Chapter 524
She’s already married to Silas. Her life should be pretty sweet right about now, but apparently that’s not enough for her. Now she wants everything the Jewell family has.
Lisette sat at the dining table, her expression frosty as she mulled it all over.
Dinner was a little awkward, to say the least. Her two older brothers kept piling mashed potatoes and roast chicken onto Calliope’s plate, while Zelda, their mom, fussed over Lisette and made sure she had plenty of green beans and mac and cheese. There was this weird undercurrent, like a storm was brewing just beneath the surface, but overall, dinner passed without too much drama.
Afterwards, Lisette glanced at her brother. “Horatio, am I staying in Callie’s old room now p>
“Yeah,” Horatio said, giving her a sheepish look. “Sorry, Lisette. I really am p>
“I slept in there for years,” Calliope said, her voice cool and even. “No one ever apologized to me. If I could handle it, why can’t she p>
Horatio immediately turned to Calliope, looking flustered. “Callie, I’m sorry p>
Calliope just stared at him, deadpan.
Lisette forced a smile, trying to sound mature and understanding. “It’s really fine, honestly. I don’t mind a small room. Sometimes it even feels a little cozier, you know? I think I’ll like it p>
“Really?” Calliope shot back, raising an eyebrow. “That’s not what you used to say. You always said you loved my room. So, what, are you tired of it all of a sudden p>
Calliope could play the victim when it suited her, but she knew exactly how to push Lisette’s buttons too.
Lisette’s face tightened. For a second, she was completely speechless.
“Can you just give it a rest?” Zelda snapped at Calliope. “You wanted the big room, you got it. What more do you want? Now Lisette’s stuck in the smallest room in the house, and you’re still not happy p>
She didn’t wait for an answer, just took Lisette’s hand and led her upstairs.
The room was tiny, but Zelda had tried her best to make it nice-fresh sheets, a vase of wildflowers on the nightstand, even some fairy lights strung across the window. She was clearly trying.
“Lisette, I’m sorry I couldn’t save your room for you,” Zelda said, her voice soft with regret. “But we needed the space for your brother’s surgery. Once Horatio’s back on his feet, I’ll help you get your room back. Just bear with us for now, okay p>
“I really don’t mind, Mom,” Lisette said, putting on her most understanding smile. “As long as I have a roof over my head, I’m fine. It honestly doesn’t matter where I sleep p>
“But it matters to me,” Zelda replied, her voice tight. “It’s just… they’re all taking her side right now. But don’t you worry, it’s only because of the company and Horatio’s recovery. Once they’ve gotten what they want, Calliope will be out of the picture p>
Lisette nodded. “What’s going on with the company, anyway p>
Zelda’s face darkened. “You haven’t heard? Your dad’s company hit a rough patch. Calliope’s running things for now. She made your father hand over some shares and
control of the business. Cangou
believe it? She’s just taking
advantage of the situation p>
“What?” Lisette’s eyes went wide. “You mean Callie’s actually running the company p>
Zelda nodded “After the company
got into trouble, your dad asked her for help. But she only agreed if she got a stake and management rights. So now she’s in charge. But don’t worry, your positions are safe. Once the company’s back on its feet, we’ll get everything back to normal p>
Lisette forced a smile, but inside, her stomach twisted.
Things were never that simple. She remembered all the ways she’d treated Calliope before. Now that Calliope was in charge, who knew what she might do in return?
And once you hand over control of the company, is it really possible to take it back?