chapter983

Leave it to him to steal the spotlight again."

Nigel shot a sour look in Silas's direction, irritation clear on his face.

"Mr. Myers is on another level. No point being jealous," Damien said with a shrug. Honestly, Silas showing up was the only reason we made it out. Technically, he saved your life you should be a little more grateful. Besides, you can't go stealing the wife of the man who just saved you, can you?"

Nigel snorted. "Well, for all you know, maybe Silas doesn't even want that wife anymore. If he ever gives her up, she's mine."

"Keep dreaming, Damien replied with a smirk. "That is never going to happen.

Nigel eyed Damien up and down. "You sound awfully proud of him. You a Silas fanboy now?"

"Obviously." Damien gave a helpless grin, practically glowing with admiration.

Nigel made a dismissive noise and folded his arms, attention turning toward Silas as he squared off with Simon.

Simon was no slouch anyone could see he had experience. But up against Silas, he was fighting a losing battle from the start.

Calliope had been tense at first, worry etched across her face, but after watching Silas dominate the confrontation, she finally relaxed. Realizing Simon stood no chance against him, she let out a relieved breath and settled onto a nearby chair, brow furrowed as she watched the fight, lost in thought.

Nearly thirty minutes passed before Silas managed to take Simon down fully and have his men restrain and tie him up.

Simon, breathing heavily, glared at Silas in fury. "Who the hell are you? How can anyone be this strong? We had no bad blood-you had no reason to come after me!"

"No bad blood?" Silas repeated, his voice glacial. You tried to take my wife. You hurt her. Tell me why shouldn't I come after you?"

As if a fresh wave of rage washed over him, Silas strode right up to Simon, face stone-cold. Without warning, he drove his foot hard into Simon's stomach.

Simon doubled over with a muffled groan, sweat popping out on his forehead. Only then did Silas return to Calliope's side. He crouched down in front of her, his expression softening. "Did he hurt you?" he asked gently.

"I'm alright, Calliope answered, meeting his gaze. "He's strong, but I managed to deflect the worst of it. I'm fine, really."

Silas took her hand in his, eyes dark and steady as they searched her face. "Why did you come somewhere so dangerous? You should never have been here."

Calliope looked back at him, remembering the video she'd watched, remembering all the messages he hadn't answered. Her brow creased lips pressed into a thin line as she stayed silent she'd been so happy to see him she'd missed him beyond words. But now, the excitement was gone, replaced by a knot in her chest.

Some things needed to be faced, and his return meant it was finally time to talk to

untangle what was unresolved between them.

Silas noticed her distant look and the way her smile faded. He hesitated, "What's wrong? Aren't you happy to see me?" he asked softly. "I didn't mean to scold you. I was just worried-worried something might happen to you out here. But Damien explained everything. I know you came because of Mavis Shepherd You had no choice. I'm not blaming you. As long as you're safe, that's all that matters."

His voice was warm and sincere. He rose to his feet, reaching out to ruffle her hair the way he always did.

Calliope stood too, the tension in her chest breaking all at once. She hugged him tightly, burying her face in his shoulder. He felt leaner she noticed it immediately

but he was still solid, his arms still as warm and safe as ever.

He had spent so much time with someone else. His heart had always held that one unforgettable love from long ago. Yet somehow, he was still so gentle, still so tender-towards her. It was @ contradiction that both comforted and tore at her heart.