Chapter 905
“I can’t explain it,” Jett said quietly. “There’s just something about her… Whenever I look at her, it feels like I owe her a debt. Like I’ve done her some wrong I can’t even name. Especially when she looks at me with that guarded, almost hostile expression it makes me uneasy p>
He kept his eyes on Calliope, a restless knot tightening in his chest. He didn’t like how she looked at him. At his age, he’d learned to take most things in stride, but this girl somehow unsettled him, stirring emotions he couldn’t control.
Mrs. White was also watching Calliope, a thoughtful look shadowing her features. “Maybe it’s because she looks a bit like me. I can’t help feeling drawn to her, almost like I want to be close p>
A small, wry smile touched her lips. “But if I did, Blythe would get jealous.” Not wanting to upset Blythe, she kept her impulse in check.
“You feel it too?” Jett asked, shooting her a puzzled glance before returning his gaze to Calliope. “I have this urge to talk to her, to get to know her. But we’re basically strangers. Still, it feels like I’ve known her for years. It’s the oddest thing p>
Calliope had no idea the Whites were talking about her. Every so often, she’d catch them looking her way, and she couldn’t help but frown, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face.
Her friends at the table noticed too.
“Anyone else feel like Mr. and Mrs. White keep watching us?” someone whispered, glancing nervously over their shoulder.
“Now that you mention it, I’ve noticed. What do you think they want? Did we do something wrong p>
“No idea. It’s kind of making me anxious p>
“They’re not watching all of us. Looks to me like they’re fixated on Callie p>
“You don’t think this is about that whole casino thing, do you? Maybe they’re looking
to settle the score with Callie p>
“Come on, they’re not like that. Jett isn’t the type p>
“Exactly. Mr. White would never p>
Calliope kept her head down and ate in silence.
After breakfast, everyone went their separate ways. On her way back, Calliope ran into Nigel.
“You’re up early,” he said with a hint of surprise.
She nodded politely. “So are you, Mr.
loks like you’re feeling
By the way think you forgot
to pay me p>
Nigel blinked as if caught off guard. “Are you really that strapped for cash p>
“Maybe a little.” Calliope raised an eyebrow. “No such thing as too much money, right? The more, the merrier p>
Nigel laughed. “I’ll send it over in a bit p>
“Have you found out who poisoned you yet?” Calliope asked, giving a side glance to Leland.
Leland looked positively sheepish, head lowered like a student caught cheating on a test.
“Try feeding him something that boosts brainpower,” Calliope suggested lightly as she continued on her way.
Nigel watched her go, a gleam of amusement and curiosity in his eyes.
Jett, who had been following behind Calliope, fingered a moment before resuming his pace. As he pass passed
Nigel, he paused and sized him up.
“What’s your relationship with her?” Jett asked abruptly, after a brief hesitation.
Nigel’s gaze sharpened. “What’s that
supposed to mean, Mr. White? Are you stilsmarting from your less looking to pull something behind her back? If that’s your plan, I’ll have to disagree p>