"Are you worried that if I have a baby with Gideon, you'll never have another chance?"

"You say you don't love Gideon anymore, but I bet you're still hung up on him."

"There's no need to use such a cruel excuse to hurt my baby. Babies are innocent."

She looked about to burst into tears, as if Calliope had somehow wronged her. Calliope could barely believe what she was hearing; she regretted mentioning it. Even if they had a child lacking intelligence, it wouldn't concern her.

"So, you think I'm not as good as Gideon? That's why your wife still thinks of him? Is it because Gideon's richer? Better-looking? Or is it his prestigious job and reputation?"

Unnoticed, Silas had followed them outside. He stood beside Calliope, observing Gideon's family with an amused grin. They stood dumbfounded.

"Love isn't something you can measure with looks or money," Gideon said, taking a deep breath.

"Then how do you measure it? Are you better at having children? Or is it that, even with a broken leg, you can still... perform, making you the hero?"

Silas narrowed his eyes, glancing at Yvette. "You're proactive. His leg's broken, but you're still all over him. Honestly, you two are a perfect match." He continued his barrage of comments, leaving Calliope barely able to suppress her laughter.

Calista and Dahlia joined them, immediately applauding their uncle.

"Yvette, didn't you try to seduce our uncle, too?"

"What was it? When you were pursuing someone else, they were better than your husband? But now he's suddenly amazing?"

"Come on, Yvette, everyone knows what you're up to. Don't even bother denying it."

"Gideon, seriously, can't you and your family just relax for once?"

"God, you guys are embarrassing yourselves. Do you really want the whole world to see this?"

"Exactly," Verity chimed in, "it's Christmas, and you people just have to create drama?"

The group turned on Yvette and her companions.

"And by the way," Dahlia added, "it's not just Aunt Callie who thinks there's something wrong with your pregnancy. I do too. It's not a curse, it's honesty. If you want to twist it, that's on you." Dahlia met Yvette's gaze. "My medical skills aren't as good as Aunt Callie's, but if we both see a problem, there probably is one."

"We're not buying any of your crap," Fleur snapped. "You just can't stand to see us happy!"

Yvette clutched her stomach. "Ow, my stomach! It really hurts!"

"Yvette, are you okay?" Fleur panicked, grabbing her arm.

"My stomach hurts, Mom. Let's go home," Yvette said, holding her side.

Fleur shot Calliope a furious glare. "Are you trying to make Yvette lose her baby, you spiteful woman?"

Silas looked at her, eyes narrowed. "You got a death wish?"

Fleur gulped, realizing she couldn't afford to anger Silas, and quickly helped Yvette leave. Gideon followed.

"They're nuts," Verity said, patting Calliope's shoulder. "Don't worry, we've got your back. Gideon's family is just a bunch of idiots."