Calliope nced over at Calista with mild surprise.


    In the Baker family, there was amon sentiment among the younger generation: they both feared and avoided Ss. They knew he was capable, but they''d never dare ask him for help or advice.


    Yet here was Calista, boldly dering his intention to ask Ss for guidance on choosing a college major.


    "What made you think of asking your uncle?" Calliope inquired.


    "I decided on my own," Calista replied. His face, handsome in a youthful way, usually reflected the yful demeanor of a high school senior. But when it came to discussing his future, he was all seriousness.


    "Uncle Ss is the most capable person in our family. If he''s willing, I''m sure he''ll give me great advice. My parents aren''t really clued in on this stuff, and I''m pretty clueless myself when ites to picking the right major. But Uncle Ss has the savvy. He can help me chart a course and choose the major that suits me best. So, I want to ask him."


    Calliope nodded, "You should definitely ask him."


    If Ss wasn''t going to choose Gideon to inherit the Baker Group, then surely another sessor would be chosen from the family. And at that moment, she saw potential in Calista. He was sharp, sharper than she''d initially thought. She suspected he might also want to make an impression on Ss.


    "Calista, are you interested in the Baker Group?" Calliope asked.


    Calista''s eyes sparkled briefly before he masked it, pretending to be engrossed in a game. But Calliope could see it-this kid had ambition. She was quite pleased with this side of Calista.


    It seemed like Ss should pay more attention to him.


    Not long after, Gideon brought Yvette over, and they held a small wedding ceremony at the family estate. The newlyweds paid respects to their ancestors and served water to their parents and elders ording to the house rules.


    Calliope and Ss sat among the elders.


    Gideon and Yvette approached with cups of water, offering them to the couple. When Gideon nced at Calliope, his eyes darkened stightly


    he said nothing.


    The bruise from where Calliope had hit him the day before was still inly visible on his forehead.


    The room was full of guests, and many whispered about Gideon''s injury.


    "Why does Gideon have a bump on his head? Did he get into a fight with the bride?"


    "No, his aunt hit him. Gideon went to


    a barst night, probably unhappy with the bride, and made a scene. He even used Ss of taking everything away from the Baker family."


    "He should realize, without Ss, the Baker family wouldn''t stand where it


    does now! The family owes its


    current status to Ss, without


    whom they''d be nowhere!"


    "People should never forget their benefactors. Ss saved the Baker family, and


    now some want to cast him aside. It''s a bit unfair, to say the least!"


    "So, did Mr. Myers hit him?"


    "No, his aunt did-cracked a bottle over his head in a fit of rage!"


    "Ss''s wife is Calliope, the one Gideon wouldn''t marry back then, right?"


    "Yes, and he mes his uncle for ''stealing'' his woman, but Calliope rified he


    was the one who bailed on the wedding first!"


    "So he ditched the wedding and chose Yvette?"


    "Yep, and now he''s getting married again and regretting it!"