A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust novel Chapter 1036

People from the other tables—all sorts of staff and crew—came over to offer toasts. Everyone who spoke with her was visibly starstruck, treating her with the kind of respect usually reserved for industry veterans.

Julius, seated right beside Calliope, couldn’t have looked prouder. Watching his sister handle the situation so effortlessly filled him with warmth. She had always been clever and formidable, even as a child. He thought back to all the times they’d gotten themselves into trouble, and it had so often been Calliope—years younger than any of them—who came to their rescue. Having a sister as brilliant as her felt like hitting the ultimate genetic lottery.

With everyone in such high spirits, the evening flew by. In what felt like no time, everyone was full and content.

“Alright, let’s call it a night and head back,” Calliope said, rising to her feet. “Tomorrow is the first day of filming, which means an early start for everyone. Let’s get a good night’s sleep so we can all be at our best!”

“We’re counting on everyone to work hard and keep their energy up,” she added. “Let’s make sure we cooperate and really put our hearts into this.”

“Absolutely! Early night for all of us!” someone echoed.

“We’ll do our best—especially with Callie leading the way. No worries on that front!” another chimed in.

“Yeah! You really are the one who brings us all together!”

“Callie’s a hit wherever she goes!”

Good-natured teasing bounced around the room, but the affection for Calliope ran deep and true.

She just smiled and made her way to settle the check. The director tried to intervene, insisting on paying, but Calliope held her ground and took care of it herself.

“Mavis, that’s just not possible. You know everyone else—how could you forget me?” he insisted. “Do you even know why you got hurt? You ended up in here because you tried to protect me. How could you wake up and not know who I am?”

He leaned closer, his eyes searching hers, desperately hoping for a spark of recognition. “Mavis, I promise—if you just remember me, I’ll do whatever you want. Anything. Just say the word.”

All he wanted, all he hoped for, was for her to say she remembered him. Back when she was still unconscious, he’d sworn to himself that if she survived, he’d do anything—even go against his family, even get married on the spot if that’s what she wanted.

Mavis looked away, exasperated. “This isn’t about what you’re willing to do for me. The truth is, I really don’t remember you. I know your name is Uriah—you’ve told me more times than I can count. But even if I could remember, would it really change anything?”

“I heard you were my mentor,” she added. “That we worked together quite a bit. And I heard this last assignment was the end of it. So now that it’s over, there’s nothing left we need to talk about, right?”