A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust novel Chapter 800

Monty gave a small nod. "You got this, Lisette. We're all counting on you!"

Lisette turned on her heel and headed toward Tanner.

Tanner had just finished chatting with Calliope and was now deep in conversation with someone else. As Lisette approached, both men glanced over at her.

"Mr. Hawthorne, do you mind if I have a word?"

Lisette was dressed in a frilly, pastel pink dress. She looked kind of like a birthday cake come to life.

Tanner gave her a once-over, his brow creasing. He had no idea who Lisette was, and honestly, her butterfly-like outfit was a bit much for his taste.

"Well, Tanner, looks like you’ve got a lady’s attention. I’ll leave you to it," the other guy said, clapping Tanner on the shoulder before slipping away.

Now it was just Lisette and Tanner, face-to-face.

Lisette took a deep breath and stuck out her hand. "Hi, Mr. Hawthorne. Mind if we get acquainted?"

"I do mind," Tanner said flatly, frowning.

Lisette blinked. Had she heard that right?

She wasn’t used to being brushed off. She knew she was charming. At least, she thought so. What kind of guy just turns someone down like that, right off the bat?

"I saw you talking with Calliope earlier," Lisette pressed. "She’s my sister, you know. You seemed to enjoy her company. Why not mine? Honestly, I think I’m way more fun than she is."

Tanner actually laughed, shaking his head. "I think you might be a little biased. Callie’s the most interesting person I know. She’s smart, talented, way out of the ordinary. Not many people can compare to her. And honestly, I don’t think you can."

Lisette’s jaw dropped. Was this guy for real? He was actually defending Calliope, like she was some sort of superhero.

"And how exactly do you know that?" Lisette challenged. "You barely know me. What makes you so sure I’m not as good as she is?"

"Well, for starters, the way you’re pestering me right now? That’s not really my thing," Tanner said, sounding downright irritated now. He shot her another dismissive look, clearl