Chapter 509 The Truth Revealed: Oliver Beats Nicholas 2
After Calliope left her probing remark, she departed early after dinner.
Oliver and his wife were left alone. Their hearts remained heavy. Oliver stood by the window, pulling out a cigarette but not lighting it, guilt weighing on his conscience.
Azalea had been both pitiful and tragic. He still remembered how she had knelt before him years ago, begging him to take her in. Too many people in this world had wronged her, but Nicholas had hurt her the deepest.
As night deepened, Sarah leaned against her husband and said softly, "While we could easily provide for her here, I want Elspeth to have a home where she is truly cherished—where she always comes first, and where someone would give her everything if she ever needed it."
Oliver looked down, his voice slightly hoarse. "You mean Calliope?"
Sarah murmured her agreement. "Yes. Calliope is reliable and adores children. She would give Elspeth everything she has. With her caring for the child, I can rest easy."
Oliver considered this carefully, then said thoughtfully, "Calliope's character is beyond reproach, and you two are so close. If she were to raise Elspeth, you could still see her regularly, and you could discuss everything together."
Alone together, they could share even their most private thoughts. Sarah gazed into the darkness, her expression sorrowful.
"How could I not resent Nicholas? His heart is too cruel! Oliver, I don't want this child to bear the stigma of illegitimacy. This world is harsh enough, and she's a girl—people's gossip alone could destroy her. If she goes with Calliope, Calliope is a remarkable woman who not only lives brilliantly herself but could shield Elspeth from life's storms and secure her a bright future."
Oliver gently embraced her shoulders, joining her in watching the deep night. Sarah's eyes grew moist. All of this had begun because of her, and she felt a crushing weight on her conscience. Only by securing Elspeth's future could she face Azalea's young spirit.
Oliver pressed his forehead to hers, his handsome features serious as he said quietly, "Sarah, I won't be so reckless anymore. From now on, I'll listen to you in all matters."
Sarah leaned softly against his shoulder.
Following Calliope's tentative suggestion, Sarah quickly gave her answer. Elspeth would officially be raised by Calliope.
Upon receiving this confirmation, Calliope was so overjoyed her eyes reddened with tears. Wiping them away, she said to Sarah, "Yesterday I dared to speak so boldly, and I couldn't sleep all night, fearing you'd refuse and that it would affect our future relationship. I never imagined you would trust me so completely, willing to let me raise Elspeth."
Calliope desperately wanted a child. She was absolutely thrilled! She carefully took Elspeth in her arms, pressing her cheek against the baby's, and promised Sarah, "I'll love her as if she were my own daughter! She'll have everything others have, and more."
Sarah's mind was completely at ease.
Calliope carried Elspeth home to her villa, overflowing with joy. In her delight, she placed Elspeth's crib in her own bedroom, hired two experienced nannies, and bought the finest milk and clothing for the baby—everything had to be of the highest quality.
Once everything was arranged, that night she gazed at Elspeth's sleeping face and began thinking about finding the child a reliable father. Her Elspeth must have a distinguished family name.
Calliope thought of her ex-husband, Octavius. Though shameless and opportunistic, he certainly knew how to climb the social ladder. His current success in Harmony City proved his exceptional abilities. With such a father, Elspeth's future would be secure.
Being a straightforward woman, Calliope acted immediately. She had people investigate Octavius's schedule that very night, with Percival serving as the perfect messenger.
A week later, Octavius came to Evergreen City on business. Originally, he planned to leave immediately after completing his affairs. Having been deeply hurt by Calliope last time, though he occasionally thought of her, his pride prevented him from making the first move—unless Calliope sought reconciliation herself.
He never could have imagined that woman would ask Percival to mediate between them.
The night before his departure, Octavius sat by the window reading newspapers, wearing a crisp navy shirt. Not yet forty, he was young and accomplished, charming and passionate. That week alone, he'd received no fewer than ten calls from women.
Octavius maintained his composure. Percival poured tea and set it on the coffee table, saying gently, "You've been busy all week. Why not go out and relax? It's not as if you lack places to stay in Evergreen City."
Octavius rolled his neck. "I used to find it hard to sleep without a woman nearby. Now I actually prefer the peace and quiet."
Percival smiled knowingly. "If you want peace and quiet, I know just the place."
He left his words deliberately incomplete, but Octavius easily caught his meaning.
"You mean Calliope?"
Mentioning his ex-wife, Octavius still felt angry. He couldn't forget the humiliation of that medical examination, though he had to admit he'd enjoyed that night.
Octavius snorted softly. "How could her place be peaceful?"
He appeared unwilling, but when Percival relayed this to Calliope, she was supremely confident. "With his stubborn pride, how could he possibly refuse such an invitation?"
Sure enough, as evening approached, Octavius claimed he wanted to eat home-style cooking and drove to Calliope's villa.
The gleaming black sedan slowly entered the estate, stopping before the ornate bronze gates with considerable grandeur.
A servant opened the car door, greeting him warmly, "You've arrived! Our mistress has been waiting quite a while. She even prepared several of your favorite home-style dishes herself, just waiting for you to taste them and for the couple to reunite."
These words greatly pleased Octavius. He stepped out of the car with dignity, adjusting his collar. "Did your mistress teach you to say that? Has she finally come to her senses and had a change of heart?"
The servant smiled without confirming or denying it.
At that moment, Octavius couldn't be bothered with such details. He longed to fly to Calliope's side immediately, to share endless love and affection.
In the foyer, crystal chandeliers sparkled brilliantly. Calliope wore a lake-blue modified qipao that showed off her graceful figure. Seeing him, she wasn't as proud as before, but smiled warmly and called out, "Octavius."
Octavius was intoxicated. His resolve melted completely. He felt his entire life had purpose again, and tonight he absolutely had to assert himself, or he wouldn't be a man.
He stepped forward, calling out passionately, "Calliope."
In that moment, they were a devoted couple. In that moment, he would gladly conquer the world for her. Their hands clasped tightly together, never to part again.
Calliope's beauty was matched by her thoughtful words: "It's cold outside, yet you stand here like a fool. If you catch cold and fall ill, we'll have to call the doctor again. A night or two would be manageable, but if you're sick for weeks, your business affairs would suffer, and I'd be to blame."
Octavius felt heat rising within him. He couldn't help saying, "My heart burns so hot, how could I possibly catch cold?"
His voice dropped, "I really don't want to see that doctor you called last time."
Calliope burst into laughter. She took Octavius's hand and led him toward the dining room, the picture of loving intimacy. "Let's sit down and eat first. We can talk heart-to-heart afterward."
Octavius smiled and agreed. Just as he sat down, the sound of a baby's cry drifted down from upstairs.