"Don''t worry about it. I''ll take responsibility for my own wife," Ss said to Archie, his gaze steady and unapologetic.


    With Calliope present, Archie let it go. His demeanor softened as he turned to her, reminding her once more to call him if anything came up before finally leaving the hospital.


    As soon as Archie was gone, Ss gave Uriah a brief nod and led Calliope back home.


    Calliope''s mind still lingered on Mavis, but the exhaustion outweighed her worries. Ever since the auction, it felt like she''d been sprinting from one crisis to the next, never truly stopping to rest. She could feel her strength giving out.


    Back at the house, Ss didn''t push her any further. Sensing her fatigue, he told her to go get some sleep while he dealt with a few things of his own.


    Once Calliope was in the bedroom, Ss headed for his study.


    She was so worn out she didn''t even have energy left to wonder. After a quick shower, she slid under the covers and was asleep in seconds.


    It felt as though she drifted for ages. When she finally opened her eyes, daylight was already filtering through the curtains-the morning of a new day.


    Calliope turned to the other side of the bed. It was empty. Ss hadn''t slept therest night.


    A frown creased her brow, and a hollow ache settled in her chest. She had no idea what was going on. Was it because of that other woman? Had his feelings for her gone so far that he wouldn''t even share a bed with Calliope anymore?


    A wry smile tugged at her lips. She''d thought about giving them another chance, but


    at this point, maybe there wasn''t anything left to reconsider. One way or another, they needed to face the truth.


    After lying in bed for a few more minutes, she pushed herself up to start the day.


    Downstairs, Ss was sitting on the couch, absorbed in whatever he was doing on his tablet, his voice low as he sent messages back and


    forth so engrossed, he didnt even notice Calliopeing down.


    It was only when some time had passed that he finally nced up and saw her. He


    smiled. "You should''ve slept a bit longer. I bet you''re still exhausted."


    "I''m rested now," Calliope replied, meeting his eyes. "You—"


    "I have a meeting at the office soon," Ss said already checking a notification on his device. "But


    there''s something I want to talk to you aboutter. Do you have ns, today?"


    "I thought go see Mavis, talk with her doctor. There are a couple of things freed to take care of. I''llfet you know when I''m done," she answered after considering @ moment.


    "That works." Ss got up. "Breakfast is ready. Make sure you eat something before


    you head out. I have to go, but if you need anything, call me."


    He hesitated, then walked over, gave her a quick hug, and pressed a kiss to her forehead before hurrying out the door.


    Calliope didn''t move, her gaze following Ss as he left. She didn''t know what it was he wanted to discuss, but deep down, she suspected it was about that woman.


    Her mood soured. She settled at the dining table, and soon the housekeeper brought out breakfast. She had little appetite, but ate what she could.


    Afterward, she drove to the Sutton residence, picked up Portia, and together they made their way to check on Mavis.


    At the hospital, they found Uriah in the same spot, slumped at Mavis''s bedside, quietly talking to her. Despite his words, Mavis continued to lie there, unmoving.


    “You''re here,” Uriah said hoarsely, ncing up in momentary surprise as Calliope and Portia walked in.