A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

Lisette had heard every word Calliope said, but she still bolted straight up to the top floor in a huff.

Once she got there, she started to wait. She was sure the Jewell family would come after her, just like they always did. They'd try to talk her down, shower her with affection, and, in the end, promise her anything just to make her feel better.

She was convinced Calliope must be scared she'd actually do something drastic. If she did, wouldn't that make it Calliope's fault too?

So there Lisette stood, right on the rooftop terrace. She hadn't bothered to put on much that morning, and now the chilly breeze up there made her shiver so hard her teeth almost chattered.

But she told herself, if she wanted to get the upper hand with the Jewells, she couldn't back down now. The more pitiful she looked, the more they'd worry, and the more likely they'd cave to whatever she wanted.

So Lisette stayed put. She didn't jump, but she stubbornly remained on the terrace, keeping up her act.

Meanwhile, downstairs.

Monty and the others hesitated.

on her," Monty suggested, glancing at Silas and Calliope for approval. He clearly wasn't about to send his son upstairs if they didn't

Calliope replied bluntly, fixing Monty with a look. "You feeling

and chimed in, "Maybe you should go up there and jump with her, give her

shut his mouth

looked a little worried, but remembering the rumors about Lisette's infectious illness, she quickly thought

had zero intention of playing along with Lisette's drama. They weren't stupid. Calliope had already called her bluff. If Lisette was really going to jump, she'd have done it by now. She'd had plenty of time since she stormed upstairs. Clearly, she was waiting

Valerian was eagerly anticipating his favorite present. Both decided it was smarter to side

up. "Can we

Monty said, jumping at the chance. "I already asked Valerian to pick up your favorite pastries. They're still warm! Let's

table, pointedly ignoring the whole Lisette

on their breakfast, chatting about anything but Lisette. No

jump, they'd

obvious she hadn't.