Elara’s POV
The Oscar-winning actress had made her entrance—ti for the performance of a lifeti.
With my bright deanor, flawless features, and pure expression, I stepped inside and imdiately srized every person present.
"Take the seat beside ," Cassian Halloway commanded.
Giselle went rigid and blurted out before catching herself, "Your highness, she’s nobody special. Just another pretty face. How could she possibly sit next to you?"
I batted my eyelashes.
Jackpot. Giselle’s got it bad for him.
"Giselle, are you giving orders?" Cassian questioned.
His tone turned arctic. He shifted forward from the darkness, fixing Giselle with a piercing stare until her complexion went ashen.
"I would never," she whispered.
"Watch yourself from now on." Cassian stopped, then continued, "I want her."
I remained motionless. Giselle rose and pushed toward the shadowy figure of Cassian without hesitation. But I seized Giselle’s gown firmly. With her shove, the material ripped completely away.
I acted like I’d been violently thrust forward, stumbling toward the table’s razor-sharp corner.
Three... Two...
A powerful grip steadied .
When it cos to weaponizing beauty...
I gazed upward with terror, my tear-filled eyes locking with Cassian’. I was ghostly white, like a frightened doe, clutching his sleeve.
I gestured weakly at the practically nude Giselle and stamred, "Giselle, why did you shove ? You promised you’d bring here for a good ti."
Giselle was utterly speechless.
Her bewildered expression made it clear she had no idea what I was saying.
"I refuse to sit near him... Just don’t harm ... Please don’t harm ," I wailed. I shook uncontrollably, appearing so helpless that anyone would pity .
When I wept, the edges of my eyes, my eyebrows, and my nose turned a delicate rose—making others yearn to shield , or perhaps tornt rcilessly.
Cassian, supporting , experienced precisely that. He glowered at the half-clothed Giselle, his voice nacing and frigid. "You have an issue with my selection?"
Giselle scread, "I don’t! I didn’t push her—she grabbed !"
"Silence." Cassian scooped up and stared down at Giselle. "Are you claiming she deliberately put herself in harm’s way? You know what I’m capable of. Will you accept your punishnt, or should I handle you personally?"
Giselle trembled, her face becoming death-pale. She understood Cassian’ cruelty well. She’d brought here, worked tirelessly, gained nothing, and only created problems for herself.
She gazed at in shock. I was nestled in Cassian’ embrace, weeping heavily, but my eyes held a crystal-clear, taunting expression.
I could see the shock in her eyes as she stared at my build and features, clearly trying to figure out if I was truly the Elara she once knew.
"Remove her," Cassian stated coolly, interrupting Giselle’s analysis. He hadn’t even laid a finger on the woman he desired, and Giselle had nearly destroyed her.
I sobbed outwardly while cackling internally. This victim act was precisely what Giselle had used against the original girl for years.
It never failed. The original girl’s awful mother bought it completely every ti. One tear from Giselle, and the original would face a beating or confinent.
No magical abilities ant no power.
But observing Giselle now, life hadn’t been kind since she’d expelled the original. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be doing this filthy work.
So what if they were nobility in the Valerion Empire? Without the original girl, they were wretched.
Playing innocent? Anyone can master that.
I understood n’s psychology too—what they couldn’t possess was always most desirable. The hungry stares these n gave upon my arrival revealed everything.
Giselle might have value, but I was tonight’s target. They knew precisely who to choose.
Especially when I appeared vulnerable—soone always craved being the savior. I had to commit fully.
I despised prolonging matters. I was quick, clever, and ruthless. Turning soone else’s strength against Giselle was simply strategy.
Giselle, savor my present. I’ll handle these n first, then return to play with you.
"Why are you trembling so violently?" Cassian murmured gently, his gaze wandering over . He moved so near his breath nearly grazed .
"I’m terrified..." I breathed.
My performance was perfect. My voice was gentle and honeyed enough to enchant.
Cassian said, "Fear nothing. I had her cast into the arena to ease your mind. Once I’ve attended to you, I’ll escort you to observe."
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