Chapter 142

Conrad's tall frame stiffened for a split second. Instinctively, he glanced at Calliope. She was throwing him frantic looks like her life depended on it, eyebrows furrowed, but her smile was so forced it looked downright painful. He swallowed hard, Adam's apple bobbing. His lips pressed into a thin line like he was weighing a really tough choice. Then, finally, he opened his mouth, voice lower than before. "...Mom." "Hey!" Eleanor lit up instantly, her eyes crinkling with joy. "Good boy, wait right here!" She quickly headed upstairs and came back just as fast, holding a fancy little brocade box and a fat, shiny red bag. "Here, take these." Her grin stretched from ear to ear as she stuffed them into Conrad's hands. "Been waiting forever for you to call me that! This is your gift for the new title. Since it's your first time visiting, this gift's a must!" Conrad looked down at the items in his hands, then back at Calliope. She silently mouthed at him-"Take. It. Now." His long, lean finge