A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

Portia's sudden entrance brought a hush over the buzzing banquet hall. All eyes turned toward her.

"Well, Ms. Sutton? It's been ages, and your temper hasn't changed!"

"Ms. Sutton, are you still hanging out with Calliope?"

"Oh, come on. Calliope's reputation is in shambles. You shouldn't hang out with her, Portia. It's only going to drag you down."

"Speaking of Calliope, you're pretty close with her, huh? Did she sleep around with different people for some cash back in the day?"

"Probably true, huh? Calliope never denied it!"

"Exactly, ugh. It's really gross. I'd get it if Calliope were with a rich, handsome guy, but with those older dudes? That's just nasty!"

The chatter resumed, with everyone sneering and shaking their heads.

Lisette stood among them, lips curling slightly, though she put on her best 'concerned sister' face. "Come on, guys. Maybe Callie isn't like that. Sure, she might not be the best person, but not that awful! Even though our family wasn't generous with her, I can't believe she'd do something like that. I trust Callie's character!"

"Lisette, you're too kind!"

You've known Calliope for years. How

good the Jewell family sees clearly. Even though you're adopted, your brothers

pretending. Didn't you start these

the whispers around her. Naturally hot-tempered, she

group of girls held her back. "Portia,

Lisette make up

come on, use your brains. Calliope is the Jewell family's

crowd paused, considering Portia's

She couldn't afford to let their opinions

If it weren't for me, the Jewell family wouldn't treat Callie

about, leaving the Jewell family so she can return. I should give up my place. I shouldn't cling to what

welled with tears, on the verge

rallied around her, offering