Chapter 1008
“But really, I don’t think there’s anything to worry about. You have to trust me I can take care of Mavis!” Portia declared with absolute confidence. “I won’t let anything happen to her. And I certainly won’t let Uriah push her around p>
“I know. I feel a lot better with her staying at your place. Even if Uriah went after her, he wouldn’t dare try anything under your roof,” Calliope replied, her mind at ease.
Portia nodded brightly. “And don’t forget, I’ve got my parents and my brother at home. We’re all rooting for Mavis p>
“That’s great,” Calliope said.
With that, Calliope and Portia headed to their cars and drove off in separate directions, each making their way home.
Once she arrived at her own house, Calliope started packing for the trip she’d be leaving on the next day. She realized she hadn’t seen Silas in days—not that she’d bothered to ask about him. She could pretty well guess where he was: most likely with that woman. Whoever she was, she clearly meant a great deal to him.
The memory of meeting that woman of standing right before her, even performing surgery on her-flickered through Calliope’s mind, and she couldn’t help but drop her gaze and let out a small, self-deprecating smile. The resemblance was uncanny. She’d heard the whispers and seen the photos, but seeing the woman in the flesh felt like looking into a haunted mirror.
No wonder Silas indulged her so much, no wonder he was always so patient and gentle with her. He had spent their entire marriage chasing a ghost, looking at her but only ever seeing that woman.
Calliope wondered when he would finally bring up divorce. She’d thought of broaching it herself many times, but the words never seemed to come.
Maybe she’d just get this business trip over with first.
Calliope sighed, resigned. She already knew this marriage was doomed.
As she expected, Silas didn’t come home that night, and when she woke the next morning, the house was still empty of him. Just as she was about to leave, Damien appeared at the door.
“Mrs. Myers, I know you’re heading out for work. I’ll come along with you—Mr. Myers wants me to look after you at all times,” he said, sounding a little sheepish. Damien was well aware he wasn’t nearly as capable as she was, so ‘protecting’ her almost sounded laughable; if anything, she’d probably be the one protecting him. Still, maybe Mr. Myers just hoped he could help with a few things.
“He asked you to come with me?” Calliope looked at him in surprise. “When did he tell you that p>
“A few days ago,” Damien replied.
Meeting Damien’s hopeful, earnest gaze, Calliope relented. “Alright, you can come along p>
The film set wasn’t too far-only
about a four or five-hour drive. Calliope had originally planned to drive herself, but since Damien. insisted on coming, she was happy to let him take the wheel and enjoy a break for once.
“Go get your things. We’ll head out together p>
“I’m already packed!” Damien said immediately. He whipped a suitcase out as if by magic, standing ready at her side.
Calliope couldn’t help but chuckle to
herself. So he hadn’t been
asking-he’d clearly been planning
on coming along whether she agreed or not. She let it go. They
loaded up their luggage and were on their way.
५
Damien drove steadily, while Calliope relaxed in the back, scrolling absentmindedly through her phone. The hours slipped by quickly, and by the time they reached the hotel near the film set, it was just past noon.
Calliope dialed Zachary, who appeared at the entrance almost instantly.
“Callie! There you are!” he called out cheerfully.
“I’ve already sorted out the rooms for you. Two rooms, right next to each other, just like you asked p>
“Come on, I’ll show you the way!” Zachary said, leading the way inside.
But then, as he turned down the hallway, he suddenly froze. Standing just a short distance away was Ulysses Jewell.