Chapter 183 Outshining the Entire Audience

Chapter 183 Outshining the Entire Audience

The Evergreen Isle Hotel was packed tonight.

At the top of the spiral staircase, Scarlett appeared in a silver-white gown, diamond earrings dangling to her shoulders, lips painted crimson red, microphone in hand.

Drake stood beside her—tall and imposing, his blond hair neatly styled, his black suit stretching across broad shoulders with an overwhelming presence.

The two descended together, the spectacle carefully orchestrated, like a new queen returning to her kingdom with a powerful ally.

Murmurs rippled through the crowd below.

"That's Rourke? The one from Germany?"

"Looks like Campbell really found herself a backer."

"This is going to be interesting."

The spotlight followed Scarlett as she descended to the mid-level landing. She stopped, lips curving upward as she raised the microphone.

"Thank you all for being here tonight." Her voice carried through the speakers across the hall, tinged with a hint of grievance.

"Recently, the Campbell family has been through a lot. There's been misunderstanding, malice, and plenty of people waiting to see us fall. But I want to say this—Campbell won't fall. And neither will I."

Scattered applause broke out. Scarlett lifted her gaze, scanning the crowd for Felix.

She expected to find him watching her—even if coldly, even if only with scrutiny.

Instead, she saw something else entirely.

Near the front of the hall, by the dessert table, Cecilia stood holding a piece of cream cake, her expression relaxed.

Tonight she wore a black gown with sharp shoulders and a perfectly tailored waist. The diamond necklace at her throat glittered under the lights.

Felix stood beside her, his eyes never leaving her.

That look was too direct, too devoted—it needed no explanation.

Scarlett's smile froze on her face. "Tonight... I also hope everyone can see that the Campbell family is still—"

Her voice broke.

From across the room, she watched Felix reach out and pluck a strawberry from the edge of Cecilia's plate, leaning down to ask, "Sweet?"

"Mediocre. Their pastry chef isn't very good," Cecilia said after swallowing the cake.

Felix chuckled softly. "I'll take you to that new dessert place later."

Jealousy surged through Scarlett so violently she could barely hold the microphone. Her entire arm trembled.

Some guests were already noticing something was wrong.

The next second, Elliot strode forward and took the microphone from her hand, his face still wearing that polished smile.

"Apologies, everyone. Scarlett hasn't been feeling well lately. Seeing so many friends tonight has made her a bit emotional."

The old man's appearance at least kept the atmosphere from completely collapsing.

Scarlett stood frozen in place, staring daggers at Cecilia.

Cecilia, as if she hadn't noticed, picked up a napkin and wiped her fingertips.

Felix walked over with two glasses of red wine and handed her one. "Full yet?"

"Almost."

"Then come dance with me."

Cecilia took the glass and looked up at him. "Mr. Knightley, you seem to have a lot of free time tonight."

Felix lowered his voice. "If you're going to put on a show, you have to commit. If you don't play along, how will she break?"

Cecilia glanced at him, the corner of her mouth twitching slightly. "You're quite the actor."

"It's not all acting. My feelings for you are real." As he spoke, his palm settled on her lower back.

Cecilia didn't pull away. The music shifted to the next piece just then, and the center of the dance floor cleared. Felix led her straight onto it.

The lights descended. Felix guided her waist and steps with steady control and measured force—but the restraint carried a strong undertone of possession.

Cecilia looked up at him. "You're doing this on purpose."

"Yes."

"You're admitting it pretty quickly."

"I want her to see clearly." Felix looked down at her. "The one standing beside me now is you."

By the staircase, Scarlett's breathing hurt.

Drake watched the dance floor and suddenly laughed. "The man you love doesn't have eyes for you."

Scarlett's face turned ugly. "Shut up."

Drake shrugged and said nothing more, though his expression grew even more amused as he turned and walked away.

Moments later, the ballroom lights suddenly dimmed. Then a spotlight shot toward the main entrance.

Drake personally wheeled in an enormous birthday cake—eight tiers tall, covered in sugar flowers and gold leaf, so extravagant it looked like a declaration of ownership.

Gasps rose from the guests. The crowd immediately stirred, cameras swiveling toward him.

"This Mr. Rourke isn't someone to be trifled with."

"Looks like Scarlett really landed herself a powerful backer."

In the corner, Thea gripped her wine glass, her face stiff.

She watched Scarlett basking in glory by the staircase, then looked at Cecilia commanding every gaze in the center of the dance floor. The resentment in her chest pressed down harder and harder.

She'd fought tooth and nail to squeeze into an event like this, yet she didn't even have a decent spot. But those two bitches—one stood high above everyone, the other stole the entire show.

After things heated up, Scarlett finally regained her composure. She joined the others in cutting the cake, posing for photos, and smiling.

Just before the banquet officially began, she seized her chance and intercepted Felix. "I need to talk to you."

Felix glanced at her. "Say it here."

Scarlett bit her lip. "The back garden. Five minutes."

Cecilia sat at the long table, cutting a small piece of lemon tart with her fork. She didn't look up. "Go ahead. She's been holding it in too long. If she doesn't say something, she'll lose it."

Felix looked at her. "You don't mind?"

"What would I mind?" Cecilia put the tart in her mouth. "I can already guess her lines."

Felix chuckled softly and turned to follow Scarlett outside.

The night breeze in the back garden was cold. There was no one else by the fountain. Scarlett stopped and turned to face him, finally unable to hold it in any longer.

"Why are you doing this to me?"

Felix's expression was indifferent. "Doing what?"

"Cornering me at every turn. Destroying me at every turn." Her eyes reddened, her voice shaking. "Felix, we grew up together. When you were sick as a kid, I was the one who stayed with you through the shots. When your parents died, I came to see you every single day. Have you forgotten?"

"I haven't forgotten." Felix looked at her. "But that doesn't stop me from settling the score."

Tears spilled down Scarlett's cheeks. "I just loved you. I wanted to marry you. Is that wrong? Before Cecilia showed up, everyone assumed I'd become Mrs. Knightley. But for her sake, you destroyed me, destroyed the Campbell family, and didn't leave me a single way out."

Felix let out a cold laugh. "You hurt Eloane. More than once."

Scarlett's face changed. "I didn't—"

"She lost control in the hands of people you arranged. She bled. She was terrified. She had nightmares. Even now, she still screams in the middle of the night. You think that account can just be wiped clean?"

Scarlett's lips drained of color. Even her bold lipstick couldn't hide how wretched she looked in this moment. "I didn't mean to hurt her that badly."