Chapter 823
Serena stood under the spotlight, her gown, The Astral Symphony, shimmering with a soft, starlit glow.
She raised her glass, offering a simple toast to the crowd below.
Her expression was languid and composed.
She didn’t show the slightest slip in composure despite Holden’s earth-shattering announcements.
Was it because she was a country girl who didn’t understand the astronomical value of what she had just been given?
Or… did she simply not care about these things at all?
The guests watched the unflappable Serena.
The more they looked, the more they felt it had to be the latter.
Nicholas strolled up behind Serena.
He raised a light jacket in a matching shade and draped it over her shoulders.
Serena turned to look at him.
He lowered his voice. “The night breeze is a bit chilly p>
Serena curled her lips into a smile.
The banquet continued.
The music was melodious, and the waiters quickly cleaned up the mess left by the mercenaries.
It was as if nothing had ever happened.
But everyone knew p>
From today onward.
The newly returned young miss of the Vinton family would be a legendary figure in the upper echelons of the United Realmon States.
Many young socialites gathered in groups, whispering among themselves. “What exactly is Miss Lancaster’s background? How did she scare those mercenaries so badly p>
“I don’t know, but she’s definitely not simple p>
“It’s a shame. I was misled by Isabella earlier and didn’t go up to talk to her right away. If we try to befriend her now, she probably won’t even look at us p>
“Princess Isadora had the right idea. She firmly stood by Miss Lancaster from the very beginning p>
“That’s the vision of a Princess. Us, on the other hand p>
Not only had they failed to stand by Serena.
They had even cursed her when the mercenaries threatened to kill random guests.
Now, they didn’t even have the right to try and network with her.
They sighed heavily, drowning in regret.
The banquet didn’t disperse until late into the night.
After seeing off the last batch of guests, the Vinton family finally took a breath.
Serena checked the time.
She immediately asked the maids to help her grandparents to bed.
During the party, she had suggested they rest early, as their bodies weren’t suited for staying up late.
But they had refused, insisting that doing it just this once would be fine.
So they had pushed through until now.
Serena could see the exhaustion etched into their faces.
However, Kiera Montrose shook her head and held Serena’s hand. “Serena, those mercenaries earlier p>
“It’s nothing,” Serena said, patting her hand. “Don’t worry, Grandma p>
Silas looked at Serena, hesitating to speak.
Douglas Vinton couldn’t help but laugh. “Come on, Silas. If you have a question, just ask Serena directly. Why hold it in p>
Silas shot his younger brother a glare, feeling a twinge of sourness.
It was true that he didn’t understand their niece as well as Douglas did.
He turned back to Serena and finally asked, “Serena, why were those mercenaries… so afraid of you p>
Serena thought for a moment and gave a selective explanation. “In the
past few years… I dealt with
Some
things in the Gray Zone. They m
might
have seen me before p>
It was a half-truth.
Silas’s pupils constricted slightly.
The Gray Zone p>
Although he had never operated there himself.
He knew Douglas had connections in that underworld. It was a place forged in blood and blades.
And Serena was still so young.
Yet she had spent years in the Gray Zone, handling business there.
He remembered how the mercenaries had pointed a gun at her.
And how they had later cowered before her.
Through it all, Serena’s expression had remained calm, her eyes devoid of any emotional fluctuation.
It was the indifference of someone used to it all.
Being held at gunpoint, watching people submit, being feared-it was as if it was all perfectly normal to her.
Silas’s heart inexplicably ached.
Just how much hardship and suffering had she endured over the years?
And now, she could speak of her past so breezily.
Looking at his niece’s radiant yet tranquil face, he suddenly wanted to ask: Over the years, all alone, how
ma
times have you faced things like today p>
But in the end, Silas didn’t ask anything.
He simply raised his hand, wanting to pat her head.
Instead, he settled for gently squeezing her slender shoulder, his voice solemn as he enunciated every word Serena if anything happens in the future, you must tell me. As long as I can help, I won’t hesitate for a second p>
Serena smiled, her gaze softening. “Okay p>