A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

"Do you really think everyone else is clueless? Did you have to ask something that obvious?" Calliope looked up, her fork halfway to her mouth.

Lisette flushed. She was starting to feel more and more uncomfortable. It was like every time she opened her mouth, Calliope had a comeback ready for her.

Calliope didn't say anything else; she just focused on her scrambled eggs and toast.

Lisette had no choice but to keep eating her own breakfast. She glanced over at Valerian. He was quietly poking at his pancakes, not saying a word.

A wave of irritation washed over Lisette. Ever since Calliope had come back, everything felt different. The way everyone treated her had totally changed.

She needed to turn things around. Right. She had to get back to the company. Calliope was back at the office, apparently even managing things now. If Lisette didn't show up soon, she wouldn't get any benefits at all.

Trying to sound casual, she turned to Monty. "Dad, I'm back now, and I don't really have anything else going on. Can I start working at the company again?”

She shot a quick look at Calliope. No way was she buying that Calliope was really in charge of everything. It was probably just for show. Monty was still calling the shots, she was sure of it.

right away. Instead, he looked over at Calliope. "What do

to Calliope too, waiting to see what she'd say. After all, Lisette had tried to set her up just

Calliope said, glancing at Lisette. "But if you're coming back, you need to actually do your job. No special treatment. Finish your own work, no slacking

if you've done anything at work you shouldn't have, you'd better stop. I'm managing things now, so don't try to

tone was

a second. Did

way. Everything she'd done had been super discreet. Besides, most people at the company

forced a smile and nodded. "Callie, of course! If I'm back at work, I'll put in the effort, don't worry. And as

for a moment, then said

down her spine. Did

feel like she

keys, getting ready to head out to the

I've got

ride with you too," Valerian chimed in. "I don't feel like driving