"That poison?” Nigel had heard of it—it was infamous for a reason. He never imagined that someone would use it against him. Who could have done this? And with such ruthless intent? In a way, this was even crueler than killing him outright.


    “That''s some vicious stuff," Calliope remarked. “You must''ve really crossed someone―or did something awful for someone to go this far."


    “Lucky for you, I happened to be here. You were only just poisoned, so the antidote worked easily enough.” She paused, her tone turning serious. “But if it had gone on any longer, there would''ve been permanent damage irreversible harm to your nerves and brain."


    She continued briskly, “I know you''re not the type to want to owe anyone, so I''ll just bill you my usual rate for this. Just transfer the payment to my ount." Calliope sent him her bank details and the standard price list. "You should have it on your phone now."


    "This is to clear out the remaining toxins." She handed him a small porcin bottle. "Take one pill a day for three days. You''ll be fine after that."


    Nigel epted the vial, hesitated, then nced at her. "Thanks."


    "No need to thank me. It''s a business transaction, after all,” Calliope replied coolly. "You''re all set. We''ll be leaving now."


    With that, she didn''t linger. She simply motioned to Damien, and together they left. Nigel stayed behind, likely lost in thought, trying to piece together who''d poisoned him and why.


    On the way back to her room, Calliope nced at Damien. "Did you report this to Mr. Myers yet?" she asked.


    Damien jumped, startled. "What?"


    "I treated his rival," Calliope said evenly. “I just saved Nigel''s life. Aren''t you going to tell Mr. Myers?"


    Damien faltered, visibly unsure of where this was headed. Was she using him? Testing him? Or just gauging his reaction?


    He finally managed, "Honestly, I didn''t think it needed to be reported. It''s not that big a deal. Besides, I''m on your side, ma''am. You don''t have to worry-I''d never betray you Mr. Myers actually told me himself that if there were ever a conflict between you and him, I should always take your side."


    Calliope blinked, taken aback. "He said that?"


    Damien nodded earnestly. "He did. He said from now on, we answer to you-and we should always listen to you first."


    She was silent for a moment, absorbing the words. Then she told him, "You don''t have to tell Mr. Myers about this. I''ll handle it myself."


    Damien shot her a look of surprise.


    "You don''t trust me?"


    "It''s not that," he said quickly. "It''spletely your call whether to report for not Even if you don''t say a word, I wouldn''t either-it isn''t my ce."


    She regarded him briefly, her expression unreadable. "Alright. Go get some rest."


    Back in her room, Calliope put her things away. Moving quietly, she stepped out onto the balcony and pulled out her phone. She hesitated for a moment, then dialed Ss


    The phone rang and rang, but he didn''t answer.


    She set her phone down and settled on the balcony for a while, hoping he''d return


    the call. But time passed, and there was no response from Ss.


    Her brow furrowed.


    She tried his number again, but still nothing.