A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

"Franco, did you manage to track down that sports car I asked about?" Calliope asked, standing next to Franco by the elevator doors.

Her second godbrother, Norton, was a total car enthusiast. He'd been talking about this particular model for ages, even before it hit the market. He'd dropped hints more than a few times.

Usually, her godbrothers always got her whatever she wanted, but this year, for Christmas, she wanted to get them the best gifts.

Franco shook his head. "That car's a limited edition worldwide, Callie. It's almost impossible to get!"

He paused, glancing at her. "I might have a way, but it'll cost a lot more than sticker price."

"Are you sure you want that exact model? It's really more of a guy's car, not exactly your style," Franco said.

"I know. It's not for me," Calliope replied. "Christmas is coming, and I want to surprise my second brother with it!"

Franco's eyes widened in surprise.

Just then, the elevator doors slid open.

buying someone a limited edition sports car. Could it

back all the gifts she'd given them before, but things had been thawing out between them

if she was planning a surprise, he could return the favor. It

flashed through Valerian's mind, and he couldn't help

you headed?" he asked, his

looked at Valerian, a little puzzled

a business meeting,"

any help? I could drive you," Valerian

the elevator. Before Valerian could say anything

Franco, watching Valerian disappear

a worried look. "You're not actually thinking of giving him that car, are you? Come on, have you forgotten how your brothers acted about your gifts before? They never even bothered to unwrap them! Meanwhile, those cheap little trinkets Lisette gave them? They

"Relax, you've got it all wrong. The car's for my

not exactly overflowing with kindness for

let out a sigh of relief. "You scared me for a second!

those other gifts were for your