A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

Since she'd found her real family, why had she never brought them up in front of the rest of them? What was really going on with her and her relatives? And if she had family now, why was she still hanging around the Jewell family? Was there something else she was after?

Ulysses narrowed his eyes, stealing a glance at Lisette.

She noticed his gaze and, a little confused, scooted closer. She leaned in and said, "Hey, don't be so down. Maybe Callie just... maybe she thinks she's got those new brothers now, so she doesn't need us anymore. Maybe she believes those guys are the best thing that ever happened to her, but she doesn't know we're actually the ones who care about her the most!"

"If she can't appreciate that, she's definitely going to regret it one day. She'll realize it, trust me. She'll regret not choosing someone as great as you!"

"And Julius? Sure, he's more famous than you right now, but that's temporary. You're going to be way more successful than that guy, right?"

Lisette batted her eyes, then started laying it on thick, complimenting Ulysses like he'd hung the moon.

Ulysses listened, staring at her, suddenly numb to her flattery. She'd always been good at this-blowing smoke, hyping him up. But now, for some reason, it all felt so fake.

And as he thought about it, he realized she was always trying to stir the pot between him and Calliope. Always saying things that sounded caring, but just made things worse. The words seemed sweet, but somehow always left a bitter taste.

edged away from

leave us?" he asked. "Maybe Callie saw

།

in disbelief. "Ulysses... I'm just trying to help, that's all. I'm willing to leave,

Ulysses shot back. "If

to come back to us? Or are

anytime!" Lisette stammered,

stepped over, looking annoyed. "Lisette

around, she'll go. Uly, don't you think

out because of her, can we? She's been our little sister for years.

said coolly.

Valerian frowned. "She's..."