A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

Portia's sudden entrance brought a hush over the buzzing banquet hall. All eyes turned toward her.

"Well, Ms. Sutton? It's been ages, and your temper hasn't changed!"

"Ms. Sutton, are you still hanging out with Calliope?"

"Oh, come on. Calliope's reputation is in shambles. You shouldn't hang out with her, Portia. It's only going to drag you down."

"Speaking of Calliope, you're pretty close with her, huh? Did she sleep around with different people for some cash back in the day?"

"Probably true, huh? Calliope never denied it!"

"Exactly, ugh. It's really gross. I'd get it if Calliope were with a rich, handsome guy, but with those older dudes? That's just nasty!"

The chatter resumed, with everyone sneering and shaking their heads.

Lisette stood among them, lips curling slightly, though she put on her best 'concerned sister' face. "Come on, guys. Maybe Callie isn't like that. Sure, she might not be the best person, but not that awful! Even though our family wasn't generous with her, I can't believe she'd do something like that. I trust Callie's character!"

"Lisette, you're too kind!"

"Yeah. You've known Calliope for years. How can you not know what she's like?"

"It's good the Jewell family sees clearly. Even though you're adopted, your brothers know you're the better one, more well-behaved! Unlike Calliope, who just embarrasses everyone."

"Lisette, stop pretending. Didn't you start these rumors?"

Portia's anger flared at the whispers around her. Naturally hot-tempered, she was ready to throw down right then and there.

A group of girls held her back. "Portia, don't do this. Lisette isn't like that!"

"Yeah. Why would Lisette make up stuff out of nowhere?"

Portia glared at Lisette coldly. "I can't think of anyone else who'd spread such lies. Only Lisette would do this! And come on, use your brains. Calliope is the Jewell family's real daughter, yet they treat Lisette better. Doesn't that seem a bit fishy?"

The crowd paused, considering Portia's words.

Lisette's heart skipped a beat. She couldn't afford to let their opinions turn against her.

"You're right, Portia. It's all my fault. If it weren't for me, the Jewell family wouldn't treat Callie this way!

I'm not their real daughter. I should leave the Jewell family! It's all my fault. I've been so guilty about this. came here to talk to Callie about, leaving the Jewell family so she can return. I should give up my place. I shouldn't cling to what the dewell family offers. This is all on me."

Lisette's eyes welled with tears, on the verge of spilling over.

The crowd immediately rallied around her, offering comfort and support.

Calliope, who was about to enter, stopped.

Portia stared at Lisette in disbelief. She knew Lisette was good at playing the victim and twisting the

but hadn't expected her to be

that good.

"Portia, we know you're friends with Calliope, but this is too much!"

"Portia, you're really out of line pushing Lisette like this!"

"She's an adopted daughter in the Jewell family. She's already uncomfortable, andnoveldrama

now you're making it worse?"