Chapter 80 Chapter 80
Violet
The maids stiffened at my tone.
Nicole’s lips pressed together, her eyes flicking briefly to them before she sighed and stepped closer to my bed. “I wanted to apologize,” she said clearly, making sure her voice carried humility. “Last night, I behaved thoughtlessly, and I fear I may have embarrassed you.”
The words were perfect.
The delivery even more so.
I had forgotten all about the dinner but she was hellbent on making me remember it seemed.
One of the maids gasped softly, clearly scandalized on my behalf. Another looked at Nicole with something close to admiration.
I stared at her, trying to reconcile the woman standing in front of me with the girl who had smiled at me across the high school cafeteria table years ago, already knowing she would take something from me and enjoying the knowledge.
“You didn’t embarrass me,” I said flatly.
Nicole shook her head. “No, I did,” she insisted. “I mistook you for staff because of the confusion last night, and that was inexcusable. I hope you can forgive me.”
Her gaze held mine, warm and imploring.
Behind her, the maids were nodding, murmuring quietly to one another. I could practically hear the story forming already: poor Nicole, so gracious, so kind-hearted, so quick to take accountability.
I stifled a yawn, my voice sounding drowsy.
“It’s fine,” I said. “It doesn’t matter.”
She seemed taken aback by my indifference but then proceeded to open her mouth again.
“It does to me,” Nicole replied softly. “Especially since you’re Cassie’s friend. I hate the idea of you leaving Ironcrest with a poor impression of us.”
Us.
She turned slightly, as if she was addressing a room full of witnesses now. “I insisted on coming here myself this morning. I wanted Violet to know how sincerely sorry I am.”
One of the maids smiled at her, visibly touched.
My fingers curled into the sheets.
What new drama was she cooking?
Nicole turned back to me. “Please,” she said, lowering her voice just enough to feel intimate. “Join us for breakfast. Let me make it up to you before you go.”
“I’m leaving,” I said immediately. I had had enough of her to last a lifetime.
She nodded, as though she’d expected that answer. “Of course. But at least eat with us first. Father would be devastated to know a guest left Ironcrest without a proper farewell.”
I could see it then, the calculation behind her eyes, the satisfaction tucked carefully beneath concern.
This wasn’t about kindness.
This was about witnesses.
“I don’t have much of an appetite,” I was struggling to politely ask her to fuck off.
Nicole smiled gently. “That’s all right. Sit with us anyway. You don’t even have to eat.”
The maids were watching me now, hopeful, almost pleading. Refusing would make me look ungrateful, dramatic, and difficult.
Exactly the role Nicole wanted me in. As if the hurt last night wasn’t enough.
I swallowed hard and nodded once. “Fine.”
Relief washed over her features instantly, though she masked it well.
“Thank you,” she said warmly, then turned to the maids. “Could you help Violet get ready for breakfast?”
“No,” I said sharply, before they could move. “I’ll dress myself.”
I wasn’t turning into a clown again.
Nicole blinked, then laughed lightly, as though I’d made a charming joke. “Of course. We’ll meet you in the dining hall.”
She left the room with the maids trailing behind her, their expressions glowing with approval.
The moment the door shut, I exhaled shakily.
My hands were trembling. Not with fear but rage.
I stood up and dressed quickly, deliberately choosing my own clothes. I wore simple jeans, a soft top, and shoes meant for walking, not lingering. I wasn’t staying. I wasn’t playing along any longer than necessary.
When I reached the dining hall, the transformation startled me.
The heavy decorations from the night before were gone. No dramatic lighting, no towering arrangements. In their place were fresh flowers in pale ceramic vases, sunlight streaming in through tall windows, the long table set for something almost… normal.
Lady Aurelia stood near the head of the table, dressed in a simple yet elegant morning dress, Alpha Alaric beside her, relaxed and smiling. Cassie sat to one side, already sipping tea.
Elijah was there too seated beside Cassie.
I didn’t look at him.
But Nicole noticed me immediately.
She rose from her chair and crossed the room to rush towards me, wrapping her arms around me before I could react. The gesture was quick, affectionate, and entirely too familiar.
“I’m so glad you came,” she said brightly, loud enough for everyone to hear.
Nate stood as well, his gaze lingering on me in a way that made my skin crawl.
“Good morning,” he said, smiling as though nothing between us had ever shattered. I applauded Elijah for feigning such cool indifference while being seated at the same table as the man who called him names yesterday.
I murmured something noncommittal and let Nicole guide me to a seat directly opposite her and Nate.
Of course.
Breakfast began with polite conversation, clinking cutlery, murmured compliments about the food. I picked at my plate without tasting anything, my awareness fixed on every movement, every glance.
I could feel Elijah’s attention on me like a weight, but I refused to meet his eyes. I feared my gaze would give away something that belonged to just us.
After around half an hour or so, I couldn’t bear it anymore and pushed my chair back, Nicole looked up immediately.
“Leaving already?” she asked, concern softening her features.
“Yes,” I said. “Thank you for breakfast.”
She rose slowly, folding her hands together. “Before you go,” she said, tilting her head. “There’s something I’d like to say.”
The room quieted.
My pulse spiked.
Nicole smiled at everyone around the table, then turned her gaze back to me, eyes bright with anticipation.
“I have an announcement to make.”
But then Nate got up from his seat and added dramatically.
“You are so funny, Nicole. That is my line.”