A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

His face was strikingly handsome, and there was a devilish smirk playing on his

lips.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't my lifesaver! Long time no see!"

Nigel Howell made his way over to Calliope's side. "Heard you were dining here, so I just had to drop by and say hello!"

Calliope just blinked at him.

Nigel pulled out the chair next to her, crossing his long legs casually, and raised his wine glass in Monty's direction.

"Hey there, are the Jewell family folks giving my lifesaver a hard time again? What's the deal? Do you think my lifesaver looks like an easy target? How exactly are you planning to mess with her, huh?"

Nigel's presence was so commanding that the entire private dining room seemed to shrink a little under his gaze.

With just a few words, he had Monty and his group looking a little pale.

Monty quickly plastered on a smile and said, "Mr. Howell, you must be joking. Callie is my daughter. Why would we ever bully her? We're here because she wanted to dine at this club."

Nigel's gaze settled on Calliope. "My lifesaver wants to eat here, and she needs you to bring her? I doubt that."

Monty was momentarily taken aback.

"If my lifesaver wants to dine here, she only needs to give me a call! Besides, doesn't she have a husband who frequents this club? Come to think of it, my lifesaver seems to have some pretty deep connections here too!"

Nigel's eyes sparkled with amusement as he looked at Calliope. He was clearly enjoying himself.

His words left Monty at a loss for what to say.

Horatio, standing to the side, chimed in, "Mr. Howell, this is just a family matter. No need for you to trouble yourself. We're just having dinner. I'll make sure to toast you later!"

Nigel narrowed his eyes, that smirk still on his face. "And who do you think you are, offering me a toast? Don't tell me you're trying to cozy up to me? Looking to ride on my coattails, are we?"

Horatio was left speechless. This guy had a sharp tongue that made any conversation tough to navigate.

Just then, Zelda and Valeriannoveldrama

returned. Zelda seemed calmer now

'n'

but her expression shifted when she saw Nigel. She wasn't sure who Nigel was here for, but knowing his reputation, she greeted him

swarmly.

"Mr. Howell, what brings you to our little gathering?"

Nigel replied, "Certainly not here to see you, old witch."

Zelda's face turned pale.

“Is there something you need, Mr. Howell?" Valerian asked as he took a seat, glancing from Monty to Nigel.

"Just saying hello to my lifesaver." Nigel reached over and playfully ruffled Calliope's hair, leaving it a mess.

He chuckled, "Look at that, now you're a little scruffy pup! How adorable! My lifesaver, through and through!"

Calliope shot Nigel a glare. "What's your problem? Hands off!"

"I didn't touch anything I shouldn't have, so why the fuss?" Nigel said with a mock-

pout, his gaze dropping playfully.

Calliope gave him a fierce look.

"So fierce and adorable," Nigel

teased with a grin. "If Silas ever lets

you go, give me a call. I'll marry you

swor

myself!"

Calliope rolled her eyes.

"I should head out. But remember, if anyone gives you trouble, come find me,

okay, my dear lifesaver?"