Author's note: this is from Aldus's point of view

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When I heard that Calista is coming, I knew it was not a good idea and I wanted to prevent it, but she was already on her way and I had to leave visibly disappointed Ms. Jenkins in my hotel room in order to return to the villa and see if Serina wants to come to Genoa with me.

Ms. Jenkins is a voluptuous redhead in her mid-thirties who was giving me amorous gazes all evening. She is a human with not many inhibitions, just how I like my women.

It's not that I prefer human females, but I take advantage of the fact that human hearts are fickle so there is no risk of forming attachments which will give me headaches later.

I am not interested in a relationship as science is my mistress, however, I am a creature with needs.

With human females, whatever happened in one night will become a sweet memory that will perish soon. No matter how much a woman is set on me, it can't last longer than a few years, a decade at most, because her biological clock is ticking, and she will find a man to spend her life with or risk staying alone.

Serina did great during the event, and she left a deep impression on more than just those two young men who shadowed her through the evening. But even with her amazing performance so far, I was not sure if she is ready for my sister.

I am aware that Serina's confidence is fragile and she does not have a good foundation yet.

Just as I feared, as soon as she arrived, Calista started questioning Serina's presence in my life.

I wished that Calista asked those questions in private, but this is Calista and she never cared if her words will offend others. I foresee that her loose tongue and lack of tact will get her in trouble one day.

Of course, Serina was unable to talk about me reviving her so the whole story sounded like I picked her up in Venice, and now she is staying with me and taking advantage of the situation.

I saw Serina's spirit diminishing and the moment when she snapped a second before leaving the dining room.

"Wow… she is fast.", Calista said when Serina dashed out of sight.

"Go and apologize.", I said icily.

Calista looked at me and blinked. "For what?"

I let out a long exhale while doing my best to control my temper. "Due to trauma, Serina lost her memories and that is how I found her. I insisted on her to stay with me until she remembers her past. As she remembered bits and pieces, I verified her story. Her whole life Serina was trying to fit into a place she doesn't belong because no one told her she was not human. I believe that people who posed as her parents knew she is different because they went out of their way to keep her submissive."

Calista was not moved. "That is a sad story, but it still doesn't explain why I should apologize."

"It took me a long time to get her to open up and you came and accused her that she is with me for benefits. You should know how it feels when others are judging you without caring to ask questions, and when they assume the worst."

Calista's eyes flashed in understanding. People are looking at her as a princess and no one dares or bothers to get to know her.

Calista still had questions. "Why did you accept her as your daughter?"

"Serina is smart and kind. Her innocent desire for knowledge reminded me of who I used to be. She invoked in me a need to help her and to protect her. Is that so difficult to accept?"

Calista rolled her eyes at me and pushed her chair away from the table. "Fine. I will apologize."

"Make it believable or I will send your ass back to Lemuria.", I warned her.

Calista grimaced. "Since when you are using words as, ass?"

"Instead of focusing on my choice of words, you should be more concerned about the sending you away part."

For some reason unknown to me, Calista thought that shopping will fix things. I was not sure if Serina will enjoy shopping, but I knew that she loves going out and this will be something new so it can't hurt to try.

I gave Calista my credit card and instructed Mitch to stay close to the girls. If Calista starts acting out, Mitch would give me a call and bring Serina home at the first sign of trouble.

Lazarus called me at lunchtime and when I told him that we are back in Genoa, he was excited.

"I will be at your place tomorrow afternoon."

Did Lazarus invite himself to my home? "Why?"

"For my date with Serina.", he said cheerfully. "We agreed on a date when you are back, and you are back, so…"

I was not sure how Serina will react to this, but they did agree, and with Calista around I was not in a mood to come up with any excuses to tell him to come later. Maybe Serina will enjoy an evening outside of the house and away from Calista. It will give me time to talk with my sister and straighten up a few things if she can't fix her horrible first impression.

Several hours later, Serina and Calista returned with a small mountain of purchases. The fact that Serina had only a fraction, told me that she didn't enjoy it much.

"It doesn't appear that your shopping therapy worked.", I told Calista after Serina went to her room.

Calista pursed her lips. "I read that human girls like shopping and I thought it will break the ice."

"Cali, you are forgetting that she is not human."

"So, what should I do?"

"Instead of doing what you want, maybe you should do what she wants."

Calista was confused. "How do I know what she wants?"

"If you didn't notice, Serina is shy, an introvert. Your mistake was taking her into the crowd. Serina will be more relaxed in an intimate atmosphere with a few selected people."

"Alright. I will try a one-on-one approach.", Calista said with renewed vigor and went upstairs.

I didn't want to eavesdrop, but I heard voices from Serina's room and there was some laughter as well and I was relieved to confirm that things are going well.

Serina could use a friend, and my sister could use one as well. I didn't dare to assume they will become close and get along fine, but this was a start and I decided to give them privacy for the rest of the evening.

I was glad to see them both in the morning with matching smiles. This seemed like a beginning of a friendship.

When Calista said that she is leaving for Spain, I was not totally surprised. Calista always caused trouble, and I knew that she was up to something I just didn't know what… until I heard her plans, and I knew that Lazarus's arrival is only an excuse. Sure, they hate each other, but Calista was never the one to avoid a confrontation because it might make her appear weak.

Calista used the excuse of coming to meet Serina so that she can escape Lemuria (and our parents) and travel!

Well, I can't blame her completely. Five centuries ago, I was eager to leave Lemuria as well, but what am I supposed to tell our parents when they ask about Calista?

Having a willful little sister is such a headache!

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