A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

It was the start of the workday, and plenty of employees were arriving at the

company.

After parking the car, Calliope and her group got out. A lot of people noticed them right away, and instinctively slowed their steps to watch.

"Hey, isn't that Calliope?"

"No way-today Monty, Horatio, and Valerian all rode in with her?"

"Wow, seeing it like this, Calliope's got such a commanding vibe! The way she steps out of the driver's seat, she just looks so confident, you know?"

"I love that about her, honestly."

"She's amazing. Ever since Calliope joined, the food in the break room has gotten better, the office feels more positive, and she even treats us to Starbucks sometimes!"

"Most importantly, the company's doing better. Our bonuses are looking good!" "Exactly! It really does matter who's in charge."

"It's wild. Calliope used to be the underdog, and now even her family is starting to see how capable she is."

"Yeah, it's awesome!"

Everyone was chatting excitedly as Calliope and her crew headed into the building. People nodded and greeted her with real respect, and Calliope smiled and nodded back, greeting everyone just as warmly. Horatio and the others followed behind her, looking almost like her squad.

A moment later, Lisette arrived. She got out of her car just in time to see Calliope and her group disappear inside, surrounded by friendly greetings from employees.noveldrama

Lisette felt her jaw clench. She hadn't realized Calliope was already so popular around the office. So many people were actually going out of their way to say hi to her! When Lisette used to come in, she'd been ignored. No one even noticed her.

Taking a deep breath, Lisette narrowed her eyes. Whatever. She still had some influence here. There were plenty of people loyal to her. If she spread a few rumors, she could bring Calliope down a peg or two, maybe make people lose respect for her. śwnovel

Lisette strode into the building. Some employees glanced her way, but there was

a moment of hesitation, like they weren't quite sure it was her.

"Is that Lisette? She's back at the office?"

"They all arrived with Calliope, but Lisette came in alone? Did the family choose sides?"

"Yeah, she's the adopted one after all. She just doesn't have the same confidence as Calliope."

"Not just confidence, she's nowhere near as generous. Calliope's given us gifts and treats!"

"I know, right? I really like Calliope. I'd follow her anywhere, honestly!"

The excitement in the air was obvious.

Lisette made her way through the lobby. No one greeted her. No one even made eye contact. By the time she got to the elevator, Lisette was nearly fuming.

She couldn't believe it. She'd

expected people to welcome her back, like they used to. But now?

Nothing. Not even a hint of respect.

She seethed-what a bunch of

shallow, two-faced people!

Lisette didn't bother to greet anyone herself. Ignoring the curious looks, she took

the elevator up to her office, already plotting her next move.

But when she walked in, she noticed something off. Her assistant's desk was occupied by someone else.

"Where's Debby?" she snapped, frowning. "What happened to her?"