Chapter 681
“I have no idea,” the assistant replied politely to Calliope Jewell. “Ms. Jewell, after
you p>
Calliope shot him a glance. “I don’t have time for this. I need to get home and start
dinner. I’m in charge of Christmas Eve p>
She tried to step past him, but the man quickly blocked her path. “Ms. Jewell, if
you try to leave, I won’t be so gentle next time p>
Calliope just looked at him. “Trust me, you don’t want to pick a fight with me p>
The man frowned. “Maybe not, but do you think Mr. Myers only sent me? If you
make a scene, do you really want to get your brothers and your husband
involved p>
Calliope glared at him, thoroughly annoyed.
She’d barely gotten her brothers all together, finally reunited and actually having a
good time as a family.
And now, of all nights, Christmas Eve, for crying out loud, she was supposed to
drop everything? She still had to prep the turkey, mash potatoes, and get dessert
in the oven, not to mention the family traditions after dinner.
She pressed her lips together, frustration written all over her face. She was
furious.
“I don’t want to drag them into this. I just want to say, does Oliver not realize what
day it is? Seriously, is he insane p>
Calliope was practically fuming.
“Fine. I’ll come with you. But I’m saying goodbye to my brothers first p>
“That’s fine, Ms. Jewell,” the assistant replied, “but our boss did say, he hopes
you’ll bring Silas too. He’d like to see you both p>
Calliope gave him a long look. “Do
you really think I’d bring Silas along?
Not a chance. I’m not about to ruin
his Christmas. He doesn’t need to
see his deadbeat father. Don’t tell
me you don’t know what a jerk your
boss is. If you don’t, you seriously
need to do some research p>
Zane shrugged, face unreadable. “Doesn’t really matter to me if he’s a jerk. As
long as my paycheck clears, I’m good p>
Calliope stared at him, then raised an eyebrow. “What if I doubled your salary?
Would you switch sides p>
Zane looked at her in disbelief. “Excuse me p>
“I’m serious,” Calliope said. “Whatever he’s paying you, I’ll pay you double. Does
that buy your loyalty p>
Zane’s expression grew
complicated. “He’s not that easy to
double-cross. And you can’t
guarantee me a steady job. Why
would I risk my career for a quick
buck p>
Calliope grinned. “You’re pretty sharp. But what if I triple it p>
She watched Zane closely.
“If I remember right, Oliver trusts
you, doesn’t he? Think about it, you
could collect both paychecks. All I
want is for you to stay close to
Oliver and do me a few favors when
the time’s right p>
Calliope smiled, amused. People who loved money rarely stayed loyal, but they
were always easy to buy. She could tell Zane was tempted. After a moment, he
nodded.
“All right. If I can get paid twice, I’m in. But whatever you want me to do, I can’t
make it too obvious. Otherwise, I’m a dead man p>
“Of course,” Calliope replied, grinning. “I still need you in one piece. So it’s a deal.
From now on, you’re my guy p>