A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust novel Chapter 659

Franco hadn’t counted on running into Valerian right then. Of all the luck, Valerian just had to show up at that exact moment, and, of course, he immediately noticed the car.

The car was still under its cover, so you couldn’t see the details, but the shape was unmistakable. Anyone could tell it was a car, and a pretty sweet one at that.

Franco felt his mouth twitch, feeling a mix of awkwardness and dread. He knew, with absolute certainty, that Calliope had not intended this car for Valerian. But Valerian had been under that impression for a while now.

He’d convinced himself the car was a gift for him.

And Calliope hadn’t bothered to explain otherwise.

“Oh, it’s nothing,” Franco said with a shrug, trying to play it cool. “Just parked the car here like Callie asked.”

Honestly, he wished Calliope would handle this whole mess herself. He didn’t exactly love dealing with the Jewell family. Every conversation with them felt like stepping onto a minefield.

“Is this a new car?” Valerian asked, his eyes practically sparkling.

“Yeah, it’s brand new,” Franco replied, hoping to keep things vague.

“So what’s up with it? What’s it for?” Valerian asked, looking like a kid on Christmas morning.

Clearly, he’d decided Callie must have found out he’d come to the office, so she’d arranged to have the car delivered right to the front for him. A thoughtful surprise, in his mind.

He could barely contain his excitement. He’d wanted this car for ages. He’d been wondering when, or if, Calliope would ever get it for him.

And here it was, the perfect Christmas gift.

Okay, maybe it wasn’t as meaningful as the stuff Lisette usually gave him, but hey, he wasn’t complaining.

“Valerian, Callie told us not to touch the car,” Franco said wearily. “She never said it was for you. Seriously, don’t get the wrong idea.”

“Come on! Of course it’s for me,” Valerian insisted, practically bouncing on his toes. “She’s just trying to surprise me. That’s why she hasn’t told anyone yet. but I already know!”

“I can’t wait anymore! Just let me have a look. It’s going to be mine anyway. What’s the harm?”

Valerian was like a little kid who’d spotted his birthday cake and wanted to dig in before the party even started.

Franco pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache coming on.

“Valerian, you’re misunderstanding. It’s really not for you!” Franco sighed. “I get that you’re hoping it is, but it’s not. Honest!”

By now, a small crowd of office workers had gathered nearby, some just finishing up their lunch, others stepping out for a breath of fresh air. All of them were watching the scene unfold, sandwiches and coffee cups in hand, curious about the drama by the curb.