A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

Zelda stared Calliope down, her tone icy. Her face was practically stormy; she couldn't stand the sight of Calliope. The woman's very presence grated on her nerves.

Honestly, Zelda just wished Calliope would take the hint and leave, let the family have a peaceful evening together for once.

"Oh, so you don't want me to help your oldest son with his leg anymore? Or maybe you're hoping your precious company goes under?" Calliope shot back, her voice cool but edged with a smirk.

"Looks like Mr. Jewell forgot to mention that, huh? The company's practically hanging by a thread-and guess whose expertise it's relying on? And your son's leg? Yeah, he needs me too. He didn't tell you he actually invited me for dinner tonight, did he?"

Calliope raised an eyebrow. "So, you want me to leave?"

"I mean... I wouldn't say no..." Zelda's voice was tight, her eyes narrowing. She suddenly remembered-Monty had said Calliope was coming, and even told her to whip up something Calliope liked. The sheer thought made her bristle. Why should she go out of her way for this woman, when even seeing her was a headache?

Still fuming, Zelda didn't bother to argue further. She spun on her heel and marched back inside.

Seeing that Zelda had finally dropped it, Calliope strolled right in after her, perfectly at ease.

"Oh, and by the way, I'm not just here for dinner. I'm planning to stay a few days," Calliope announced, flashing a sly smile at Zelda. "Didn't you all set up a guest room for me? Wouldn't want your efforts to go to waste."noveldrama

Zelda whipped around, eyes wide as saucers. "Excuse me? You're staying here? What, you and Silas have a falling out? Is his apartment too small for you, so you have to come and crash here?"

She looked about ready to blow a gasket. Calliope coming for dinner was bad enough, but staying a few days? That was just too much.

"You really think you're welcome here?" Zelda snapped. "You're married now. Why come back at all? And does Silas even know about this? What, are you trying to pick a fight with him?"

Calliope couldn't care less. "Of course my husband knows. Silas supports whatever I want to do."

She shrugged, as if Zelda's outrage was mildly amusing. "You don't want me here? That's too bad."

"You're not welcome, period!" Zelda shot back, practically vibrating with anger. "Why don't you just go home if you've got any sense?"

Calliope just grinned. "When have I ever had any sense-in your eyes, at least?" she teased. "You might as well get used to it. The guest room's cozy, the commute to the office is easy and honestly? I kinda like it here."

She started making herself right at home, wandering through the Jewell house, poking into corners, snacking on some leftover apple pie and helping herself to whatever good caught her eye, even pocketing a couple of chocolates from a candy dish.

Zelda watched, practically sputtering with disbelief. She'd never expected Calliope to be so... brazen. But with Horatio still needing her help, there was nothing she could do. So, shooting Calliope one last glare, she stormed off to the kitchen, leaving Calliope to explore the house as if she owned the place.