A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

As both of them turned back for a quick glance at Calliope and her group, they looked a little surprised to see her there. Maybe they were hoping she'd say hi or at least give them a friendly nod. But then, noticing the group of men surrounding Calliope, they seemed to realize their place and kept their distance.

They hurried to catch up with Lisette and the others. A waiter was already leading Lisette's group down the hallway, past a row of private dining rooms.

As they walked, Lisette caught sight of a room she instantly loved, the big one with the bay window, a crackling fireplace, and the best view of the city lights. Without hesitation, she veered off and walked right in.

"No need to go further," she declared, dropping her bag onto the plush corner booth. "I want this one. What do you guys think?"

"Looks great," Valerian agreed, sliding in next to her. "Let's take it."

The waiter looked completely thrown off. She hesitated, then tried to explain, "I'm sorry, but this suite is our best private room. It's only available by reservation. I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to choose a different room, please."noveldrama

Lisette frowned. "But it's empty, isn't it? We're here now. So what if we didn't book it in advance? Just tell me how much it costs, and I'll pay whatever it is. Problem solved, right?"

She was clearly irritated, feeling like the waiter was treating them as if they didn't belong.

"It's not that simple," the waiter replied, wringing her hands. "We do have a reservation for this room at this exact time."

She tried to smile, desperate to keep the peace. "Miss, let me show you some of our other rooms. They're all unique, and I'm sure you'll find another you like just as much."

But Lisette just folded her arms and stayed put. No way she was leaving. The rest of the group sat down as well, making it clear they weren't going anywhere.

Valerian shrugged. "Look, just let us stay here. If the people who booked it show up, we'll pay them something extra for the trouble."

He turned to the waiter. "Just bring us the menu, alright?"

The waiter was at a loss. "Sir, guests who book this room never want to switch. It's a special space."

"Don't worry. I'll smooth it over with them," Valerian insisted. "If they come, let me know."

Upstairs, Calliope and her group arrived just in time to see the waiter nearly in tears at the door of the private room. She was pleading with Lisette's group, but the more she begged, the more stubborn Lisette became.

"What's going on?" Calliope asked, glancing at the brass plate on the door-her name was on the reservation.

"Ms. Jewell, I'm so sorry," the waiter

stammered, voice trembling. "There

are some unreasonable guest

in

your suite, and I can't get them to leave..."

She looked mortified. This was a high-end steakhouse, the sort of place frequented by the city's professionals and the

well-mannered. She'd never had to deal with people acting like this before.

Calliope walked right up to the door.

Valerian looked up, meeting her gaze through the open doorway. "You're not saying this is your room, are you?"

Calliope's brow furrowed in annoyance. "It absolutely is. And I'm not planning on giving it up."

She crossed her arms, her tone icy. "My brothers love this room, and so do I. So I'm going to have to ask you all to leave."

She didn't even try to be polite.

Valerian bristled. "So they like it, well, so do we! Why should you get it instead of us?"

Calliope leaned against the doorframe, giving Valerian a curious look. "Why should I give it up for you? What exactly are you offering me?"