A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

When Lisette and the others got back, dinner was just about ready.

Calliope was hanging out by the door, munching on a handful of pistachios, looking like she was watching her favorite soap opera unfold.

Lisette trailed behind Horatio and the rest, her face lit up with a grateful smile, but there was a dramatic glimmer in her eyes, too.

"Dad, Horatio, Valerian, seriously, thank you guys so much! I really thought I was never getting out of there!"

She kept on, her voice growing more emotional. "If it wasn't for you, I'd probably still be stuck. You guys are amazing! I owe you everything."

She looked down, her tone suddenly softer and a little guilty. "I didn't mean for any of this to happen... I honestly thought Callie was up to no good. I mean, why are all those big shots sticking up for her anyway?"

"Dad, Horatio, Valerian, I'm sorry. This is all my fault, isn't it? Did I just drag the whole family into a mess again?"

She had that perfect, wounded puppy look—the kind that made most people's hearts ache for her. But Calliope saw straight through it.

So, after all that time being grounded, Lisette was still spinning her tales, Calliope realized. Still hinting that she'd been wronged, and that maybe just maybe- those important folks were all wrapped up in some scandal with her.

cracked another pistachio. "Yeah, you did stir up quite a bit of trouble for everyone," she

all those people were only defending me 'cause I've

when she did, she

are you

back and forth, looking panicked, as if hoping someone

an apology or anything. Just kneel and call it even,

be serious. Not in front of everyone!" She clung tightly to Valerian's

think so. But if you're not happy about it, I could just send you back.

waving it around like she was

"No, please,

was clear she'd had a rough time

said, stepping in. "Lisette just got home. She doesn't know what's going on yet, so

that a problem?" Calliope

to Callie, alright?" Horatio said, his tone firm

She