?Chapter 461: Brushing his chin lightly against her forehead, he whispered back, Spiked drink.


    Despite his calm demeanor, Rhys couldnt entirely shake his concern for Harlee.


    Yet, his faith in her sharp instincts always prevailed over his worry.


    She had an uncanny knack for unraveling schemes before they even fully formed.


    Harlee furrowed her brows slightly, clearly agreeing with his guess.


    Arching an eyebrow, she smirked.


    Lets make it interesting.


    Whoever wins owes the other a hundred million.


    Rhys chuckled, yfully tapping her nose as he responded with affectionate jest, As you wish, my little money-grubber.


    Their whispered exchange was so quiet that onlookers could only observe their intimate interaction, unable to catch the details of their covert conversation.


    Meanwhile, Saul smoothly ushered the remaining three guests into the grand banquet hall, while Ang, exuding gracefulposure, guided Harlee toward the backstage dressing room.


    As they stepped inside, Lillie, adopting the air of someone with sage-like experience, asked, Harlee, may I ask you something? Whats your rtionship with Mr.


    Green? Rumor has it that you two broke off the engagement.


    Is it true that Lillies barrage of questions was abruptly cut off as Harlee interjected sharply, No, you may not! Lillie froze, momentarily stunned into silence.


    She grasped the implication of Harlees curt reply, her cheeks coloring with embarrassment, while her eyes reflected a hint of resentment.


    G a lno ve ls .


    is where the magic begins Harlee, maintaining her frosty demeanor, continued, You were supposed to be here to offer apologies, werent you? Or are you… Her gaze lingered on Lillie and Ang, her tone dripping with sarcasm.


    Were you expecting me to be the one apologizing? For the incident at the boutique, perhaps? The color drained from Lillies and Angs faces, reced by a flushed mixture of anger and humiliation.


    With Rhys lingering outside, Lillie knew better than to provoke Harlee further.


    She hastily pulled Ang by the arm, urging her to kneel alongside her.


    Miss Sanderson, our actions were fueled by envy, Lillie pleaded, her voice trembling slightly.


    We truly hope you can show us grace and allow us to move past our previous mistakes.


    Ang, draped in a long gown that restricted her movements, hesitated before she gracefully knelt.


    Her voice wasced with feigned sincerity, her eyes shimmering with mock earnestness.


    Harlee? May I address you so informally? She lifted her eyes to Harlee, her pitiful expression matched by the sorrow in her voice.


    I must apologize for my past actions! Im truly sorry.


    My behavior was driven by my feelings for Rhys.


    I desired to be with him.


    But now… Ang paused, offering a bitter smile as a wave of regret washed over her, her entire aura echoing the despair of crushed dreams.


    The possibility of a future with Mr.


    Green has vanished, and I bear no resentment toward you.


    Harlee, can you understand who I once was? Ive endured the repercussions of my actions against you, and my family has felt the brunt of your anger.


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