A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

"Yeah, I did it on purpose," Calliope said, her lips curling into a smirk that practically screamed, "I dare you to get mad."

Lisette's face went from annoyed to downright stormy. She hadn't expected Calliope to just admit it like it was nothing.

Calliope tilted her head, studying Lisette with almost childlike curiosity. "Doesn't feel too great, does it? Never thought you'd be on the receiving end for once, huh?"

Lisette's jaw clenched. "Calliope, don't push your luck!"

"Oh, I'm pushing it?" Calliope let out a laugh. "Don't tell me I'm worse than you ever were."

Lisette's glare could have frozen a cup of coffee. "What do you even want? You're already married to Silas. You've got money, you've got status. What more could you possibly want? Compared to Silas's world, the Jewell fortune is peanuts. Calliope, why can't you just be happy with Silas? Why drag me into this?"

"Once upon a time, I had you wrapped around my finger. Don't think I can't do it again."

There was a threat in Lisette's voice, cold as the wind off Lake Michigan. She stared Calliope down, convinced she could still intimidate her.

But Calliope only looked amused. Not a hint of fear.

I want?" Calliope echoed, a little smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Simple. Whatever you did to me, I'm

never had me under your thumb. I just didn't care enough

of the bed, chin up, looking Lisette

yours? Now it's mine. The company's in my hands. What else do

arms crossed and a look

pure

confidence, Calliope waited for

make her move.

if you

little tricks on me."

with anger. "They listened to me before, and

they listen to me again! You won't win,

don't need you anymore, no one will care! You really think you've won them

she'd just snatched the last slice

Calliope's face remained unreadable. "Who said I ever wanted their love? Please. I just want to keep them