A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

Calliope grabbed Yvette's wrist, her fingers cool and sure. In her other hand, she balanced an iced latte, sipping through the straw as she checked Yvette's pulse with practiced ease.

After a moment, Calliope looked up, a raised brow betraying her surprise. "Well, you're in pretty good shape, huh? You got pregnant this fast? It's definitely a bun in the oven. Is it really Gideon's, though?"

One sentence, and Fleur's attention snapped to Yvette. Her eyes narrowed, sharp as knives.

After all, her son's legs weren't fully healed yet. Everyone knew that. Who could say for sure if Yvette was really carrying Gideon's baby? She remembered all too well how Yvette had flirted with Silas. If she could seduce Silas, who's to say she hadn't been with someone else, too?

Fleur regarded Yvette with a cautious, almost predatory suspicion.

Yvette's face went pale, and she shot Calliope a furious glare before rushing to explain, “Mom, it's not what you think! I've only been with Gideon, I swear. If you don't believe me, just ask him! There's nobody else, I promise!"

She sounded desperate, pleading with Fleur to believe her.

God, Calliope's big mouth was going to get her killed one of these days. If she hadn't said anything, Fleur probably wouldn't have started doubting her.

But Fleur knew Yvette all too well. She'd never really believed Yvette loved Gideon. It had always been about money and social climbing with her. If someone wealthier or more powerful came along, Yvette would drop Gideon in a heartbeat. But right now, she didn't have any better options.

way she'd get access to anyone higher up the food chain.

mix of excitement and uncertainty.

it to end in heartbreak. This time, she needed

"Yep, she's pregnant, alright. But you might want to get a proper check-up

took another sip of

added, "But listen, her health's

iffy. She

there's no

to term. It

complicated."

Yvette had always had issues. Getting pregnant hadn't been easy, and staying pregnant

Miscarriage was a

say the baby might not come out perfectly healthy, either. Genetics could

now?" Fleur snapped, her patience running

not cursing anyone.