After dinner, the house buzzed with life as everyone started to unwind. Some gathered around the poker table, while others dove into board games and charades. Soon enough, Calista and Dahlia Baker joined the fun, making the living room even more lively.


    Ss found himself roped into a game by Quentin and his two brothers.


    While the four of them settled into the game room, Archie sidled up to Calliope, curiosity written all over his face. "What''s going on in there? It looks like they''re about to start a brawl or something."


    Calliope nced in Ss''s direction and shrugged. "My brothers are probably just putting him through the wringer a bit."


    Archie raised a brow. "A test, huh? They must really care about you. Guess they''re worried he''s not good enough?"


    Calliope nodded. "Yeah, they''re not convinced Ss is the right fit for me yet. So, they want to see what he''s made of."


    But honestly, she figured Ss would pass with flying colors. He was as capable as theye―kind, smart, and pretty much a jack-of-all-trades. From what she''d seen, he ticked all her brothers'' boxes.


    And when it came to cards? Well, Ss was a beast. She''d watched him y before. His poker face was unbeatable. Not only did he have insane luck, but his knack for calcting odds was out of this world. He''d win every single hand, no matter who he yed against.


    Sure enough, it didn''t take long before Quentin and the others started to look downright defeated in the game room. These were guys who usually cleaned up at any game night, but up against Ss, it was like they''d forgotten all the rules. They just couldn''t catch a break. All three sat there, staring at their hands, looking utterly deted.


    "How on earth is this possible?" Norton muttered.


    "You''re not cheating, are you?" he asked, giving Ss a skeptical once-over.


    Ss grinned. "Nope. Even if I tried, I''d never get one over on you three. You''d spot it instantly."


    Quentin sighed in agreement. "Fair point.”


    Julius piped up, "You drink, right? Let''s have a few. Nothing else to do tonight anyway."


    Ss looked game for anything. "Sure thing. I''m up for whatever you throw at me."


    Truth be told, Quentin and the others


    were hoping to test more than Ss''s card skills. They wanted to see how he held his liquor. And, if they were lucky, maybe coax some secrets out of him. After all, there''s an old saying: in vino veritas. Cóntent


    They still weren''t totally convinced he was telling the truth before, even after that whole hypnosis thing Some people just can''t be


    Snotized, after all.


    So, after leaving the game room, the guys settled into the den.


    Julius pulled out a selection of strong whiskey, bourbon, and vodka.


    "Going for a drinking contest?" Archie asked around the lollipop he was munching, eyeing the group with disbelief.


    "Looks like it," Calliope replied, frowning just a little.


    Dahlia chimed in, “Uncle Ss can definitely hold his liquor. But is this a good idea?"


    "Are they going to overdo it?" Calista worried, ncing over at Ss. "Three against one..."


    Calliope watched them, thoughtful. It did seem a bit unfair. But she


    doubted she could talk any of them out of it, and she trusted her


    brothers not to push Ss too far.


    They knew their limits. Or at least, she hoped they did.