Chapter 755
Calliope and her friends were gathered in a cozy private booth at their favorite
downtown bistro, the table crowded with plates of burgers, loaded fries, and all
sorts of comfort food. Laughter and chatter filled the air as they dug in.
“They didn’t follow us in here, did they?” Portia asked, glancing over her shoulder,
her eyes narrowed with suspicion.
“No way,” Quentin replied, shaking his head. “This place is reservation-only, and
it’s always packed. Even if you book ahead, there’s a long wait p>
Portia scrunched up her nose, clearly unimpressed. “Thank goodness. Just
seeing the Jewell family ruins my appetite. Why would they think Callie would ever
help them, after everything they’ve done to her p>
Mavis nodded emphatically. “Seriously, the Jewells are the worst p>
“Let’s not talk about them while we eat,” Calliope said, brushing off the subject
with a wave of her hand.
She’d finally come to terms with the fact that the Jewell family had nothing to do
with her anymore, and honestly, she didn’t care about them at all. If they wanted
to waste their time tailing her, that was their problem, not hers.
“Yeah, no more talk about them!” Norton chimed in, grinning as he reached for
another slice of pizza. “Let’s just enjoy the food. Besides, aren’t we all hitting that
auction tomorrow p>
“Oh my gosh, yes!” Portia’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “I’ve been dying to
check out this auction for ages. I heard there are some gorgeous antiques and
collectibles. Maybe I’ll find something I love p>
“If there’s something you want, I’m sure they’ll have it,” Julius said with a wink.
“What about you, Mavis? Anything you’re hoping to get?” Norton asked, turning to
her with genuine curiosity.
Mavis was caught off guard. She was sitting between Norton on her left and Uriah
on her right, which made her a little uneasy. The sudden attention made her
freeze for a second.
“I, uh, I kinda like everything,” she replied, trying to sound casual.
“If there’s anything you really want, let me know. I’ll get it for you as a gift,” Norton
offered, his tone playful but sincere.
Calliope had asked him to play along, and Norton was nothing if not a good sport.
Portia arched an eyebrow,
impressed by Norton’s performance.
“Nortom, you’re too sweet. If Mavis
gets something, do I get one too? Or
is Mavis just extra special in your
eyes p>
Norton just flashed her a sly smile, not saying a word, but the look on his face
said plenty.
Portia let out a dramatic “Ooooh!” and elbowed Mavis, stirring the pot.
Uriah, sitting on Mavis’s other side, shot Norton a glare, his jaw clenched tight.
Norton stared right back. “Something wrong, Mr. Stewart? You look a little tense p>
Uriah just grumbled, clearly annoyed.
Stuck between the two, Mavis felt more than a little awkward.
Calliope, watching the whole scene
unfold, felt pretty pleased with
herself for roping Norton into this.
Judging by Uriah’s expression, he
was definitely jealous. He looked like
someone had knocked over a whole
jar of pickles.
Meanwhile, Silas was sitting next to Calliope, doting on her. He peeled crab legs
and offered her bites, making sure her plate was always full.
Norton glanced over at Silas, suddenly inspired. He picked up a shrimp, peeled it
with care, and placed it on Mavis’s plate.
“Mavis, try the shrimp p>
Mavis stared at him in disbelief. No
one had ever peeled shrimp for her
before. Usually, she was the one
doing it, especially for Uriah, who
always acted like it was too much
trouble. She’d gotten used toit,
always making sure he had what he
wanted.
But this? This was new. And she wasn’t quite sure what to make of it.