A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

Calliope and Archie sat together for a while, talking quietly as she filled him in on everything she knew.

Archie fell silent, lost in thought for a long time.noveldrama

"I can't believe she's really that complicated,” he finally said. “So, even my father didn't know who she really was? And you think there's a good chance Chester isn't my dad's biological son?"

Calliope nodded. "That's what my gut tells me. Of course, I can't say for sure. I haven't looked into it. But you could find out, if you wanted to. It's your family business, so I stayed out of it."

She looked Archie in the eye. "But if you ever need help, just say the word. I can help you dig up the truth."

Archie shook his head. “I'll handle it myself. If Chester turns out not to be his son, well... that's going to be interesting."

He smirked, imagining Gavin realizing his favorite youngest son wasn't his own flesh and blood. Archie knew exactly how that would feel for the old man. And honestly? He'd enjoy watching him squirm. After all, Gavin had spent years putting Archie through hell for Chester's sake.

"Alright," Calliope said, not pushing further. She trusted Archie's abilities.

She knew that if Archie put his mind to it, Gavin wouldn't stand a chance. The only reason Archie had ever held back was because Gavin was his father. But after everything that had happened... that bond was broken.

Archie was smart. He was more than capable.

"It's late. Get some rest," Calliope said, giving his shoulder a friendly pat. "It's the holidays, after all. If we don't enjoy it, we're just letting them win."

Archie nodded. "I know. Don't worry about me. Cutting ties with them is the best thing that's happened to me in a long time."

Now he could finally act freely. Before, he'd always pulled his punches, kept things quiet. Not anymore. If Gavin wanted a war, he'd get one, no holding back.

A sly, almost wicked smile flickered across Archie's handsome face. Gavin had been a sly old fox in his day, but Archie? Archie was the next generation, smarter and more ruthless.

After Archie went back to his room, Calliope retired as well. She washed up and went straight to bed.

Meanwhile, the entire Jewell family was wide awake.

Monty was still reeling. He never

dreamed Calliope would really sexet

her shares in Jewell Group. If a friend hadn't called him up with the news, he wouldn't have believed it.

Horatio and the others were just as stunned. Calliope had taken her shares, then, instead of giving them to the family, she'd sold them off to someone else.

Had she lost her mind?

The whole family's holiday was ruined. And when they saw Calliope's new video-her laughing and joking with friends, the table piled high with roast turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie, everyone playing party games and setting off fireworks in the yard-it just made things worse.

Their Christmas dinner felt cold and empty by comparison. And no one could shake the anxiety gnawing at them.

"What's she planning?" Horatio muttered. "She sold her shares. That means Jewell Group could end up in the hands of strangers!"

"Even if she wanted the money, why not sell to her own family?" Valerian said. "Why give outsiders the upper hand?"

No one had an answer.