Chapter 83:
Makenna’s POV:
Biting my bottom lip, I found myself at a loss for words.
A faint, almost imperceptible smile played at the corners of Dominic’s mouth. Ignoring Bryan’s question, he gave me a slow, appraising look before speaking with a teasing tone.
“Well, you seem perfectly fine. That’s a relief.”
His words only fueled my anger, but I clenched my fists and managed to keep my temper in check.
Returning to his usual calm demeanor, Dominic shrugged lightly.
“Alright, I won’t hold you up any longer.”
With that, he left as casually as he had arrived, leaving behind a whirlwind of frustration in his wake.
Though Dominic had walked away, the irritation he stirred up lingered, gnawing at me.
He had done it on purpose.
Bryan’s eyes blazed with anger as he watched Dominic leave. His voice dripped with sarcasm.
“You’re quite the popular one. Even Dominic is concerned about you. He’s always been cold and indifferent. No wonder you think you can defy me.”
His tone was filled with aggression, and I couldn’t help but tremble slightly. I lowered my head, choosing silence over confrontation.
“That’s enough, Bryan!” Clayton stepped forward, pulling me behind him protectively. His voice took on a rare seriousness.
“Makenna is a person, not something you own.”
His words struck a chord within me, leaving me both touched and shaken.
Since I arrived at the palace, I had often been treated as insignificant. The only respect I had known came from Clayton.
Fresh uploads now at gαℓησν𝒆ls․com
But Bryan’s expression darkened further at Clayton’s defense.
Aware of Bryan’s short temper, I tensed up.
If he lost control, things could turn ugly fast…
Just as my unease peaked, Bryan suddenly sneered,
“If you’re so fond of this woman, I won’t compete with you. I am your older brother, after all. Go ahead, take her.”
With that, he shot me a deep, lingering glance before turning to leave.
But his departure left me more anxious than relieved. I knew Bryan well enough to realize he wouldn’t let go of me that easily.
“Don’t worry,” Clayton said softly, giving my hand a comforting squeeze. “I’ll protect you.”
“Thank you, Your Highness,” I forced a smile, trying to hide my lingering fear. “I’m alright.”
Clayton smiled warmly at me and extended his invitation once more.
“Shall we dance?”
I nodded and took a deep breath, determined to set aside my worries, at least for tonight. Just then, I realized Alice was no longer beside me.
“Wait, where’s Alice?” I asked, scanning the room for any sign of her.
What I saw made me smile and shake my head in amusement. Alice had already moved far away, waving at us as if to say, “Go ahead and dance. Don’t worry about me.”
I smiled back at her before turning to Clayton, who took my hand and led me toward the dance floor.
As we passed by, I noticed Jessica still standing off to the side, glaring at me. Her eyes were filled with jealousy and resentment. It was clear she hated seeing me as the prince’s chosen dance partner.
Frank’s expression was no different, his eyes brimming with reluctance.
But I paid them no mind. Their feelings were of no concern to me. With a calm indifference, I let Clayton guide me to the dance floor, leaving them and their spite behind.
