Chapter 779
Zelda was pretty pleased with Tanner. Honestly, if she had to pick a son-in-law, he’d be a solid choice, no complaints there.
She didn’t waste a second before hunting down Lisette.
“Lisette, didn’t I tell you it’s time to find yourself a good man?” she began, not bothering with small talk. “Your dad and I were just chatting, and we thought, why not look right here at the charity auction? We’ve got our eye on someone for you. He’s a catch. Go talk to him in a bit p>
Zelda shot her daughter a meaningful look. “If you can snag him, honey, you’ll not only be a lucky wife, but you’ll be doing the Jewell family a big favor p>
“What?” Lisette stared at her mother, utterly floored. She’d actually been dreaming about one of Calliope’s brothers, not some stranger her parents handpicked. And now Zelda wanted her to just march right up and make a move? Was this really happening?
Lisette’s head spun with confusion.
“Mom, didn’t I say I wanted to stay with you guys for a few more years?” she pleaded. “I’m not in a rush to get married p>
“It’s just dating, not a shotgun wedding,” Zelda replied briskly. “And you know you’re doing this for the family business, right p>
“See that guy in the pinstripe suit?” she continued, gesturing across the room. “That’s the one. Looks sharp, smart as a whip, not a bit worse than Silas! You always said you wanted to outdo Calliope and her cold-hearted crowd. This is your chance p>
“Lisette, sweetheart, go get him! I’m rooting for you!” Zelda gave her daughter an encouraging pat.
Lisette looked like she’d swallowed a lemon. She glanced desperately to Valerian, who was standing nearby.
Valerian caught her eye and hurried over.
“Mom, I don’t think Lisette wants to do this,” he said quietly. “Don’t you think this is a bit like auctioning off your own daughter p>
“Oh, so what’s your plan?” Zelda shot back. “Are you going to save the company yourself? Or convince Calliope and her stone-cold crew to bail us out p>
Valerian fell silent. He knew he couldn’t sway Calliope. And saving the Jewell family business himself? Not a chance.
He looked at Lisette, then shrugged helplessly. “Maybe you should just give it a shot, Lisette p>
Lisette stared at him, completely betrayed. After everything they’d been through together, he was just going to hand her over to someone else?
She’d thought he loved her, at least enough to fight for her. Or at least, enough to hesitate before letting her go.
“Go on, just try,” Valerian added, giving her a reassuring wink.
“Lisette, you know what they say, sometimes you’ve got to step up when your family needs you most,” Monty chimed in, trying to sound supportive but mostly piling on the pressure.
Lisette felt like she was being squeezed from all sides. She glanced over at Ulysses and Horatio, hoping they’d notice her distress, but they were both across the room, paying attention only to Calliope. No one seemed to care what was happening on her end.
Lisette wanted to rebel, but she knew if she refused, her standing in the family would only get worse. If they could treat Calliope that way, she didn’t have a prayer.
She bit her lip, her resolve hardening. Finally, she nodded, the picture of reluctant determination.
“Alright, fine. For the good of the Jewell family, I’ll give it my best shot. If Callie won’t help us, then I’ll do whatever it takes. I’ll try p>
She looked at Monty and Zelda. “Dad, Mom, don’t worry. I’ll do my best p>
“That’s my girl! Always so obedient. Good job, Lisette!” Zelda beamed, satisfied with her daughter’s compliance.