“Your Grace.”
Lizelle approached Chase with a curious expression after spotting him.
Why was Chase walking away from the crowd?
“Miss.”
The previously burning red eyes softened as they met Lizelle’s, as if nothing had happened a moment ago.
“Is something the matter?”
“Nothing at all. Did you greet the others?”
“Yes, well… sort of.”
Lizelle responded in an uncertain tone.
She had gone to talk with the other ladies with good intentions, but in the end, she couldn’t control her temper and ended up being hated.
Yet, she felt no regret. After all, they were the ones who crossed the line first.
“Was the atmosphere unpleasant?”
“It’s not that, Your Grace… I apologize in advance.”
Lizelle lifted her trembling lashes to gauge Chase’s reaction.
Though she didn’t regret her actions, she felt guilty for potentially causing trouble for Chase.
It hadn’t even been long since she decided to play her part flawlessly, yet she already botched it.
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t think my reputation will be regarded that well.”
Lizelle decided to confess what occurred a little while ago.
Her conscience was pricking her, and she couldn’t just let it go.
Rumors would surely spread among society, and it wouldn’t be surprising if it was the topic of discussion in no time.
It would eventually reach Chester’s ears.
“Is that what you’re worried about?”
Chester was taken aback by Lizelle’s completely unexpected remark.
She was truly unpredictable.
Every time he thought he understood her, she would shatter his expectations with her actions and words.
“Yes, perhaps there will even be rumors of the nasty temper of the prospective lady of the Halos household.”
“It doesn’t matter. My temper is no better. You seem like a perfect match for me.”
Chase smiled as he said this.
“…”
Lizelle found herself momentarily entranced, gazing at his smile as though possessed.
The gentle curve of his lips was captivating.
Enough to stir one’s heart.
“Attention, everyone!”
Lizelle snapped back to reality at the sound of a voice.
She had nearly drooled through her slightly parted lips.
On a low platform at the front of the hall, Count Humphrey had stepped up to liven up the atmosphere.
Just in case, Lizelle wiped the corners of her mouth with the back of her hand, but fortunately, there was no drool.
Lately, Chase has been smiling in front of her more and more often.
When she first met him, she couldn’t even imagine him smiling like this, he was always so cold and expressionless…
It was a good thing he smiled more.
It was a good thing… but for some reason, it wasn’t good for her.
She often found herself in a daze, just like now.
“Thank you, esteemed guests, for attending my daughter’s birthday banquet.”
As Count Humphrey began his speech, the servants moved busily, serving champagne.
A servant holding a silver tray with two champagne glasses approached Chase and Lizelle.
Lizelle immediately recognized the servant.
It was the one she bumped into earlier.
Was her name Bess?
Bess also recognized her and looked startled as their eyes met.
“We meet again.”
“Y-Yes… I’m truly sorry about earlier.”
“It’s fine. As I said, there’s no need to keep apologizing.”
Lizelle waved off Bess’s apology with a smile, catching Chase’s curious gaze.
She shrugged, signaling it was nothing.
“Now, I ask everyone to raise their glasses for a toast.”
Count Humphrey raised his champagne glass high.
Lizelle reached out to take a glass from the tray Bess was holding out to them.
“This champagne contains grapefruit extract, known for its skincare benefits. The lady prepared it specially for you.”
Bess hastily handed one of the glasses to Lizelle.
Lizelle didn’t immediately take the champagne Bess offered.
She didn’t really trust anything Selena personally prepared.
However, since she wasn’t the only lady attending, and considering the effort put into this banquet, she reluctantly accepted the glass.
The other glass was handed to Chase.
“Don’t drink too much, Your Grace. I can’t carry you by myself.”
Lizelle looked at Chase holding his glass and smiled, amused.
She recalled how he passed out after drinking with her father back at the Baron’s estate.
“Ahem! That was unavoidable…”
“Yes, of course. I’m just advising you to drink within your limits today.”
Lizelle’s playful remark made Chase falter, recalling the embarrassing memory.
The speech concluded, and the count issued the toast.
Lizelle raised her glass to Chase.
“Cheers!”
“Cheers?”
When Chase didn’t understand, Lizelle took the initiative to clink their glasses together.
“Cheers!”
A clear sound resonated as the glasses touched.
With a smile lingering on her lips, Lizelle took a sip, savoring the champagne.
She silently wished for the banquet to end peacefully, the culprit to be caught soon, and for Raphel’s eternal health and happiness.
Chase, watching Lizelle intently, chuckled softly and drank his champagne.
Meanwhile, Selena, standing near Count Humphrey, watched the entire scene.
As Chase raised the glass to his lips, a sly smile appeared on her face—visible to no one else.
“Have you noticed anyone suspicious today?”
Lizelle asked Chase, glancing at the champagne she had drunk.
Bess claimed it contained grapefruit extract, but there was no hint of any grapefruit taste or aroma—just ordinary champagne.
“…”
“Your Grace?”
When no answer came, Lizelle looked up at Chase.
“What’s wrong?”
She asked with a puzzled look when she saw his expression.
He was frowning so heavily, as if dissatisfied with something.
Then his face contorted so severely it almost seemed as if he was angry.
Then…
“Your Grace, my father wishes to discuss an urgent business matter in private. Could you spare a moment?”
Selena smiled and approached Chase.
Selena’s father had already been escorted to the study, as planned.
The love potion mixed into Chase’s champagne should be taking effect now.
It was time to act quickly.
“…”
Chase frowned, feeling a wave of dizziness.
Not only did he feel dizzy, but his body was also starting to heat up.
Despite this, he looked at Lizelle, silently seeking her permission to leave.
“Go ahead.”
Lizelle nodded after reading his expression.
Chase handed his glass to the conveniently approaching Bess and followed Selena.
He was worried someone might approach Lizelle when she was alone so he quickened his pace to get back as soon as possible.
“Hmm…”
Lizelle’s sharp eyes followed Selena as she led Chase away.
Selena, who had always been so cold to her, now acted like a perfect angel toward Chase.
As a fellow woman, Lizelle instinctively felt Selena’s interest in Chase. To an excessive degree.
‘Does she like him? Is that why she’s hostile to me?’
It was a reasonable assumption.
Since he is so handsome there must be many people who have a crush on him.
‘What should I do now?’
Lizelle glanced around, now alone.
It looked like she would be alone until Chase came back.
Then, as if everyone was waiting for their chance, they slowly began to approach her.
“Congratulations on your wedding, Lady Wilhazelle. My name is Winston Wake. I am the second son of the Marquis Wake family.”
“I am Baron Joseph Cantrid.”
Before she knew it, Lizelle was surrounded by people introducing themselves and talking to her.
Everyone was desperate to somehow make a connection with the Halos family.
Before she knew it, Lizelle had become the center of attention at the banquet.
