A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

Calliope's face was calm as she looked at Lisette. "So what?"

"What do you mean, ‘so what'?” Lisette had expected Calliope to snap, maybe get flustered or angry. Instead, Calliope just coolly shot the question right back at her, which only made Lisette's face tighten in frustration.

"So I'm pathetic, so what?" Calliope shrugged. "You think you're better off than me? Sure, Zelda dotes on you right now, but what does Zelda even have to give?"noveldrama

Calliope's voice was steady, almost bored. "I'm nothing like you. Zelda doesn't like me, but I have the company. I have my husband's love. And I have money."

"The company? If I want it, I take it. If I want to keep it, I keep it. You? You get nothing."

"Oh, and Monty and the others are always trying to win me over. You know that, right? They don't love me, but they still try to get on my good side. In fact, I think they're planning to freeze you out for my sake."

Calliope gave a little shrug, as if this was all trivial. "Honestly? If anyone here is the pitiful one, it's you."

She ticked off the points on her fingers. "You're broke. Worse, you're in debt. Nobody at the office even likes you. Who besides Zelda would even bother with you?"

She gave a mock sigh. "So before you waste time worrying about me being pathetic, maybe worry about yourself first."

Calliope's words hit like a slap. Lisette just stood there, her face turning a sickly shade of green, staring at Calliope in disbelief.

This wasn't the Calliope she knew. The old Calliope would just put up with everything, never fighting back, barely saying a word. Lisette was used to being the one dishing out frustration, not receiving it.

But now? Now Calliope was biting back, and biting hard.

And what made it worse was that Calliope was right. All Lisette had was Zelda's affection, and right now, that wasn't worth much. Zelda herself had nothing to give. What Lisette needed was Monty and the others on her side, that was the only way she'd get any power in the company, any shot at running things.

But right now, Calliope was in charge. Calliope could fire her, just like that. Lisette didn't even have a real voice in the company anymore.

Lisette stormed out of the restroom, her face dark. She'd gone in hoping to rattle Calliope, but somehow ended up infuriating herself instead.

As she walked down the hall, she muttered curses under her breath. Not too loud, though, she didn't want Calliope to overhear.

Then, as she turned the corner, she ran into Valerian. He was carrying a little box from the bakery-a cupcake, by the smell of it.

Lisette immediately perked up. She assumed the treat was for her, but Valerian just nodded hello and started to walk past.

"Hey, Valerian, where are you off to? Is that cupcake for someone?" She forced a smile, certain he'd offer it to her if she just asked.

Valerian barely glanced at her. "Oh, this? It's for Callie. She's been working her tail off these past few days."

He gave a casual shrug. "You got work to get back to, right?"

lo Cined there..." she said, kicious. I love those. You've

smile. "That cupcake

t good taste, Valerian."

She tried to hint, just in case he'd

share, or at least remember she

liked them, too. After all, Callinet

wasn't the only one who deserved a treat. .