chapter928

"It would only be natural if they kicked us out... But honestly, what I'm worried about is them tossing us into the ocean. We are in international waters right now," Monty whispered, shivering. "I really don't want to die."

Horatio tried to reassure him. "I really doubt it'll come to that. Stop letting your imagination run wild."

"Dad! Horatio! Open up!" Valerian's voice came from the hallway.

"That's Valerian!" Relief washed over Monty as he hurried to the door. But as soon

as he swung it open, an awful, acrid odor greeted him. He wrinkled his nose, waving

his hand in front of his face. "What is that horrible smell?"

Then he caught sight of Lisette, limp and helpless in Valerian's arms. "What happened to Lisette?"

Lisette was mortified and partially in shock. She'd tried to play dead at first, but fear and exhaustion had taken over, and soon enough, she'd actually drifted off to sleep in Valerian's arms. Now she was nothing but dead weight.

Monty took a closer look-and realization hit, making his jaw tighten. Lisette's skirt was soaked.

"Did she... wet herself?" Disgust clouded Monty's face. "Seriously? She's not a child! How could she pee her pants at her age?"

"What the hell happened out there? Is everything alright now?" he pressed.

Valerian's frown deepened. "Nigel scared her half to death. She fainted. Help me get her on the bed, would you?"

Monty and Horatio exchanged uneasy glances, but they moved to help, lifting Lisette gently onto the bed. They stood looking down at her, each more uncomfortable than the other.

"She really wet herself..." Monty muttered, a note of contempt in his voice. "Did everyone see that?"

Valerian said nothing, making it clear he wasn't about to deny it.

This is just humiliating," Monty sighed.

Horatio turned to Valerian, hesitant. What are you going to do now? You can't very well change her clothes yourself. Maybe you should ask one of the other women to help?"

.......Leave it to me. Just go, Valerian said, his tone clipped. She'll probably wake up soon, and when she does, she can handle it herself."

Monty and Horatio hesitated for a moment before quietly excusing themselves, both casting awkward glances at Lisette as they left.

Once outside, Monty let out a heavy sigh. "Feels like we backed the wrong horse."

He'd been convinced that Lisette was their greatest asset. But after

what he'd witnessed to not

the kind of people Calliope

surrounded herself with, her status, her strength-he couldn't escape the realization: Calliope was formidable in ways Lisette just wasn't. Regret gnawed at him, but it was too late to turn back now.

Horatio followed beside him, his gaze downcast. It's not really about backing the wrong horse. The truth is, we never treated either of them like actual family. If we had, maybe none of this would have happened."

Monty shot him a look, but didn't argue. His mind raced with worries.

them from financial ruin for

Ms. White's intervention had net

now but with Calliope's connections and influence, what was to stop her from making things very difficult for them? If she wanted to come after them, it would be all too easy.

Meanwhile, Calliope was making her exit from the banquet, a small circle of friends at her side, while Nigel followed at a polite distance. She chatted with her friends as they walked, bidding them farewell one by one as they peeled away.

When she was finally alone, Nigel seized the chance to catch up with her. "Are you

angry with me?" he asked cautiously.