fancy gifts, they had to step up and prove their worth, too. If she got closer to those other guys, they''d lose their chance to impress her.


    Calliope raised an eyebrow at Valerian. "You know this ce isn''t cheap, right?"


    The implication was clear. She didn''t think they could afford anything in the shop.


    Valerian''s face went red with anger.


    anted


    Lisette wanted the things in the store too, but she tried her best to act understanding and mature. "It''s fine, Valerian. This ce really is kind of pricey. Let''s just check out another shop. We don''t have to


    But her words only made Valerian more stubborn. He red at Calliope. "What''s


    that supposed to mean? You think we can''t afford it?"


    "Well, I know what you guys make," Calliope replied, shrugging. "This ce is a little out of your league, honestly. Just looking out for you, living beyond your means ist a great idea."


    Valerian''s jaw clenched. He felt insulted. Did she really think she was so special just because she had a few brothers to back her up? Did she think she could just ignore her own brothers now?