Alyssa's eyes blazed with fury, her knuckles white with tension, her chest heaving with barely contained rage. That Karen really had a nerve! To think she could say whatever she pleased!

Arthur was hers and hers alone. No one else stood a chance!

Her face was a mask of icy disdain, "Since you're so keen to challenge me, I won't back down. Let's settle this in the ballroom, in front of all the guests. Do you dare?!"

She couldn't swallow her pride unless she made Karen a public spectacle. Let's see if the Linklaters would still welcome her with open arms after this embarrassment! No one was going to stop her from marrying Arthur. Karen was just the perfect opportunity to make a statement!

Karen lifted her eyelids lazily, a smirk playing at the corner of her mouth, "Ms. Wright, if you're so bothered by seeing me cozy up with Arthur, just say it. Why beat around the bush?" Alyssa hadn't expected Karen to see right through her, her gaze darkening.

From the moment she entered and saw them wrapped in each other's arms, she was green with envy, itching to slap Karen across the face. But she was powerless to do anything! Karen stood up, Arthur's arms suddenly empty, the warmth between them dissipating, fueling Alyssa's fury even more. These two women would never step foot inside the Linklater estate ever again!

"Let's head to the ballroom," Karen said with a teasing smile, leading the way, her voice calm but commanding.

Arthur wrapped his arm around her waist, almost causing a whirlwind as they passed Alyssa and Kate.

Alyssa's mood was stormy all the way to the ballroom, a far cry from her usually demure self, her eyes no longer soft.

As they approached the ballroom, Karen turned around with a light smile, "Ms. Wright, drop the sour face. You were all prim and proper when you came to see me, what happened to that? Your beloved is right beside you, better fix that expression."

"You could never match Kate here; she's always carried herself with grace, something you lack."

Alyssa forced a smile uglier than tears, "I was just startled by a grasshopper on the way here."

displeased, retorted,

walking into the ballroom with an air of effortless

ever so attentive, adjusted her dress as they entered, making her look every bit

wanted a moment with Arthur, but he declined all offers, protective of Karen by his side. Dracon stood

and Kate were quickly pushed to the sidelines, frantically trying to

Alyssa, who was more focused on Karen than Arthur, determined not to let Karen escape

to face utter embarrassment

swept over Alyssa, who

down, the

voice gentle, Good evening, everyone, I'm Alyssa from the prestigious Wright

be fun for Ms. Hawthorn and me

competition. Let's see whittle

competition, there must be a winner and a loser.

were left to

in front of a national audience. Let's see if she'd still have the face to marry Arthur after

Karen, "What do you think, Karen? If you're uncomfortable with this, we can call it off. It's just a family gathering after all. We

teeth and

up a livestream, the viewership skyrocketing to

crowd online, eager to witness a showdown between two ladies of

exploded with anticipation and curiosity about Karen, an

the first competition, a

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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