Chapter 157
"Mom, Dad, I'm waiting for a friend here. You two go ahead."
According to the plan, Jason and I were meeting at the entrance.
I didn't want my parents running into him, so I sent them in first.
"Alright, we'll head in. Come find us once you're done."
My parents walked arm-in-arm toward the entrance.
Soon after, Jason stepped out of a black van wearing a silver-gray suit.
Spotting me, those sapphire eyes sparked with interest.
"Ms. Wipere, we meet again."
My expression stayed cold as I issued a stern warning.
"Jason, the Percy family's status in Silverlight City is no joke. I'd advise you not to do anything at this party that'll dig your own grave."
Jason smiled carelessly. "Relax, I definitely won't."
Though his words sounded reassuring, I caught a thread of murderous intent beneath that lazy tone.
Unease settled in my chest.
What exactly was Jason planning to do at this party?
Reading my doubt, Jason smiled again. "Once we're inside, we'll split up. Don't worry—I'll return Leopold to you tonight completely intact."
My heart seized. "What about Sophia?"
Jason's gaze turned icy. "That's none of your concern."
"Let's go. Time to head in."
He crooked his arm, expecting me to take it.
I wanted to refuse, but seeing the pointed look in his eyes, I had no choice but to comply.
After showing the invitation at the entrance, we walked into the hotel together. We took the elevator straight to the top floor.
The moment I stepped in, people started recognizing me, whispering amongst themselves.
"Isn't that Lucinda Wipere? The one from that cheating scandal? What's she doing here?"
"Someone as ordinary as her shouldn't be at an event like this, right?"
"Who's that guy with her? Never seen him before. Her new boy toy, maybe?"
"God, she's shameless. Wasn't enough that she rode Sophia's coattails for clout before—now she's pulling the same stunt again!"
They weren't bothering to keep their voices down, so I heard every word.
My expression turned glacial.
"Looks like this Leopold doesn't care much about you either." Jason had also caught those cutting remarks, his tone mocking.
"None of your business." I shot back coolly. "I got you inside. Hope you keep your word."
Jason's eyebrow quirked in amusement. "See you around, then."
Watching him turn and melt into the crowd, I quickly scanned the area, trying to spot Ethan and warn him.
But he was nowhere to be seen.
"Lucinda, before Sophia gets here, I'm giving you three seconds to get the hell out."
Olivia suddenly appeared, blocking my line of sight.
I didn't even spare her a glance. "Move."
Olivia's face twisted with rage. "You brought this on yourself. Don't blame me for what happens next."
"Someone get her out of here!"
At her command, two staff members grabbed me from both sides.
The people who'd been whispering earlier crowded closer, drawn by the commotion.
Panic fluttered in my chest, but I kept my voice steady. "Olivia, I'd quit while you're ahead."
"I was invited to this party by the Percy family. Doing this won't just offend them—you'll humiliate the Thomas family too."
Olivia's face dripped with contempt, completely dismissing my warning.
"You're nothing but a pretty face who uses men. Like the Percy family would actually invite someone like you."
"If Mr. Percy hadn't backed you up at that charity gala, how would I have lost to you?"
Her words triggered everyone's memory of that event.
"Exactly! I was at that charity gala too—without Mr. Percy, Olivia never would've lost!"
"Right? Olivia's always been the most generous among us. No way she'd lose to some useless pretty face!"
They were all taking Olivia's side.
But I found it laughable.
The charity gala was ancient history, yet Olivia still couldn't handle losing.
"Olivia, I won first place on merit, not by using men."
Olivia sneered coldly. "Still making excuses. I despise home-wreckers like you most!"
"Before, Mr. Percy protected you, so you could act all high and mighty around me. But now that you've lost his protection, you're less than an ant to me!"
"Crushing you would be as easy as stepping on a bug."
I clenched my fists. "I'm afraid you won't find me so easy to crush."
Olivia's eyes flashed viciously. She'd just opened her mouth when—
A low, furious voice cut through from behind me.
"Let her go! Who gave you permission to touch her?"
Olivia and the others jumped, heads whipping around.
"Mr. Guise!"
"Wait—is that Ethan Guise? The one who swept every major dance award while barely out of his teens? The one the royal family calls the Ballet Prince?"
"Oh my God, he's gorgeous! That build, that face—he could go toe-to-toe with Mr. Percy and not lose."
"Why's he standing up for Lucinda, though? Did he fall for her looks, too, and switch sides?"
"Don't talk nonsense! Mr. Guise isn't just some ballet genius. I heard he's also the youngest marquis in Gravenford Kingdom's history. He has his own private guard."
Everyone else looked stunned.
Even I was shocked.
Ethan had never mentioned this. No wonder Dad said his status was extraordinary when he saw his car that time.
Ethan came to my side, his usually gentle gaze now overflowing with fury.
"Lucinda's talent far exceeds all of yours. Beating you would be effortless for her."
"And she never interfered with Leopold and Sophia's relationship. Both the Percy Group and official channels have already refuted that rumor. Using it to attack her now just proves you're not only foolish, but ignorant!"
Olivia's face went white as she stammered an explanation. "Mr. Guise, that's not what I meant. I was just—"
"I don't want to hear your excuses. Apologize to Lucinda. Now." Ethan's tone left no room for argument.
"I..." Olivia's expression turned ugly.
"Olivia? Why's everyone gathered here? What's going on?" Sophia's voice rang out.
I turned to see Sophia hurrying over in a white princess gown.
Beside her, Leopold wore a matching white suit.
Gone was the cold aloofness he carried in black—right now, he looked considerably softer.
Ethan didn't give Olivia a chance to spin the story, recounting everything that had just happened before addressing Leopold directly.
"Mr. Percy, how do you think this should be handled?"
Sophia immediately jumped to Olivia's defense. "Leo, Olivia's my best friend. She just got carried away in the moment, that's all."
"Besides, today's our engagement day. We shouldn't blow this out of proportion. How about I have her apologize to Cindy, and we call it even?"
At her words, everyone's eyes turned toward Leopold.
Mine included.
Leopold slowly lifted his gaze, landing precisely on me.
After a beat, he shifted to the ashen-faced Olivia and spoke coldly.
"Causing a scene at the Percy family engagement party shows the Thomas family has no respect for us. If that's the case, I'll have someone escort every member of the Thomas family out."