Chapter 44

Chapter 44

"The person I like is right in this room, but it's not you," Preston said coolly, his voice devoid of any warmth.

Amber's face drained of color. Her knees nearly buckled as she staggered back a few steps, eyes wide with disbelief.

A hush fell over the room, and then, almost instantly, a spark of hope ignited in the eyes of several girls.

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Psychology was a powerful thing. Many swore that Preston had looked at them more than once tonight. Some were even convinced that he'd fallen for them at first sight.

"So... the one you like is...?" Evelyn hesitated, trying to prod for an answer.

Before she could finish, Preston's lips curled into a smirk. "Let's talk about it when we get back."

With that, his expression darkened as he shifted his gaze toward Adam, who was still sprawled on the floor.

"I just heard," Preston said, his voice edged with steel, "that you accused a distinguished guest of being a thief-without any evidence."

Adam shuddered. He opened his mouth, but before he could stammer out a

defense, Preston turned to the bodyguards behind him.

"Take him down and punish him according to family rules."

"Young Master, Madam, please spare me!" Adam cried, scrambling to his knees. "I

have served the Fuller family loyally for years! Even if I haven't made great contributions, I have still-"

Evelyn hesitated, but ultimately didn't speak up on Adam's behalf.

She sighed helplessly.

Preston had grown beyond her control, and she knew it.

If she had any sway over him, she wouldn't have resorted to such underhanded

tactics to force his hand with Amber tonight.

But Preston had made it clear-he wasn't playing along.

As the guards dragged Adam away, the murmurs in the room turned into something else. Suspicion. Curiosity.

Had Preston been serious just now? Or had he only said he liked someone to avoid Amber?

The timing was hard to ignore. He had barely finished his declaration when he immediately defended Raven. Whispers spread like wildfire.

Even Amber found herself glancing toward Raven, though the moment she took in the sight of the ordinary-looking girl, she scoffed inwardly.

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Impossible! Thought Amber. Unless Preston had gone blind, there was no way he'd fall for someone like Raven-a girl fresh out of prison, with nothing to her

name.

But just as she convinced herself of this, she caught sight of Preston again.

next moment, her

it. The way he looked at

in Preston's eyes, there was a hint of extreme

be true! She knew Preston was the true hegemon of Bastion.

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Chapter 44

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even a top student at Regalhold University, possibly fall

nothing to her name?

Amber

fists. She

in the room could escalate any further,

the

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guest tonight," he announced with a genial smile. "The winner will receive a

shifted instantly. The crowd, momentarily distracted from the brewing drama, turned their attention

tonight's banquet with the sole hope of securing a spot

moment, the eyes of many people in the venue were filled with a little anticipation as

you haven't taken a seat yet, please do so quickly. Preston will draw a random number,

the placement,"

movement followed as

the commotion, Hailey, still dazed from the

silent prayer. If not for herself, let

servant stepped

His brow lifted slightly as he read

toward Raven.

be... fate between him and Raven? He

under everyone's expectant gazes, Preston showed the card to the

see,

hearing this, all eyes turned to

stunned silence fell over the

broke through. "How is that possible? How could she get

jolted in her seat before springing

her extreme excitement, her voice trembled

in! We can go to Regalhold

but before she

in, sharp and venomous.

she's not qualified to get a place at

stirred with murmurs of

junior high. And she was in prison! She's not

pick another

clamoring voices grew sharper, but

His expression darkened, his patience wearing

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Chapter 44

was about to speak, Raven turned to

evenly. "Can I give it to

off

way she looked at

muttered, momentarily lost in

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