They had told her that if there was any misunderstanding, she should talk things out with Calliope directly. It struck her how much her father seemed to care about Calliope-far more than she wasfortable with. It was as if, in their eyes, Calliope could do no wrong and all of the me fell to her. Her parents had never been like this before; they''d always ced their trust in her, believed in her no matter what.


    "What are you looking at?" Lisette''s gaze followed Blythe''s line of sight and quickly realized Blythe was staring at Jett and Mrs. White-who, in turn, seemed entirely preupied with Calliope.


    Lisette narrowed her eyes. She suddenly gave Blythe a sly smile. "Blythe, didn''t your parents always say how much they love you? Because, honestly, it doesn''t really look like it from here."


    Blythe''s attention snapped to her. She turned sharply toward Lisette, her voice cold and clipped. "What''s that supposed to mean?"


    “It''s just..... during that whole bet between you and Calliope, I kept hearing them praise her. And ever since, I keep noticing them watching her, acting so interested in everything she does." Lisette''s voice grew softer, almost conspiratorial. "And, you know, isn''t it strange how much Calliope and Mrs. White look alike?"


    Lisette let her eyes linger meaningfully on Blythe. "To an outsider, you could almost mistake Calliope for their real daughter.”


    A cold spike of adrenaline hit Blythe, hardening her resolve. "Are you trying to pit me against my parents?" she demanded.


    Lisette slipped her arm through Blythe''s. "No, of course not," she said smoothly. "Blythe, I honestly worry about you. Everyone knows you''re not the Whites'' biological daughter-you''re not rted by blood. Mr. and Mrs. White, they admire strength, don''t they? They adopted you and treated you well because you''re capable and bring them prestige. But what if someonees along who''s even more like the daughter they always wanted? Someone who makes them prouder than you ever could. Isn''t it possible they''d start to favor her instead?"


    She gave a littleugh, but her tone was sharp. "Don''t tell me it''s about love. Blood or not, you''re still not their own. I''m adopted too, you know The Jewell family took me in, but know perfectly well if ever mess up they could toss me aside in a heartbeat."


    Lisette''s words gnawed at Blythe, feeding an insecurity that was already there, making it impossible to ignore. Now, her anxiety was almost overwhelming. She needed to take action.


    "How''s that guy we arranged-Robert? Are you sure he''s actually going to do it?" Blythe whispered to Lisette.


    "Rx. I''ve made all the


    arrangements. He has no idea


    Calliope''s background, so he''ll


    definitely target her. He''s


    wheel


    reckless-he''ll do whatever it takes. Calliope doesn''t stand a chance this time."


    "Good," Blythe said, nodding firmly.


    At that moment, Jett and Mrs. White made their way over to Calliope. Before either


    of them could say a word, someone stepped forward, mistaking Calliope for their daughter.


    "Mr. White, Mrs. White, it''s an honor to finally meet you. Is this your daughter? She''s the very image of her mother."


    Standing just a few feet away, Blythe and Lisette could hear every word loud and clear.