Chapter 454
Elara Hale was naturally delighted to see Isabella flustered. She fanned the flames with a smile. “Miss Lancaster, Mr. Kessler himself said that Miss Serena’s skill is superior to his. Do you think… you’re even better than Mr. Kessler p>
She hummed, “Surely… the great Miss Lancaster of the Lancaster family isn’t thinking of backing out of a bet in public, is she? If you can’t afford to lose, you shouldn’t have started trouble in the first place. Since you did, you should honor the bet p>
“You How could Isabella not see Elara Hale’s deliberate provocation? She cursed Elara Hale a thousand times over in her heart.
“Honor the bet! Honor the bet p>
“Apologize! The Lancaster family’s young lady can’t really be a sore loser, can she p>
“Fulfill the bet! Honor the bet p>
With Elara Hale leading the charge, the other guests, who loved a good spectacle, were naturally happy to watch the show.
Riley just happened to run over at this moment.
This was the perfect opportunity to perform in front of his goddess!
Immediately, he jumped out, puffed up with bravado, and stood in front of Serena like a loyal guard. “That’s right! Honor the bet! With Riley here today, if anyone refuses to honor the bet, I’ll beat them into submission p>
He said, rolling up his sleeves.
Karen saw her own brother, with his ridiculous hair, baring his teeth, and was so angry she almost had a heart attack. “Riley, we’re family! Whose side are you on p>
Riley quickly glanced at Serena, looking eager to distance himself, and declared righteously, “I’m all about the truth, not the bloodline. That’s just how I roll! I am just that upright and honorable p>
Karen was choked with anger.
Her finger trembled as she pointed at her own brother who had jumped in to stir up trouble, wishing she could just slap him.
Seeing the simpering look on her brother’s face, she knew—
that country bumpkin must have used some trick to bewitch her brother!
Seeing the situation spiraling
completely
out of control, with al
iet
d her eager for a show,
she knew she couldn’t escape
Instantly, Karen decisively distanced herself from Isabella “She’s the
one
who made the bet with Serena She’s the one who competed in piano. It has nothing to do with me p>
With that, she looked at Isabella. “Isabella, you’re on your own p>
If someone has to be humiliated, let it be Isabella alone!
Karen turned and tried to rush off the main stage.
Just as her foot was about to hit the first step leading off the stage.
A lazy, noble voice, carrying an invisible pressure, easily cut through the entire hall’s clamor.
“Karen p>
Three cool, indifferent syllables, devoid of any emotion.
Just those three words, spoken slowly and deliberately.
Karen froze instantly, standing rooted to the spot, her whole body tense.
Nicholas stood up slowly, nonchalantly.
Tall and elegant, noble and refined.
His dark, obsidian-like eyes, deep and emotionless, swept over Karen. “The bet was
your idea. The stakes were your addition p>
His cool voice was low and magnetic.
But to Karen’s ears, it was like shattered snow turning to ice p>
making her feel as if she were in an icehouse, chilled to the bone. “Since when is a Blackwood family banquet a place you can come, cause a scene, and leave as you please p>