A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

Silas didn't really have anywhere to be, so he tagged along with Calliope and Hudson to go find Lance.

On the way over, Calliope tried to talk to Hudson. She really thought Lance deserved to know what was going on.

"I just think," she said, "it's only fair Lance knows. If he finds out later, he might regret not having the chance to at least make a memory or two together. Sometimes, keeping stuff from him to protect him... it's not always the right call."

Hudson didn't say much. He just walked beside her, quiet and deep in thought.

When they got to the office, Lance was in a meeting. They could only see him through the glass wall-he looked like he was holding court at a round table, all sharp suit and easy charm.

Hudson watched him for a second and couldn't help but smirk. “See him? He always acts like nothing's serious, like he's just some rich kid who doesn't have a clue. But I know better. He pretends he's useless, but I get it-he's worried if he's not, his parents will expect more. Or maybe he's afraid if he's got it all handled, I'll just leave, and he'll have to run the show without me."

Lance looked totally in his element in there, and Calliope could see it too. The whole "hopeless heir" routine was just an act. Truth was, Lance was every bit as sharp as Hudson.

She figured Lance kept up the charade because he wanted Hudson to stick around, to stay with the company. If he looked like he had it all under control, Hudson would probably feel like he wasn't needed-he'd walk away, because that's just who he was.

Calliope smiled, glancing at Hudson. "He's always been impressive, you know."

him. "He cares

Hudson just nodded. "Yeah."

looked from one to the other.

his brow. "Wait, are those

them, his focus still on Lance. After a minute, he led Calliope and the others

up. He

So, did you get your results back? Everything okay?" He

reassuringly. "All

God. If Callie says it's

V

hand gently, giving her a silent look of comfort. She nodded back, pushing

it had to come from Hudson. He knew exactly where he

watched Lance

looked like he might

news,