Chapter 1050
Her own parents loved the adopted daughter more than their real child—so why should she care anymore?
“I hate to break it to you,” Callie said, her gaze ice-cold, “but as far as I’m concerned, my parents are already in the ground. If you dropped dead tomorrow, I wouldn’t even bother to send a card, let alone flowers. So stop deluding yourselves p>
“Your debts?” Her voice was casual, almost amused. “I could settle them with the snap of my fingers. But tell me why should I help people who never showed me an ounce of kindness? Why should I bail out the very people who made my life miserable?” She raised an eyebrow. “You think I’m some kind of fool p>
She let out a low chuckle. “Sure, maybe I was a fool before. But not anymore. I saw exactly how things would turn out for you, and honestly? I’m glad to see you suffering. At a time like this, you shouldn’t be begging me. You should be groveling to Lisette p>
“She’s the one who swindled you all out of your money. So why come to me? Or do I look like the kind of idiot who’d pick up your tab p>
Zelda was left speechless.
Monty’s expression darkened.
Valerian spoke up, voice dripping with wounded nostalgia. “Calliope, wasn’t it you who loved us so much before? I know you can’t really stand to see us like this. Just come back home, pay off our debts, and we’ll finally give you all the love you deserve. Isn’t that what you want? Everyone could be happy again p>
He paused, looking at her accusingly. “If it hadn’t been for you, Lisette might never have done something so terrible in the first place p>
Calliope stared at him, completely incredulous. “You’re pinning what Lisette did on me? Why don’t you try blaming yourself for constantly indulging her? Maybe that’s why she turned out this way p>
“If you’re going to say every awful thing Lisette does is my fault, then I hope she ruins you even more p>
“Don’t be so poisonous!” Valerian exploded, his face suffused with anger. “Why are you always so cruel p>
Calliope blinked at him, almost mockingly. “Are you only just realizing that? I’m not the pushover you remember. Honestly, I hope you lose everything and rot in some gutter with no one left to even remember your name p>
“Calliope!” A vein pulsed in Valerian’s temple as he lost control, lunging at her with his fist swung wide.
But before his strike could land, a hand shot out, catching his wrist in an unbreakable grip.
“Callie, I’m sorry I’m late p>
and
The voice was deep and steady, cutting through the tension like az warm breeze Calliope turned and. found Jett White Standing firm at her side, and behind him, Lillian’s eyes shimmered with tears.
“I’m sorry, Callie,” Lillian whispered, voice thick with emotion. She stepped forward, but Calliope instinctively moved back, confusion flickering in her gaze.
She looked from one to the other, utterly bewildered. “Mr. White, Mrs. White? What are you doing here p>
Damien looked just as lost, hands clenched as if ready to jump in before Jett appeared out of nowhere.
Monty scowled furiously. “Mr. White, this is a family matter! Stay out of it p>
“A family matter?” Jett repeated,
lifting a brow in mock surprise. “And just what family would that be?
Ours perhaps? Callie is our daughter new. What business could she possibly have with you p>
He released Valerian’s wrist with a sharp flick and looked Monty straight in the eyes. “Funny, I heard that while Callie was in your care, she was treated horribly. That she suffered every day under your roof. Care to explain that p>
Monty could only stare, dumbfounded. “Mr. White, what are you talking about p>
Valerian shot a glance at Calliope, confusion written on his face. “What daughter p>
Calliope looked from Jett to Lillian in shock, uncertainty shadowing her features. They know? But she’d never told anyone-not a soul.