Chapter 1387
Just as expected, Nicholas continued, “Other than my life and the entire Blackwood family, I have nothing else to offer her p>
He let out a soft sigh, his tone dipping into pure, unadulterated innocence. “Serena is so exhausted today. I simply wanted to share your burden and escort her out p>
“Please don’t be mad at me p>
Jasper was utterly stunned by the sheer audacity of the performance.
Jerrick’s jaw clenched so hard a vein throbbed at his temple.
Even Julian’s perfectly composed smile began to fracture.
Unable to take it anymore, Jasper snapped. “You absolute lunatic! Do you honestly think she buys this act p>
Nicholas lowered his gaze, remaining silent.
But when those captivating eyes flicked toward Serena, the corners crinkled ever so slightly.
Innocent, yet obedient.
And his face was simply too breathtaking to ignore.
Watching her brothers on the verge of a meltdown while Nicholas laid the charm on
thick, Serena couldn’t help the amusement bubbling in her chest.
She reached out and lightly touched Nicholas’s perfectly styled hair.
She didn’t mess it up.
She simply stroked it, much like one would soothe a large, well-behaved golden retriever.
A faint, almost imperceptible smirk graced Nicholas’s lips.
The three brothers stood frozen.
Jasper clutched his chest again. “It’s over. She actually buys it p>
Serena stood up slowly, the midnight silk pooling around her before she elegantly lifted the hem.
She looked at the incredibly childish men before her, her lips curving upward.
“Enough. Grandpa is waiting for me. I’m heading out p>
With that, she stepped into her heels and walked toward the door.
She didn’t show the slightest intention of choosing any of them as her escort.
The three brothers stood in the lounge, blinking in silence.
Jasper was the first to realize the truth. “Wait a minute… did we forget that our biggest rival isn’t Nicholas p>
“It’s Grandpa Reginald,” Jerrick said coldly.
Jasper slapped his forehead. “Even without Grandpa, we still have to fight Mom and Dad p>
Everyone wanted to steal her attention!
They had fought tooth and nail.
Only to lose the escort privilege entirely.
Julian turned to Nicholas, offering a polite but frosty smile. “So, there’s no need for you to look so smug, Mr. Blackwood p>
Nicholas’s s’s expression shifted
to its usual lazy arrogance, all
of his inocentact vanjs
least she touched my hair.
Jasper glared.
Jerrick crossed his arms.
Julian’s smile finally vanished completely.
traces
“Nicholas,” Jasper hissed, “do you have a death wish p>
Nicholas smirked, his tone thoroughly aggravating “It’s Serena’s debutante ball. You really don’t want to shed blood tonight p>
Jasper looked ready to roll up his sleeves and throw a punch.
Julian raised a hand, stopping him. “Let’s go. If we don’t head out now, Grandpa will be upset p>
The mention of Old Mr. Lancaster instantly defused the tension.
After all, if anyone ruined the old
man’s mood tonight, he wouldn’t et
hesitate to beat them out of the venue with his cane m front of all thề guests.
And they certainly had no special privileges to save them.
Julian adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses. “Let’s go witness her most important moment p>
“Tonight, no one will steal her light p>
Inside the grand banquet hall.
The sweeping chandeliers slowly dimmed.
The hushed murmurs of the elite guests faded into absolute silence.
Edward Lancaster and Catherine Vinton stepped onto the stage.
Edward wore a sharp, dark suit, his tall frame radiating the imposing authority of a man long accustomed to power.
Beside him, Catherine was a vision of elegance in a tasteful, understated gown.
It was rare for the couple to make joint appearances at public events.
And everyone could see it.
Edward couldn’t hide the suppressed joy in his eyes.
While Catherine’s eyes had been shining with unshed tears the moment she took
the stage, a soft smile never leaving her lips.