Chapter 94 Raised to Adulthood

"No, we need to talk face-to-face. Meet me at the café across from the hospital right now. I'll wait for you, but only for half an hour."

Bianca's voice was firm and left no room for argument. She hung up before Calliope could even respond.

Calliope sighed. When she accepted the Brown family's help, she had vowed to repay their kindness no matter what. Little did she know that this promise would nearly cost her life one day.

She was done with making foolish decisions.

If Bianca's request was unreasonable again, she might just say no this time.

Taking a deep breath, Calliope gathered her thoughts, got dressed, and slipped out of the hospital without telling anyone.

On her way to the café, she kept reminding herself to stay calm and firm. She couldn't let Bianca manipulate her again, especially if it meant compromising her principles or safety.

As she walked into the café, she quickly spotted Bianca in a corner. Bianca was dressed in a sharp suit, looking both capable and assertive. She had regained the weight she lost while running around for Sophia.

At first glance, Bianca looked like a wealthy lady. Who would guess she was drowning in debt?

Even after getting money, Bianca still loved to dress up, never thinking about whose money she was spending or how Calliope would pay it back.

Despite the Brown family's bankruptcy, sponsoring Calliope was probably the best investment they had ever made.

Calliope watched Bianca for a moment before Bianca noticed her. Bianca's confident expression faltered slightly.

"What are you staring at? Come over here. I've been waiting forever."

Calliope walked over, reminding herself to stick to her principles no matter what Bianca wanted.

"Mrs. Brown, I'm here. What do you need to say in person?" Calliope tried to keep her voice steady.

Bianca motioned for her to sit down.

Was it something serious again? Calliope already felt like refusing but decided to hear her out first.

To her surprise, Bianca started crying as soon as she spoke.

"Calliope, please help me. I have no one else to turn to."

Bianca's tears left Calliope speechless, unable to immediately refuse.

Bianca cried, trying to use emotional blackmail to get Calliope to agree to her difficult demands.

"Please stop crying, Mrs. Brown. Can you tell me what's going on first?"

"Promise me first!"

Bianca sobbed uncontrollably. But no matter how much she insisted, Calliope wouldn't give in.

Bianca cursed inwardly, 'Calliope, you've got some nerve! With Matthew backing you, you dare to negotiate with me!'

With no other choice, Bianca revealed her true purpose.

"Elijah has been sentenced to life in prison. Even with good behavior, he probably won't get out in this lifetime."

Calliope felt a jolt of dread. Was Bianca really asking her to bail out Elijah?

She pressed her lips together, trying to process the shocking news.

"Mrs. Brown, I know you're heartbroken, and I feel for Mr. Brown too. But he's been sentenced to life. There's nothing I can do."

Her refusal was reasonable, but Bianca wasn't ready to give up. She stood up and knelt before Calliope, gripping her hand tightly.

"He's so old, and he's being bullied in there. It breaks my heart! Calliope, Elijah was so good to you! Remember when you were awarded as an outstanding student? He personally presented the award! Can you really let him suffer for the rest of his life?"

Calliope stayed silent.

Bianca's request was not only beyond her ability but almost beyond her comprehension.

Did Bianca really think Matthew was above the law? And even if he was, she would never ask him for such a favor.

After three months, she didn't want to get more involved with Matthew. It was best not to owe any favors

"I really..."

Sensing Calliope was about to refuse, Bianca cried even louder.

Her cries echoed through the café, drawing the attention of other customers. The onlookers' expressions ranged from disdain to curiosity, but no one stepped in.

Even though it was noisy, they didn't see such drama every day.

Calliope felt embarrassed and helpless. She knew Bianca's tactics and understood why she insisted on meeting in this café.

If they were in a hospital room or a more private place, there wouldn't be so many onlookers, and Bianca's purpose wouldn't be achieved as well.

"Mrs. Brown, please calm down and get up, okay?" Calliope tried to get Bianca to sit back down.

Bianca cried so loudly that even the waiter felt compelled to intervene.

"Miss, I'm sorry to bother you, but could you please help calm this guest down? We have other customers here."

Bianca should have been the one apologizing, but the waiter preemptively apologized, leaving no room for rebuttal.

"Sorry," Calliope apologized to the waiter, then said to Bianca, "I understand. Please get up. Let's talk properly."

This meant there was hope!

Bianca finally stopped crying, but her face was still streaked with tears, looking very haggard.

Moreover, the makeup Bianca used wasn't waterproof.

Just a few tears had smeared her makeup into a mess, her eyes showing an indescribable despair and helplessness, as if she had aged ten years from crying.

This was completely different from Bianca's usual strong image. Her acting skills had really improved this time.

"Calliope, I know you have your difficulties, but Elijah can't hold on much longer. Ever since Sophia found out about her father, she's been crying in the hospital every day, almost triggering her heart condition again. As her mother, I feel very distressed too."