A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

Zelda stared Calliope down, her tone icy. Her face was practically stormy; she couldn't stand the sight of Calliope. The woman's very presence grated on her nerves.

Honestly, Zelda just wished Calliope would take the hint and leave, let the family have a peaceful evening together for once.

"Oh, so you don't want me to help your oldest son with his leg anymore? Or maybe you're hoping your precious company goes under?" Calliope shot back, her voice cool but edged with a smirk.

"Looks like Mr. Jewell forgot to mention that, huh? The company's practically hanging by a thread-and guess whose expertise it's relying on? And your son's leg? Yeah, he needs me too. He didn't tell you he actually invited me for dinner tonight, did he?"

Calliope raised an eyebrow. "So, you want me to leave?"

"I mean... I wouldn't say no..." Zelda's voice was tight, her eyes narrowing. She suddenly remembered-Monty had said Calliope was coming, and even told her to whip up something Calliope liked. The sheer thought made her bristle. Why should she go out of her way for this woman, when even seeing her was a headache?

argue further. She spun on her heel and marched back

dropped it, Calliope strolled right in after her,

few days," Calliope announced, flashing a sly smile at Zelda. "Didn't you all

around, eyes wide as saucers. "Excuse me? You're staying here? What, you and Silas have a falling out? Is his apartment too small for you, so

to blow a gasket. Calliope coming for dinner was bad enough,

Zelda snapped. "You're married now. Why come back at all? And does Silas even know about this? What,

course my husband knows. Silas supports whatever I want

amusing.

not welcome, period!" Zelda shot back, practically vibrating with anger. "Why don't you just