A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

Calliope regarded Oliver with an unreadable expression. She didn't bother to explain herself or justify anything. Her gaze was cool, almost icy, as she studied Oliver. She was completely composed, unflappable even.

Oliver was the kind of man who could fill a room with his presence, a natural leader, someone people instinctively respected or, more often, feared. Years of power had given him an intimidating air. Most people would have felt a chill just being in the same room as him.

But Calliope wasn't most people. She remained calm, almost detached, looking at him for a long moment before she finally spoke up.

“I wouldn't recommend coming to me or to Silas for anything,” she said, her voice steady. "There's nothing for you here, Oliver. Not anymore. You were the one who turned your back on Silas. Don't expect him to welcome you with open arms. He's not a fool. He knows who's in his corner and who isn't."

"You abandoned him, and now he's more than capable of standing on his own. He doesn't need you. So, what are you hoping to get out of this?"

Calliope popped a slice of orange into her mouth, chewing as she watched Oliver fall silent.

He tried a different tactic. "I could give you a lot, you know. I could give you more than you think. Money, for starters. I know that matters to people like you. All you have to do is leave Silas, and the money's yours. Whether Silas chooses to come back to me after, well, that's between him and me. You'll be out of the picture."

Calliope raised an eyebrow, amused. "How much are we talking?"

"At least seven figures," Oliver replied smoothly. "You could take that money and show up your family to make them regret ever treating you the way they did. I know your folks have never been your biggest fans. You need this, don't you?"

Calliope laughed, a clear, ringing sound. "Seven figures is a pretty big deal for most people, even the Jewell family. But honestly? That's less than I spend on a weekend. And Silas earns more than that in a single day. Surely you did your research before coming here?"

"So, let me get this straight. You're offering me a one-time buyout, but Silas brings in that kind of money every single day. Are you bad at math or do you just think I am? Or

and easily bought?"

maybe you assume I'm net

Her stare was razor-sharp, but she never once backed down.

Oliver had expected her to be easy to sway. Instead, he found himself facing someone shrewd and unflappable, someone who was more than a match for him.noveldrama

That realization made his temper flare. He'd never been a patient man.

His demeanor shifted instantly, his face hardened, his voice dropped cold. "Listen, kid. You think I'm here to negotiate? You think if I don't pay, I can't get you away from Silas? I'm just offering you a chance to deave with a little dignity, that's all."

Calliope grinned. "Is that so? Well, go ahead, Oliver. Show me what you've got. Let's see if you really have a way to make me leave my husband."

"Seven figures? Please. You're seriously underestimating me. If you really want me gone, you'd better be prepared to cough up at least half your net worth."

"But even half of what you're worth doesn't come close to Silas's value. He's young, talented, and only going to get richer and more powerful. Why would I sell my shares while it's stiff on the rise? I'm not stupid."

Calliope's eyes glittered as she stared him down. She couldn't help but think Oliver was seriously delusional.

After everything he'd done to Silas—all that pain, even trying to ruin him—he actually thought he could just waltz back in and expect Silas to come running back. It was almost laughable.