"Drugged?" Nigel blinked at Calliope, his vision swimming. He rubbed his temples harder, trying to focus, but Calliope''s face kept splitting into two distinct images.


    Calliope sighed, exasperated by his rapid deterioration. "Come with me, Mr. Howell. We need to get you out of here."


    Seeing him swaying dangerously on his feet, she grabbed his arm and pulled him toward the exit, supporting a good portion of his weight.


    As they were leaving the bar, she caught sight of Lisette in the distance, phone raised, recording them. Their eyes met for a second across the crowded room. Lisette''s hand trembled slightly, but she quickly reced her shock with a triumphant smirk.


    "Cozying up to Nigel Howell? Ss is going to lose his mind when he sees this," Lisette sneered to herself. "Once I send this video to him, she''s finished."


    Beside her, Blythe watched them leave with narrowed eyes. "Why would she be with Nigel?"


    Earlier, she had seen Calliope mingling effortlessly with that elite group—a circle Blythe had been trying to break into for years without sess, despite her status as a daughter of the White family. Yet Calliope, with her questionable background, was right in the thick of it. It was infuriating.


    Blythe was used to being the best, to never being surpassed. The thought that Calliope was now outdoing her in social circles left a bitter taste in her mouth. She couldn''t let this upstart get ahead of her.


    Lisette nced at Blythe, a thoughtful look on her face. "Calliope saved Nigel''s life recently, so he probably feels grateful. Otherwise, how could someone like her ever get close to him? Besides, everyone knows Nigel and Ss are sworn enemies."


    She let out a derisiveugh. "Calliope must be desperate to cling to him now that Ss is busy. Who does she think she is, that every powerful man should fall at her feet?"


    Blythe frowned but said nothing more, her mind racing.


    Meanwhile, Calliope had just managed to drag Nigel outside the hotel bar when they ran headlong into his assistant, Lnd, and Ss''s


    Yet


    man, Damien. Damien had s''s


    sent


    to find Calliope, while Lnd was searching for his wayward boss. They had collided at the entrance, and were already locked in a loud dispute.


    Seeing Calliope and Nigel together, practically hanging off each other, escted the situation instantly.


    "Mr. Howell!" Lnd cried out, rushing forward. "Sir, what''s wrong with you?"


    "Ma''am, what are you doing with Nigel Howell Damien demanded, his brow furrowed in disapproval. "Mr. Myers and he are arch-rivals! You need to stay away from him.


    That man is nothing but trouble He


    stepped forward, trying to pull


    Calliope away from Nigel


    Lnd was instantly incensed, stepping between them. "What''s that supposed to mean? There''s nothing wrong with Mr. Howell! How dare you call him trouble, youpdog!"


    "He''s not a good person, and you know it! His business methods are ruthless. Are you seriously going to stand there and call him a saint? I''ve never seen a decent person act the way he does!" Damien shot back. "Ma''am, let''s keep our distance. We shouldn''t get involved with their mess."


    "You think we want to be anywhere near you people?" Lnd retorted, ring at Calliope. "For all I know, it was your ''ma''am'' who threw herself at my boss to gain leverage!"


    Before Lnd could finish his usation, Nigel pped him weakly on the shoulder. "Quiet down, you idiot. I invited her. I''ve been poisoned!"