A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

The bodyguard picked up a small chocolate-covered raisin, rolling it between his palms as if he was pondering the meaning of life.

After a long, awkward moment, he turned to Oliver and said, "Boss, I added a layer of powdered sugar to this. Just eat it, pretend it's a weird-tasting candy, alright?"

Oliver eyed the little brown ball suspiciously. He was downright pissed.

He turned his head away, making it clear he had no intention of eating whatever that was.

"Come on, Boss. You gotta eat it. What if you have another episode? Better safe than sorry."

The bodyguard tried to reason with him.

Oliver hesitated, but finally, he picked up the suspicious treat, tossed it in his mouth, and chewed it down in one go.

Immediately after, he chugged half a bottle of water.

Thankfully, thanks to the sugar and the fact it was tiny, the taste wasn't as horrific as he'd feared.

It was even... a little sweet.

“See, Boss? Not so bad, right?" The bodyguard looked pretty pleased with himself, as if he'd just saved the day and was angling for a raise.

Just then, Oliver's eyes darted to the doorway. Someone was peeking inside!

"Who's there?!"

His shout was sharp and commanding.

At the sound of his voice, Calliope and a couple of others popped their heads in.

All eyes landed on Oliver, and the look was universal: pure disgust, as if they were thinking, "Wow, he actually ate it!"

"So... how's it taste? Anything special?" Calliope's eyes sparkled with mischief.

"Sweet-" Oliver started, then snapped his mouth shut, realizing what he was about to admit.

"You little brat! What are you doing here? Planning to mess with me again?"

"Just here for the show," Calliope leaned against the doorframe, cocky as ever. “Wanted to see you eat that Sorry, couldn't help myself. Just kidding, by the way."

She twirled a sewing needle between her fingers. "That neurotoxin I used? It only works once, and only for a few minutes. Doesn't need any antidote."

"Eating that? Yeah, that was just a prank."

"Didn't think you'd actually go for it, old man! Not my fault, I was joking! Why'd you believe me?"

Her eyes flashed with something sharp, a hint of anger beneath the teasing.

She stared at Oliver, watched the color drain from his face, saw his anger boil over, and it made her day. She wanted him miserable.

After everything he'd done to Silas, all the pain and misery, this was just the beginning of her payback. Back then what he did to Silas was so much worse.

"Oliver, you either get as far away from us as possible, or every time you show up, I'll make you pay.noveldrama

Every time. I'll do to you everything

You

to Silas, and more.

With that, she spun on her heel and walked off.

Portia and Mavis shot Oliver a look colder than a January blizzard, then followed Calliope right out.

Oliver's face was thunderous, fists clenched so tight his knuckles were white.

"Who does she think she is? She thinks she's untouchable just because she's hanging around Silas?"

"He's my son. I'm his father. You think I can't handle my own son?"

He glared at the bodyguards. "I'm his dad. He has to listen to me!"

The bodyguards just nodded along, wisely keeping their mouths shut.

Oliver narrowed his eyes, seething.

A few moments later, Blythe walked in.

"Hey, Blythe, I need a word." Oliver called her over. "You got any ideas on how to

deal with Calliope?"