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!"

How can you not know what

clearly. Even though you're adopted, your brothers know you're the better one, more well-behaved! Unlike Calliope, who just

Didn't you start

anger flared at the whispers around her. Naturally hot-tempered, she was ready to

"Portia, don't

would Lisette make up stuff out

do this! And come on, use your brains. Calliope is the Jewell family's real

crowd paused, considering

beat. She couldn't afford to let their opinions

It's all my fault. If it weren't

to Callie about, leaving the Jewell family so she can return. I should give

eyes welled with tears, on the

rallied around her, offering comfort