novelxo Chapter 188
Orion and Lysander exchanged a glance before they turned and walked away.
Meanwhile, Alden and Grace, with their brows furrowed, were busy mingling with the crowd, trying to salvage their reputation. The last thing they wanted was for Arabella to drag the Hawke family's name through the mud, so they set about making nice with the other guests.
Before long, Arabella found herself abandoned, with her family nowhere in sight. Even the young ladies she once considered friends avoided her like the plague, as if she were contagious.
The young gentlemen, on the other hand, exchanged amused glances in her direction, seemingly making jokes. Theo shared the same social circle with them, so they'd learned that the supposedly innocent Arabella was anything but, and Theo had bonked her; those men loved a bit of gossip.
But Arabella was blissfully ignorant, convinced that her primped self had captivated them. She had always prided herself on her ability to charm men, believing that if she could keep her four accomplished brothers wrapped around her finger, any man would be easy.
Though she dismissed these mediocre heirs as beneath her, she couldn't help but flaunt her seductive side confidently.
"Can you believe this family? Ugh, disgusting," Hannah ranted. "I've never seen anyone such shameless. And that little manipulator - does she really think we don't see through her act? Thank goodness my brother saw right through Arabella from the start, called her out as a phony."
Caius touched his nose. He remembered that party where Arabella had tried to charm him, with her sickly sweet voice and coy antics, calling him in a coquettish way, which he thought was abnormal. Hence, he didn't had much positive impression on Arabella to begin with.
Miranda swept a surprised glance at Caius. "Really?"
Caius smirked. "Oh, absolutely. I have a sixth sense for these things."
Miranda playfully praised him, "Awesome."
Caius flushed at her words, while Hannah smiled. Their cheerful camaraderie was a sting to the Hawkes, leaving them exasperated and envious.
Miranda caught sight of the Hawke family, noting that they had drifted apart. Unlike before, the four brothers and Arabella were no longer inseparable.
She narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. Judging by Dorian's earlier reaction, he seemed unaware of Sunny's current situation. Even if he knew, his expression suggested that Sunny held a special place in his heart; otherwise, he wouldn't have reacted so strongly.
Orion, too, had shown a notable response to the mention of Cathy's name. Arabella's former lackeys hinted at some ambiguous past between Arabella's brothers and Cathy and Sunny.
Thus, if Arabella was behind the troubles of these two women, it must be rooted in her jealousy and possessiveness over Dorian and Orion.
And if... if Dorian and Orion discovered that Arabella had intentionally harmed Sunny and Cathy. Miranda's lips curled upward. Things were about to get interesting.
"Look at this necklace, sis! It's gorgeous!" Hannah exclaimed with excitement.
Miranda followed Hannah's gaze to the jewelry display, agreeing, "It is." And it would look perfect on Hannah.
"Do you like it?" Miranda asked.
"I do, but my parents didn't give me much spending money this time, so I'm just window shopping," Hannah admitted honestly.
For her young age as well as less restraint on those stuff, Hannah's parents would set a limit financially.
Miranda smiled briefly and turned to
the sales attendant, who was responsible for jewelry showcasing and inventory. "This necklace," Miranda pulled out a card, "here's the card. Take it down, will you?"
The attendant turned excited. "Of course, Ms. Miranda Lancaster, right away."
"And it's a gift for my sister," Miranda added.
The attendant gazed at Hannah and beamed. "Congratulations, Ms. Hannah Lancaster, your sister is so nice!"
Hannah was momentarily stunned and in disbelief, her face a mix of bashful delight and surprise.
Caius didn't expect Miranda's generosity, fearing Miranda might not carry enough money. He frowned. "You spoil her too much, Miranda."
Miranda grinned at Caius. "Want one too, Caius?"
Her bright smile was impossible to resist, and Caius's stern expression softened instantly. He responded with a tinge of shyness. "No, not necessary. I don't really do jewelry."
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A whiny voice from the side chimed in, mixed with pride, "Well, I like it, why don't you get me one?"
On the other side, someone approached Alden and Grace during their mingling.
"I heard that Mrs. Anna Lancaster's recovery was thanks to Ms. Miranda Lancaster. She's a lifesaver for Mr.
Ashcroft too. I have a few foreign et
dignitaries eager to meet your
daughter and perhaps even secure a spot for treatment. Could you tell us what it would take for Miranda to agree to help them?"