Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 352: The Gala Begins

The Parents’ Week Gala was in full swing. It was no wonder the students took the event seriously, as if their lives depended on it, considering every parent there was dressed to the moon. Naturally, the children of aristocrats wouldn’t want to fall behind. They wanted to impress, and dazzle — and oppress one another.

This was a big deal after all, especially with the event streaming live for the districts. Finally, the world would get a glimpse of what it meant to be part of the elite Lunaris Academy.

Although nearly everyone was dressed to impress, it still wasn’t hard to differentiate the parents of the aristocrats from the parents of scholarship students, not when they flaunted their flashy gold, jeweled cuffs, and diamond-clad fingers.

The ballroom itself was grand and luminous. High vaulted ceilings draped with stunning chandeliers rained down a soft, luxurious glow while velvet-draped tables were arranged around a wide open dance floor of polished obsidian. Waiters in perfect uniforms moved through the crowd with gleaming trays, offering sparkling drinks and dainty finger foods while the soft hum of live string music set the perfect backdrop.

Elsie Lancaster might have had a few hiccups the past few days, but it was obvious she had come to this gala well-prepared. As soon as she made her appearance, the media team, who had been given clearance into the ballroom, swarmed like moths to a flame. Countless camera flashes lit up her face as microphones hovered before her lips.

"Elsie Lancaster, you look stunning tonight!"

"Elsie Lancaster, mind telling us who designed your outfit?"

The media peppered her with questions. And true to their words, Elsie Lancaster did look stunning.

She wore a bold crimson fitted gown with spaghetti straps that showed off her graceful collarbones. The bodice hugged her waist tightly, highlighting her already enviable figure. The fabric was rich and sleek satin, the skirt flaring just below her hips into a long, straight fall that brushed the floor, with a modest slit on one side for ease of movement.

Elsie wore silver heels, and her signature silver hair was swept to one side in soft waves, tucked behind one ear to reveal a simple diamond earring. Her makeup was a classic red lips, dark liner around her icy blue eyes, and a shimmer over her cheekbones that caught the light just right. She looked perfect.

Elsie answered the questions with a charming smile. "The dress I’m wearing was designed

the questions

with the alphas? It’s just a few months to graduation, who do you think will emerge as

you want to

heard you’re especially close to Roman. What if he doesn’t win?

how’s your relationship with Violet Purple? I heard your position

been about to answer a few of the questions when she heard that one, and froze just like that. It was like an out-of-body experience. The buzzing, the voices, the cameras, all faded for a moment as her mind went blank. At that moment, Elsie was lost with her

that moment and placed both hands on her daughter’s shoulders,

be all for now!" Caroline smiled sweetly to the

"Just one question!"

"One more question, Elsie!"

security moved in fast, blocking their path as Caroline whisked

hissed under her breath as they walked. "How could you zone out like that? That was your chance to shine and take

Her eyes scanned the

is it?" her mother

Purple. Is she

you kidding me right now?" She lowered her voice. "I’m already running out of patience with