Chapter 88
Callisto couldn’t wrap his head around why his father, Conrado, seemed to be doing nothing while chaos wwirled around their family. Conrado was no coward; he was the kind of man who faced challenges head–on, not someone who would ignore the brewing storm within their household. Yet there he sat seemingly indifferent to the unsettling atmosphere that had enveloped their lives. This indifference grated on Callisto’s nerves Intensifying the frustration simmering beneath the surface.
Tonight, the weight of alcohol pressed heavily on his shoulders. Earlier, he had sunk into the living room couch, drowning his thoughts in glass after glass of wine, hoping for a moment of peace from the relentless turmoil. But now, as he staggered to his feet, the liquor pulled at his balance. making the dimly lit hallway twist and sway around him. Each step toward the staircase felt like an uphill battle against gravity itself.
The mansion felt eerie in its silence, an unsettling quirt that amplified the chaos in his mind. The absence of servants in the halls was striking, they must have been shooed away by Caroline and Penelope, who were used to having people at their beck and call. This vacuum of activity turned the mansion into a tomb rather than a house, shadows creeping into the corners as if whispering secrets of discontent and betrayal.
“Why are you doing this, Dad?” Gallisto muttered under his breath, the words slurring slightly as he moved cautiously down the hallway. “You’re letting them run wild.”
His thoughts spiraled deeper into frustration. Conrado had always been a man of action, one who seized control rather than waiting for things to unfold. Yet here he was, seemingly blind to the obvious Callisto couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that something sinister was lurking, and his father was either oblivious or unwilling to see it.
As he neared the staircase, Callisto’s vision swayed like a ship in a storm. He stumbled, almost losing his footing, but instinctively grabbed the railing. “Careful, idiot,” he chuckled to himself, the sound echoing in the empty space. Ignoring the nausea swirling in his stomach, he climbed the stairs, each step a reminder of his recklessness.
Reaching the second floor, he navigated through the familiar but maze–like structure until he stood before the imposing black double doors that led to his father’s office. Normally, he wouldn’t dare approach those doors without a compelling reason. He usually treated conversations with his father with utmost seriousness. But tonight, the alcohol emboldened him, igniting a reckless urge to confront Conrado about his apparent apathy.
With a sheer tugging at his lips, he flung open the doors, startling Conrado, who had been engrossed in a stack of papers on his desk. “What the Conrado exclaimed, his eyes widening in shock at the sight of his son. The old man’s surprise quickly morphed into a frown as he took in Callisto’s disheveled appearance.
“Dad, Callisto began, his voice a low grow we need to talk.”
“Callisto, what’s going on! You look like you ve been through hell,” Conrado said, concern lacing his tone as he leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms while studying his son.
“Tve been drinking, Callisto admined, the honesty slicing through the tension in the room. “Bait that’s not the point. Why are you sitting here, acting like everything is fine while Caroline and Penelope run this family into the ground?”
Conrado sighed, rubbing his temples as if trying to stave off an impending headache. “You’re drunk. You need to sleep it off”
“I’m serious!” Callisto’s voice rose, echoing in the otherwise quiet room. “You’re lening them manipulate you! They’re playing games, and you’re just watching.”
The silence that followed hung thick in the air, heavy with unspoken truths. Conrado’s expression hardened as he weighed Callisto’s words. “Manipulation goes both ways, son,” he finally replied, his voice steady. “Sometimes, stepping back allows people to reveal their true selves. You don’t always have to be the one fighting”
“But they’re not just showing their true colors, they’re poisoning everything! Callisto retorted, frustration boiling over. “You’ve taught me to stand up against bullies, to confront the darkness head–on. Why aren’t you doing the same?”
Conrado stood, his posture rigid as he faced his son. “Because I’ve seen where that leads, Callisto. I’ve fought my battles, and I’ve lost. Sometimes, it’s wiser to pick your fights, especially when the odds are stacked against you”
Callisto shook his head, refusing to accept his father’s resignation. “So what We just sit here and wait for them to destroy us? For Caroline to pull the strings, using Liam and Penelope as her puppets? Is that the plan!”
“Tin not ignoring the situation, Conrado said, his voice softer now but firm. “But I need to evaluate my options. If you keep pushing, you might end up with more than you bargained for
eit’s
“Then tell me what the hell we’re going to do about it!” Callisto shot back, desperation creeping into his voice. This isn’t just about you and me it’s about our family. Caroline is dangerous, and you know it. Liam isn’t what he seems; he’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing”
For a moment, Conrado’s expression flickered, a hint of acknowledgment passing through his eyes. “You think I don’t know that I’ve been in this game longer than you. I see the moves being made, Callisto “Trust ine.”
1/2
12.13 PM
Chapter SS
“Trust you?” Callisto spat, anger simmering beneath the surface. “How can I trust someone who’s letting the people who have hurt us continue their
schemes without interference?”
“Because there’s more at stake than you realize, Conrado replied, his tone growing serious. “This isn’t just about our family; it’s about alliances, power, and the greater good. You don’t understand the intricacies involved.”
“Then explain it to me Callisto urged, desperation creeping into his voice. “Because all I see is cowardice. You’re letting them win, and I refuse to sit back and watch“.
Conrado hesitated, the tension between them palpable. “You want to be a knight in shining armor, but this isn’t a fairytale, Callisto. Sometimes the battles we choose come with a cost. You have to consider the consequences before charging in.”
Callisto opened his mouth to argue but paused, reflecting on his father’s words. He had fought through so much already, and the thought of losing again–watching his family crumble under the weight of manipulation and deceit–made him sick. Yet, he knew he couldn’t remain passive.
“Fine,” he said, forcing his voice to steady. “But I won’t be silent. If you won’t fight, then I will. I’ll protect our family from Caroline and Liam, even if it means going against you.
“Callisto, Conrado began, but Callisto was already turning away, his heart racing with resolve.
“Don’t try to stop me.” he warned. his back to Conrado. “Il find a way to expose t
them, to show everyone who they really are
As he stepped back into the hallway, Callisto felt a fire igniting within him. The need for action pulsed through his veins, and he refused to allow the darkness to swallow his family whole. He would confront Caroline, uncover Liam’s true intentions, and reclaim their power, Whatever it took. he would fight for what was right
But as he made his way down the hall, the shadows seemed to close in around him, a reminder that every battle came with its own price.
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