A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

Franco hadn't counted on running into Valerian right then. Of all the luck, Valerian just had to show up at that exact moment, and, of course, he immediately noticed

the car.

The car was still under its cover, so you couldn't see the details, but the shape was unmistakable. Anyone could tell it was a car, and a pretty sweet one at that.

Franco felt his mouth twitch, feeling a mix of awkwardness and dread. He knew, with absolute certainty, that Calliope had not intended this car for Valerian. But Valerian had been under that impression for a while now.

He'd convinced himself the car was a gift for him.

And Calliope hadn't bothered to explain otherwise.

"Oh, it's nothing," Franco said with a shrug, trying to play it cool. "Just parked the car here like Callie asked."

Honestly, he wished Calliope would handle this whole mess herself. He didn't exactly love dealing with the Jewell family. Every conversation with them felt like stepping onto a minefield.

"Is this a new car?" Valerian asked, his eyes practically sparkling.

"Yeah, it's brand new," Franco replied, hoping to keep things vague.

Valerian

have found out he'd come to the office, so she'd arranged to have the car delivered right

could barely contain his excitement. He'd wanted this car for ages. He'd been wondering when, or if, Calliope would ever get

it was,

meaningful as the stuff Lisette usually gave him, but hey, he wasn't

know, Callie's giving it to someone," Franco said, trying not to roll his

Valerian's grin just widened. He turned to Ulysses, who had been

didn't see that coming!" Valerian

a car?" Ulysses raised an

glance for him. She was all about her other brothers, totally

with pride. "She wanted to surprise

figured it out. She knows I love

happier he got. He strutted over, ready to whip off the cover and check

he got close, Franco stepped in, blocking

not to touch the car," Franco said

you. Seriously, don't

course it's for

Valerian insisted, practically