A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

Calliope finished the last slice of her orange and tossed the peel into the trash. She stood up, wiped her hands on her jeans, and fixed Oliver with a look so serious it could slice through stone.

"Mr. Myers, I think we've had enough small talk for one day. I'm heading out."

She paused, eyes narrowing, her tone shifting into something hard and unyielding.

"But before I go, I need to make something crystal clear. Silas is with me now. I'm not going to let anything happen to him, and you'd better not even think about crossing him."

She folded her arms, chin tipped up in defiance.

"If he doesn't want something, nobody has the right to force him. And if you even try, well, I won't be polite about it."

Calliope's attitude was fierce, almost cocky. She acted like she had all the confidence in the world, as if she could take on Oliver and win.

Oliver, who'd spent years abroad, was used to people with power. His father-in- law was a legend, his wife formidable, and Oliver himself was the type to make things happen with a word or a wave of his hand. The people around him— friends, family, rivals were all a little afraid of him. Even strangers could sense the weight he carried.

But not Calliope. Not only was she not scared, she was warning him. As if he was the one who ought to tread carefully.

Oliver could hardly believe it. He felt a surge of irritation, disbelief, and something close to anger. Was this girl actually challenging him? Did she really think she could handle him?

stared at

to go easy on you because you're young and probably don't know any

eyes narrowing in a way that had sent plenty of people scrambling to get

all it took. Most

maybe even beg a

Calliope? She just shrugged and shot him a

laughed,

think you got the message. I'm not joking either. I meant every word

cocked her head, almost

with me, fine. But don't take it out on Silas. Unless he wants to go with you, you have no right to make him do anything.

took a step

in the sea. The world doesn't revolve around you. You're not the only shark

but when she was, she was a force to be reckoned with. She had her own connections and resources, enough to make things seriously

only holding back for Silas's sake. If she ever went to war with Qtiver, it would be because of Silas. That's how much he meant to her. She didn't want him

gave a dry, mocking laugh. "So, what, you're telling me

you?"