A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

Calliope and her friends were gathered in a cozy private booth at their favorite

downtown bistro, the table crowded with plates of burgers, loaded fries, and all

sorts of comfort food. Laughter and chatter filled the air as they dug in.

"They didn't follow us in here, did they?" Portia asked, glancing over her shoulder,

her eyes narrowed with suspicion.

"No way," Quentin replied, shaking his head. "This place is reservation-only, and

it's always packed. Even if you book ahead, there's a long wait."

Portia scrunched up her nose, clearly unimpressed. "Thank goodness. Just

seeing the Jewell family ruins my appetite. Why would they think Callie would ever

help them, after everything they've done to her?"

Mavis nodded emphatically. "Seriously, the Jewells are the worst."

"Let's not talk about them while we eat," Calliope said, brushing off the subject

with a wave of her hand.

She'd finally come to terms with the fact that the Jewell family had nothing to do

with her anymore, and honestly, she didn't care about them at all. If they wanted

to waste their time tailing her, that was their problem, not hers.

"Yeah, no more talk about them!" Norton chimed in, grinning as he reached for

another slice of pizza. "Let's just enjoy the food. Besides, aren't we all hitting that

auction tomorrow?"

"Oh my gosh, yes!" Portia's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I've been dying to

check out this auction for ages. I heard there are some gorgeous antiques and

collectibles. Maybe I'll find something I love!"

"If there's something you want, I'm sure they'll have it," Julius said with a wink.

"What about you, Mavis? Anything you're hoping to get?" Norton asked, turning to

her with genuine curiosity.

Mavis was caught off guard. She was sitting between Norton on her left and Uriah

on her right, which made her a little uneasy. The sudden attention made her

freeze for a second.

"I, uh, I kinda like everything," she replied, trying to sound casual.

"If there's anything you really want, let me know. I'll get it for you as a gift," Norton

offered, his tone playful but sincere.

Calliope had asked him to play along, and Norton was nothing if not a good sport.

Portia arched an eyebrow,

impressed by Norton's performance.

"Nortom, you're too sweet. If Mavis

gets something, do I get one too? Or

is Mavis just extra special in your

eyes?"

Norton just flashed her a sly smile, not saying a word, but the look on his face

said plenty.

Portia let out a dramatic "Ooooh!" and elbowed Mavis, stirring the pot.

Uriah, sitting on Mavis's other side, shot Norton a glare, his jaw clenched tight.

Norton stared right back. "Something wrong, Mr. Stewart? You look a little tense."

Uriah just grumbled, clearly annoyed.

Stuck between the two, Mavis felt more than a little awkward.

Calliope, watching the whole scene

unfold, felt pretty pleased with

herself for roping Norton into this.

Judging by Uriah's expression, he

was definitely jealous. He looked like

someone had knocked over a whole

jar of pickles.

Meanwhile, Silas was sitting next to Calliope, doting on her. He peeled crab legs

and offered her bites, making sure her plate was always full.

Norton glanced over at Silas, suddenly inspired. He picked up a shrimp, peeled itnoveldrama

with care, and placed it on Mavis's plate.

"Mavis, try the shrimp."

Mavis stared at him in disbelief. No

one had ever peeled shrimp for her

before. Usually, she was the one

doing it, especially for Uriah, who

always acted like it was too much

trouble. She'd gotten used toit,

always making sure he had what he

wanted.

But this? This was new. And she wasn't quite sure what to make of it.