Calliope and her friends had just wrapped up a round of games, and everyone was in high spirits. But after all the sparklers and firecrackers, they were all a little worse for wear, singed hair and all.


    So, when the fun started winding down, they decided to head back to the hotel.


    As they strolled up the sidewalk, Calliope spotted Ulysses standing by the entrance. He was alone, and honestly, he was the best-looking one in the Jewell family, no surprise, considering he was a celebrity. The way he carried himself, he was impossible to ignore.


    For some reason, Calliope had a feeling Ulysses was there for her. Oddly enough, none of the other Jewells hade looking for her.


    In truth, Ulysses was thest person she expected to see. He''d never liked her much; he''d always been fiercely protective of Lisette, and his attitude towards Calliope had been downright cold in the past.


    The more she thought about it, the more convinced she became: Ulysses wasn''t here to plead or make peace. No, knowing him, he was probably here to chew her out because he couldn''t stand seeing his family try to win her over.


    Calliope kept her face neutral, but her mind was whirring. She nced at Ulysses, then quickly looked away, deliberately ignoring him. If he was nning to give her a lecture, she wasn''t about to stick around for it.


    Ss and the rest of the gang walked with Calliope, joking around and chatting like nothing was out of the ordinary. Of course, they all noticed Ulysses, but not one of them gave him the time of day.


    It wasn''t until they were right up at the hotel doors that Ulysses finally stepped in their path, looking more conflicted than she''d ever seen him.


    "Callie, can I talk to you for a minute?"


    As soon as he said it, he caught the protectiveness in Ss and the guys'' eyes, a definite ''back off'' vibe. Ulysses hastily added, "Callie, just want to talk. I swear, I''m not here to start anything or yell at you. I mean it."  sw?ovel


    There was something almost pleading in his gaze, which was a far cry from his usual arrogant demeanor.


    It was so out of character, Calliope found herself wondering if he was acting. He was an actor, after all.


    "Just give me five minutes," Ulysses said. "That''s all I''m asking. I promise, it won''t take long."


    Then he turned to Ss. "Mr. Myers, please."


    He looked at Quentin and the others as well. "Mr. Sutton, Mr. Shepherd, Mr. Quillen, please."


    He looked so earnest that even Quentin and the guys were momentarily thrown


    off. They exchanged a few nces, unsure what to say.


    Finally, Quentin spoke up, steady as ever. "If you want to talk to Callie, that''s up to her. It''s her decision, not ours."


    Ulysses nodded, his expression


    serious. I''m not asking you to make


    the call for her. I just wanted to show some respect. I know Callie cares about your opinions. You''re important to her."


    He hesitated, then added, "Even if she wanted to talk to me, if you didn''t agree, she wouldn''t do it get it, nobody in the Jewell family means much to her."


    He looked resigned, making it clear he wasn''t here to beg or cause a scene.


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


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!