"Our rtionship with Grandpa was never great. Honestly, it''s not weird that he left everything to you. It makes sense."


    "I don''t think Grandpa did anything wrong. And I don''t think you did, either. He gave it to you, so it''s yours. I think he really saw you as his granddaughter, for real."


    Ulysses looked at Calliope.


    "I know you''re mad at the whole family. I''m not here for forgiveness. I just want you to know where I stand. I''m on your side."<fn1c71> The rightful source is f?ndnovel</fn1c71>


    "Really, you don''t have to worry. I''m always with you. I''ll try to talk to the family, too. I won''t let them drag your name through the mud."


    Ulysses gazed at Calliope for a long moment.


    Calliope shot him an indifferent look and said, "You done? If you are, I''m leaving. Don''t bother me again."


    "Yeah."


    As Calliope walked away, Ulysses couldn''t help but follow, half wanting to say more but holding back.


    Calliope got in her car, ignored himpletely, and just drove off.


    Ulysses watched as her car disappeared down the street, letting out a long, weary sigh. He knew there was no fixing things between Calliope and the Jewell family now. That bridge had burned for good.


    When Calliope got home, Ss was already there. She opened the door to see him in the kitchen, tying on an apron.


    "Babe, help me with this?" Ss called out.


    Calliope walked over, tied the apron strings for him, then wrapped her arms around his waist and looked up at him.


    Ss met her gaze, and in the next second, they were kissing-long and deep.


    After a while, both of them started thinking about things other than dinner.


    "Still wanna cook?" Ss asked, halfughing, half exasperated.


    "Yep." Calliope grinned, gave him another big kiss, and said, "I''m gonna hop in the shower. You cook!"


    "Deal."


    hismiled, trying to keep


    he headed into the


    kitchen. He busted himself making all of Calliope''s favorite dishes.  s


    Just as he finished, Calliope came downstairs, hair still damp, in fresh clothes.


    "Wow! These are all my favorites!"


    She lit up at the sight of the food.


    "Only the best for my girl," Ss replied, beaming. "Come sit. Let''s eat.”


    They sat together, Ss served her a generous helping of everything, thendled her a bowl of soup.


    Calliope took a sip and closed her eyes in delight. "This is amazing!"


    She looked at Ss and dered, "My husband is the best chef in the world!"


    "Then eat up." Ss gave her a loving look. "I made plenty."


    They chatted andughed as they ate, enjoying each other''spany. Just as they were finishing up, Calliope''s phone rang.


    It was Portia.


    Calliope answered while Ss started clearing the table, giving her a fond smile as he did.


    Portiaunched right in, her voice brimming with outrage about the Jewell family. "Callie, have you seen what''s all over social media?"


    "They''re absolute jerks! Spreading rumors that you pretended to be the Jewell family''s daughter, saying you stole Kermit''s inheritance, even implying you had something to do with his death!"  s


    "And the worst part? All these idiots online are eating it up, taking their sidel Seriously, are people really this stupid?"  s