Blythe stormed off in a huff, her cheeks red with fury. Portia matched her stride, side by side, a glint of mischief sparkling in her eyes. “Didn''t see that oneing, did you?” she teased, her tone thick with gossip.


    "You were practically giddy back there, weren''t you? Bet you assumed Callie was the one inside.” Portia''s voice was light and sing-song, and when Blythe picked up her pace, Portia quickened hers too-determined not to let her escape that easily. Blythe shot Portia a poisonous re. "I have no idea what you''re getting at!"


    "Really? Don''t y dumb. You and Lisette came up with this whole scheme to set up Callie, hoping Robert would do the dirty work and ruin her for good. Isn''t that right?” Portia pressed, a sly smirk on her lips. “Not going to admit it? Fine with me. But keep it up, and you might end up just like Lisette."


    "You two are hopeless. Did you really think you could outmaneuver Callie?" Portia gave a mockingugh. "You obviously have no idea who you''re dealing with—she''s in a league of her own. Still, watching you try is honestly the best entertainment I''ve had in ages."


    She leaned a little closer, her voice lowering conspiratorially. "Just picture it: Jett White''s precious daughter caught in a scandal. That would be a lot juicier than what happened to someone as insignificant as Lisette, don''t you think? So, Ms. White, do you have a new n? I''d love to hear it—maybe even offer a little advice."


    Blythe''s chest tightened with anger and dread. She red at Portia, but the seed of fear was already nted. If Calliope could bring Lisette down so spectacrly, there was no telling what she might do in retaliation. Blythe knew she needed to tread carefully now; if Calliope came after her, there might be noing back.


    Portia smirked. "What''s the matter-cat got your tongue?" she poked. "Getting nervous, are you? Afraid of what Callie might do next?"


    "You know, people with guilty consciences tend to lose sleep at night. You should start watching your back. Callie isn''t the type to forgive and forget Robert''s little stunt? Both you and Lisette were involved. Lisette''s out of the picture nów-guess that means you''re next."


    She didn''t let up, her words dripping with mockery. "You two are such close friends, aren''t you? And you do love going after other people''s men. Sharing a guy with your best friend—sounds a lot like your style, doesn''t it?"


    Blythe''s face drained of color. She''d


    seen what Calliope was capable of-if that same wrath turned on her, she could easily be destroyed as well. She would have to be vignt; a single misstep could mean her downfall. This was all Lisette''s fault-stupid, careless gift couldn''t even pull off a basic n and ended up dragging Blythe down too. Idiot!


    Satisfied with her handiwork, Portia finally let Blythe go and headed back to her room. "Callie, I''m back!" she called as she breezed in, hurrying to Calliope''s side.


    Sheunched straight into a breathless retelling, her excitement bubbling over. “You would not believe the scene out there! I don''t think Valerian will ever forgive Lisette —honestly, what father could stand that kind of humiliation from his own daughter?"


    "And Blythe!" Portiaughed, shaking her head. "She was so sure it was you in there: She nearly lit up at the thought But when she saw it was Lisette Lisette, of all people trying to drag her into the mess-Blythe looked like she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown.”


    Calliope put her phone down. “Blythe''s not about to stick her neck out for Lisette, right? At this point, I bet she''s desperate to distance herself."


    Portia nodded eagerly. "Exactly! She couldn''t dump Lisette fast enough-barely looked back before running for the exit. So after she denied everything and made her getaway, want to guess what I did next?"