A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

Calliope listened to Portia's words with an unusual calmness. She quickly pieced it together in her mind. It was likely Lisette was spreading rumors.

Weren't these the same things the Jewell brothers had told her back in the day? Lisette misled them, and they took the bait.

Now, Lisette had fed the same misinformation to Silas and plastered it all over social media.

It was baffling. Calliope had left the Jewell family, and none of the brothers had stood by her. So what was Lisette's endgame here? What more did she want?

Silas was already up to speed on the situation as Calliope hung up. He scrolled through the online chatter, his strikingly handsome face turning as dark as a thundercloud.

He glanced sideways at Calliope.

Calliope remained remarkably composed. She offered Silas a small smile. "You've seen it too?"

"Lisette's handiwork, right?" Silas asked, frowning as if ready to confront Lisette. "Most likely," Calliope replied. "You trust me, don't you?"

"Of course," Silas replied without hesitation.

we're good," Calliope said

taken down?" Silas asked,

a relief, but those rumors were far from ideal. Even if she could brush it

to erase it, people will think I'm scared and guilty and trying to

can't let it spiral out of control," Silas said, narrowing

me,"

folks to vouch for Calliope mused.

AQUMS

II

as the people she cared about believed

met Silas's. "I'm fine. As long as you

hair.

do." Calliope nodded

trending at the top of social media

Silas sat across from

skimmed through the vitriol directed