A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

Calliope listened quietly, then glanced at Archie.

Archie was already looking at her, searching her face for answers, as if silently asking: "What should I do?"

Should he really cut ties with the Yoder family for good? He hadn't gotten everything he wanted from them yet. His original plan had been to inherit it all— the family name, the assets, the legacy.

He wasn't about to let all those years of playing Gavin's golden boy go unpaid, was he?

Calliope's eyes softened thoughtfully. "It's your choice, Archie. Whatever path you take, I'm here for you. I'll always have your back. Count on it!"

Portia piped up from behind, "Honestly, with a dad like that? Who needs him anyway! If you want a job, come join us at Sutton Group. If your own dad can't see your talent, I sure as hell can! Right, Crispin?"

Crispin nodded enthusiastically. "Archie, the doors at Sutton Group are always open for you!"

Silas shrugged, barely glancing up from his phone. “Baker Group could use someone like you too, and let's be real, we treat our people better than the Yoders ever did."

Uriah chimed in, a lazy smile on his face. "I'm just saying, you could do worse than work with me. You've got options, Archie. More than you know."

Calliope grinned at Gavin, her voice sly. "I've got a couple of companies myself. I'd treat you better than this old man ever did. And don't worry, you won't have to sell your soul to any weirdo heiress."

and a few others laughed,

got your back too, Archie," Quentin said

can help. Don't sweat the money. We can pull

hand, grinning. "I can handle the PR. I may not be good for much, but I've got enough followers to launch a

his eyes stinging. He realized: it was all for Calliope's sake, but they were all genuinely willing to help him. With friends

was rooting for him. Why

his gaze on Gavin,

hear that?" Archie said, voice steady. "Any one of these

ever were. Why should I

to be used by you? They're all standing by me. Why shouldn't I

"You love your precious youngest son? Fine. Go be

I'm not

novel.n

your old age, your

problems-they're not my concern."

But I have my friends, and they're worth more.

turned back to Gavin,