A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

"He's always acted like his father was long gone. When he was a kid, that man tried to erase any trace of his existence, made his life hell. If it hadn't been for Eamon stepping in, I don't know what would've happened to him."

"As he grew up, he cut off all contact with his father. Completely. But, you know, back when he was just starting out, his father showed up again. Tried to mess with him, put him down, told him he'd never amount to anything."

"I think that's why he pushed himself so hard all these years, why he's become who he is now. He wanted to prove him wrong."

"As for now? I doubt he wants anything to do with his old man."

Damien finished the story and looked over at Calliope. "He never really talks about it, so I'm just piecing things together."

Calliope nodded, thinking it over. Then she asked, "So, what if his father came back and tried to hand everything over to him? Do you think Silas would take it?"

If Silas wanted that, she'd support him, of course. But if he didn't, if he wanted nothing to do with Oliver, she'd have his back and keep the man away.

There's no love lost, and honestly, what his father has isn't worth taking. The man only got those things by hurting Silas and his mom in the first place. He doesn't

what Calliope had guessed, but she wanted to be sure. Now that Damien had confirmed it, she didn't feel any need to

asking me all this?" Damien asked, suddenly

was sharp. Silas trusted him with good

me you've run into him? Has he shown up here? Is he trying to get in touch

right does he have

this, but since you've figured it out, I'll tell you

now. He tried to get me to leave Silas.

over

his second son is a