A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

"How am I any less than Calista? Calliope, you witch, this is none of your business! It's all your fault. You never cared about me, did you? You were after Uncle Silas all along! You've always wanted to ruin me, haven't you?"

In a fit of rage, Gideon hurled his wine glass across the room.

Calliope tilted her head just in time to dodge it, and it shattered against the door. Unfazed, she responded, "Why would I want to ruin you? We have no quarrel. Even though Silas wasn't my initial target, I have to thank you for giving me the chance to see how wonderful he is! I can clearly see the gap between you and Silas now."

"And now I've figured out the difference between you and Calista. Gideon, you're just pathetic. You'll never amount to anything!"

Gideon's face turned a deep shade of red with anger. "Calliope, what are you saying? How am I not as good as Calista?"

"In every way," Calliope replied coolly.

"You!" Gideon was on the verge of losing it.

Fleur placed a calming hand on Gideon's shoulder. "Gideon, don't lose your cool. Calm down! She's in our grasp now; she can't do anything!"

"Gabriel, hand over those photos and videos to us!" As Fleur spoke, she glanced over at Gabriel.

Gabriel was puzzled, eyeing the one henchman who had returned. He had sent out five men, so why was there only one back? And why was the guy standing by the door, head bowed, avoiding eye contact?

"Gabriel!" Fleur called out to Gabriel. "Why is your man acting so out of line? Where are the photos and videos?"

Gabriel finally snapped out of it and shouted at the man in the doorway, "Hey! Where are the photos and videos? And what happened to the rest of the guys? Why are you just standing there like I'm gonna eat you alive? I promised a reward once the job was done. Come on over and get your bonus!"

The bearded man glanced nervously at Calliope. He had seen firsthand what Calliope was capable of. Forget about photos and videos; he hadn't even laid a finger on her!

"I'm sorry!" he stammered to Gabriel. "Boss, I failed!"

"What?" Gabriel was bewildered. "Failed what, exactly? Did you all go limp? There were others with you!"

"No..." the man sneaked a glance at Calliope, looking rather helpless. "We couldn't take her down!"

"What on earth are you talking

about? You couldn't handle her, yet you brought her here?" Gabriel couldn't help but chuckle, "When did you get so funny? Learned t@joke with me, have you?"

"I'm not joking; I'm serious," the man said with a sigh. "Ms. Jewell forced me to come here. She said she wanted to see you!"

With that, Gabriel skeptically turned his gaze to Calliope, scrutinizing her intently. His eyes were filled with doubt.

"She's just a slip of a girl. Are you

telling me she took down all of you? If you're lying, at least make it

believable! Did this little witch

promise you something in return for letting her go?"

"No, really!" the man protested, "We'd never betray you without a reason!"noveldrama

He stepped forward, lifting his head to show Gabriel his face.

"Boss, take a look at my face! She gave me a good beating! She's really something. You all better run while you can, or you're in for a world of hurt!"