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, joining

your back too, Archie,"

company," Norton added, lounging with a grin, "we can help. Don't sweat the money. We can pull together a few

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

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

for him. Why shouldn't

fixed his gaze on Gavin, this time with real

of these

were. Why should

down, just to do your dirty work, to be used by you? They're all standing by me. Why shouldn't I stand

voice clear and cold. "You love your precious

of today, I'm

novel.n

now on, your old age, your sickness,

problems-they're not my concern."

son. "Chester, you have your father's love. But I have my friends, and they're worth more. They give me strength and wisdom

turned back to