In the highest room of the villa, a girl was being prepared by the maids. the servants finished and moved toward the door, ready to open it, someone from outside beat them to it.
The door swung open, and a woman of extraordinary beauty entered the room. The maids stiffened instantly, bowing deeply "Good evening, Your Majesty."
The woman passed by them without a glance. Her eyes landed on her niece, and a veil of nostalgia crossed her gaze "You've grown so well, Evelyn."
Evelyn turned to her aunt, letting a sweet smile bloom on her lips. "Aunt Marianne, you look beautiful" she said.
Marianne returned the smile "Shall we go?"
The two began to descend.
The carriage arrived shortly after. Taylor, along with Jessica and the other two, headed toward the banquet hall.
The hall was large and splendidly decorated. Upon entering, Taylor's eyes were immediately drawn to the desserts arranged on the tables.
Turning to Nyssa, he said "Make sure this girl doesn't get hurt, even if she provokes everyone here."
Nyssa nodded solemnly "Yes, sir. Don't worry."
When she saw them walking away, Sofia muttered under her breath "That asshole thinks I'm just a brat."
Some girls approached her, their voices full of surprise "What a delightful surprise to see you here, Sofia Flame."
Sofia turned slowly, arms crossed over her chest. Her eyebrows lowered, her gaze sharp as a blade "What do you want?"
The girls froze for a moment, unsure of what to do. Finally, one of them stepped forward, her voice barely above a whisper "We just came to say hello."
They were about to speak when Sofia cut them off without hesitation "When my brother was here just now, you didn't seem so brave to greet me."
The girls had no reply. Seeing how the situation was unfolding, one of them said "It seems Miss Evelyn is about to arrive, if you'll excuse us" and they hurried away.
A few seconds later, some people began heading in her direction, and Sofia huffed "Now those merchants are coming to talk about their stupid business plans, they should just die."
She raised her hand to draw a rune but stopped instantly, Evelyn had entered the hall.
Evelyn entered along with Marianne, and with a smile, she addressed the people in the hall "It's a pleasure to have you all here; I hope you're enjoying the day."
Many approached to speak with her. Evelyn looked toward Marianne; understanding her niece's signal, Marianne stepped forward to speak with them.
Evelyn moved calmly toward the tables, a smile on her lips as she greeted those who spoke to her from time to time.
Her eyes fell on a couple at a table, and a new smile blossomed on her face, this time sweeter and more genuine.
Jessica, sitting next to Taylor, watched him with confusion. He wasn't eating any sweets, but waited with a calm expression.
"What are you waiting for?" she asked.
"My third star" Taylor replied.
Sofia furrowed her brows "Do you mean you're sure she'll come looking for you?"
Taylor looked her in the eyes "I knew her long before you. She's a girl who went through the same incident I did."
Sofia's eyes widened, and a tightness gripped her chest. Lowering her gaze, she murmured "Sorry, I didn't mean to make you remember that experience."
Taylor was about to respond when Evelyn appeared behind him, sat on his lap, and hugged him affectionately.
With a sweet smile on her lips, she said "I missed you."
The people in the room, seeing the scene, began whispering among themselves "I can't believe it, I thought she had recovered, she seemed more elegant and not crazy, I guess she's still not fully well."
Sofia was about to head toward the girls from before, just as she was ready to call them, she noticed their gazes fixed in one direction. Following their line of sight and seeing the scene, she sighed "They could have met later"
The girls, hearing that familiar voice, turned and saw someone they never expected.
Before they could say anything, Sofia, in the same firm pose as before, said "What do you think you're doing? You greet me and then run away? I should seriously kill you."
The girls stiffened at her threat, but Nyssa, observing the situation, decided to intervene "Miss Sofia has already been greeted by others, but her gaze kept returning to you after sending them away."
Sofia, not expecting her intervention, was about to insult her when one of the girls took her hands and said in an exaggerated tone "May we truly have the honor of making your acquaintance?"
Sofia, embarrassed, blushed and replied "It's not about making acquaintance, it's just keeping me company."
The girls, hearing the positive response, smiled and began getting to know her.
Taylor returned the hug, then lowered his gaze to the girl.
Her green eyes shone with joy, and her brown hair fell softly over her shoulders. Her fair skin gave her a natural elegance, and her radiant smile exuded an irresistible charm.
Turning his gaze toward Jessica, he said "This is Evelyn."
Evelyn, looking at the person Taylor was speaking to, asked confused "Who is this person?"
Jessica, with a serene smile, extended her hand and said "Nice to meet you, my name is Jessica. I'm the girlfriend of the person you're hugging."
Evelyn's eyes widened in surprise "What does that mean, Taylor?"
Taylor brushed his hand across her cheek and said "It means I'll be in a relationship with both you and Jessica."
Evelyn looked at him, unable to tell if he was joking. Then she turned to Jessica, who was smiling serenely with her hand still extended.
Taking it, she said with a smile "I hope we get along."
Marianne watched her niece speak and smile, but, like everyone else in the room, she couldn't hear a word of what was being said.
She moved toward her niece to understand the situation, while a strange sense of unease began to creep over her.