Calliope stared at him, speechless at his audacity. After a long moment, she simply turned back to her drink, ignoring him.


    "I''m being serious," Nigel pressed, frowning. Did she think he was incapable of sincerity?


    He didn''t have a particr romantic interest in anyone, so he figured if he were to marry, it should be to someone suitable-someone exceptional and pleasing to the eye. Calliope happened to be that person.


    "Think about it logically. Our gics are both excellent. We would have incredibly brilliant and attractive children. Don''t you want to give it a try with me? Or do you n to stay with Ss, swallowing your pride and living in another woman''s shadow? Even if you''re willing to do that, are you sure he wants you there?"


    Nigel continued, listing several potential scenarios, his tone analytical before concluding with absolute certainty, "I am the best match for you. I''ll treat you exactly how you deserve to be treated. Anything Ss can give you, I can match. We''re equals in standing, I''m arguably better looking, and my capabilities are on par with his. Tell me, what''s not to like? Plus, I don''t have some tragic old me I''m still hung up on."


    "If you''re ever in trouble, I''ll be the first one there to help you. What''s wrong with that arrangement?" he muttered, almost to himself.


    Calliope gave him aplicated look. "There are plenty of women more ''outstanding'' than me in your circles. What makes you think I''m so special?"


    "You''re my type," Nigel stated simply. "From your looks to your fierceness, everything about you appeals to me. I just think you''re the right fit."


    "We''ve met a handful of times. How could you possibly know if I''m your type?" Calliope asked, finding the situation utterly ridiculous.


    "Sometimes, one meeting is all it takes. Call it fate. You saved my life—that proves we''re a good match. You''re my lucky charm. So, what do you say? Will you consider me?"


    Calliope looked at him, her lips twitching between amusement and annoyance. "Not a chance."


    "Really?" Nigel sounded genuinely disappointed. "Why not?"


    "I''m not interested in you, Mr. Howell," she said tly, setting down her ss. "You should consider other candidates. If there''s nothing else, leaving


    "Why not!" he persisted, his brow furrowed hisposure starting to crack. "You said it yourself, we haven''t spent much time together If we did, maybe you''d grow to lik me"


    He sounded almost frantic now, a strange shift from his usual arrogance. Calliope was at a loss for words.


    As she turned to leave, Nigel grabbed her wrist again, looking at her with an unexpectedly pitiable expression. "Am I really not good enough?"


    Calliope slowly pried his fingers off her arm, sensing something was off.


    "Howell, are you drunk?" His behavior was veering wildly out of character.


    "I haven''t had much, but I do feel... strange," Nigel admitted, releasing her and rubbing his temples vigorously. "A little dizzy... and hot."


    Calliope eyed him skeptically. She had been about to walk away, but she hesitated.


    She reached out and grabbed his wrist, her fingers seeking his pulse.


    Her brow furrowed in confusion as she felt the rapid, thready beat. "Mr. Howell don''t tell me a man in your position doesn''t even realize when he''s been drugged."  fo


    That couldn''t be right. Not someone as notoriously cautious as Nigel Howell.