A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

Oliver was pretty much the poster child for "how NOT to be a dad." For years, he

hadn't even bothered to check in on Silas.

When Silas was a kid, Oliver barely gave him the time of day. Heck, he'd even

entertained the thought of getting rid of his own son. Now, after all these years,

suddenly the old man wanted Silas to come back and help "protect the family

legacy," whatever that meant.

Honestly, it was ridiculous.

Silas saw Oliver as the enemy, and yet Oliver still thought he had some sort of

authority, like Silas would just fall in line because of biology. Newsflash, Oliver:

you can't claim "dad points" when you never did a single dad thing.

The car rumbled along the winding drive.

Calliope just couldn't help herself. She had to rant a bit about Oliver.

Zane, the driver, kept his eyes on the road and didn't say a word. It wasn't until

they pulled up in front of a sprawling suburban mansion that he finally spoke.

"We're here, Ms. Jewell."

Calliope glanced at him. "So, Zane, what does your boss want with me this time?

What's he got to say now?"

Their last meeting had gone off the rails. She hadn't punched Oliver, but this time,

she wasn't making any promises. As Silas's wife, it was her job to protect her

even if it meant going a few rounds

shook his head. He honestly had no idea. But he figured

about Silas.

didn't push for details. She just

floors and high ceilings. Oliver was

was a woman sitting on the

age, dressed head-to-toe in designer labels. Maybe there were a

plastic surgeon,

gorgeous.

a glance. Whoever this woman was, showing up

probably

it." Oliver sipped his coffee, looking up. "Did

I guess not, since he's not

Calliope replied. "He doesn't really want to

not wild about you two

flopped down on the far end of the couch, making it clear

interested in playing nice.

of them looked like some

legs and stared Oliver down. "So, what is it, old man? What

you want?"

as if no one had ever dared call him

"sir" or "Mr.

me. Old man, ancient fossil, whatever you

just kept going,

like it was

and

what? Just

day?"

chest dramatically, like he was having a

really that old?"

Calliope glanced at the

think? He's older