A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

"I still haven't checked in on Lance's older brother yet. I'll know when I can come back once I see how he's doing," Calliope said, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

She added, "Anyway, with Franco around, the company's in safe hands. Just as long as you all don't mess things up while I'm gone!"

She knew her family all too well-the Jewell clan wasn't exactly a pool of business geniuses.

Horatio had some talent for running things, but after his accident left him wheelchair-bound, he'd lost a lot of his spark. Honestly, it was a tricky situation.

Franco, on the other hand, was the reliable one. She'd left the company in his care before, and things had always run smoothly.

Monty frowned, concern creasing his forehead. "So, what about your brother's leg? I mean, not to rush you or anything, but he really should get treatment as soon as possible. Do you have a plan? And, uh... there's also the matter with Lisette."

He shot Calliope a nervous glance, half-expecting her to snap at the mention of Lisette.

But Calliope didn't lose her temper. She just gave him a cool look. "It's not like I'm not coming back."

Horatio jumped in quickly, "No worries, Callie. There's no rush on my end. You take care of your stuff first-it's more important."

"Yeah, you do what you need to do," Valerian chimed in, glancing at her. "Are you sure you want to travel overseas alone? I could go with you if you want."

Calliope gave Valerian a surprised look. There was a time she'd have wanted him by her side. But, every time she'd needed him, he'd been off with Lisette. Eventually, she'd stopped asking. She'd learned to get by on her own.

She just shrugged. "No need. I've got it covered. Lance has already sorted everything out.”

Lance nodded. "Yeah, everything's set. You fagging along would just get in the way-you're not exactly the action hero type, Valerian. If anything goes wrong, I'll have to save you too!"

Valerian scowled but didn't reply.

Lance turned to Calliope, curiosity in his voice. "But what about those other brothers of yours? Aren't they usually the ones who come running when you're in trouble? Those guys are something else. They always show up when you need backup! Not just for you, actually they've helped me out too. They're like... the real deal, you know?"

Calliope smiled, a little proud. "Yeah, they're pretty amazing."

"See? I knew it! Where did you find those guys, anyway? They barely seem related to you!" Lance teased.

"Don't hang out with these guys too much," he added, nodding toward Valerian

and the others. "They're just not as sharp."

It was clear Lance had little patience for Valerian and the rest.

Calliope just rolled her eyes.noveldrama

Valerian, on the other hand, was fuming. He'd been the one to introduce Lance to the family, but from day one, Lance seemed to look down on them, quick to point out their flaws and never missing a chance to praise those other "brothers." And now, he was telling Calliope to stay away from them?

It stung. Weren't they her real brothers? Why did she seem to prefer those other guys?

Valerian couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy, a pang of something he didn't want to name.

Horatio, watching silently from his wheelchair, felt much the same way.