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!"

for years. How can you not know what

you're adopted, your brothers

pretending. Didn't you start

whispers around her. Naturally hot-tempered, she was ready to

of girls held her back. "Portia,

Why would Lisette make up

think of anyone else who'd spread such lies. Only Lisette would do this! And come on,

crowd paused,

skipped a beat. She couldn't afford

my fault. If it weren't for

family! It's all my fault. I've been so guilty about this. came here to talk to Callie about, leaving the Jewell family so she can return. I should give up my place. I shouldn't cling to

welled with tears, on the

around her,