A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

"I know I messed up, and I'm here to apologize!" Monty flashed a nervous smile at Calliope. "I know you've been eyeing the shares in the company. How about I give you some?"

At the mention of shares, Calliope looked up, surprise flickering across her face. "You're willing to give me shares? How much? Twenty percent?"

Monty froze at her bold request. Twenty percent? That was a hefty chunk he couldn't fathom parting with. After all, Calliope hadn't contributed much to the company. Even though she was his flesh and blood, she hadn't even matched the contributions of their adopted daughter. How could he justify such a large share?

"Uh, Callie, twenty is a bit steep. How about three percent?" he ventured cautiously.

"Do you realize," Calliope said, fixing Monty with a steady gaze, "that this kind of bargaining could get you punched in the face? Would you take thirty if you were selling something for two hundred dollars?"

Monty squirmed. "Shares aren't like buying a shirt."

"Still doesn't work for me," Calliope shrugged. "Besides, you're here all apologetic, offering shares. You've got some ulterior motive, huh? What's the catch?"

Monty hadn't expected Calliope to be so sharp. He thought she would be easy to sway, maybe even naive. The shares were something he didn't even plan on giving, considering her lack of involvement in the business. But she saw right through him, understanding they needed her for something important.

"Callie, the company's in trouble," Monty admitted. "Lisette scared the Thorne family's young heir, and now they're giving us grief. But that's not even the worst of it. One of our key clients, Mr. Lopez, insists on

meeting you, saying he's pulling out of our deal if you don't show."

"And losing him is catastrophic for us. Without him, the company could tank!"

Monty pleaded. "His departure spells disaster for us!"

"How is that my problem?" Calliopenoveldrama

replied, arching an eyebrow at Monty. "I got booted from the company, and I've left the Jewell, family behind. Even if it crumbles, it's no skin off my nose. You're

losing a big client. Again, it's not my problem. It doesn't affect me at all."

She leaned back casually, resting her chin on her hand. "Even if the Jewell family goes bankrupt, my life remains unchanged. You guys don't give me dividends or shares."

.nět

Monty frowned, trying to reason with her. "The Jewell family is still your family. Silas might be good to you now, but who knows about the future? You should have a safety net. By helping the Jewell family, you'd secure support for the future."

"And don't underestimate three percent. It's more than you think! Callie, all you have to do is show your face. Mr. Lopez hasn't asked for anything else, just a simple meet and greet." Monty's eyes were hopeful, practically begging her.

Calliope shook her head. "Showing up is one thing, but what if he turns out to be a creep? Even if I wanted to, my husband might not be thrilled about it."

As Monty realized Calliope wasn't budging, he started to panic a little. He glanced at Horatio and the others for support.