?Chapter 573:


    “Wait, why are there only two of them? I thought Tiana had three protégés.”


    “Tiana does. The third one’s supposedly a Prince from Eighshire. He only made an appearance once to deal with someone impersonating him. No one knows for sure if he’ll show up today.”


    “Wasn’t there talk that Tiana herself would be attending today’s party? Is that true? I’d love to see her in person.”


    “Who knows? Maybe she changed her mind. Still, seeing two of her protégés perform is already a rare treat.”


    The guests whispered among themselves, curiosity drawing them closer to where Christina’s group had been moments ago.


    When Coen and hispanions turned to look for Christina, they realized she had disappeared.


    Coen had managed to get up from the floor, but pain shot through his knee, leaving him unsteady on his feet. Clenching his teeth and wincing, he growled, “If I ever see Christina again, I’ll make her pay dearly!”


    Meanwhile, Brendon led his guests with quiet dignity, bowing slightly as he spoke, “This way, please.”


    Tiana’s protégés, Ashton Walsh and Pe Rowe, followed with poised, courteous smiles.


    “Would you like to rest in the lounge for a while? You must be tired after the flight. It’s been quite a journey,” Ynda suggested warmly.


    “That would be lovely,” Pe answered gently. Though she didn’t say it aloud, she was grateful for the offer. The stares from the curious guests in the hall had begun to feel stifling. A moment of peace away from the crowd sounded perfect. The only…


    The reason she and Ashton had agreed to attend Brendon’s engagement party was because their mentor, Tiana, was expected to make an appearance. If they wanted to see her, showing up here was necessary.


    Tiana was a figure wrapped in mystery, her face unknown even to her own protégés. The hope of finally seeing her in person was what made the entire trip worthwhile. Even a single glimpse of their elusive mentor felt like it would make all their exhaustion fade away.


    Katie had been watching Ashton and Pe quietly from the side. She wanted to say something but hesitated several times. Once they reached the lounge and settled in, she finally found her voice. “I heard the Prince from Eighshire mighte too,” she said, ncing between them. “Didn’t he travel with you?”


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    Pe turned to Katie with aposed smile, her expression calm and unreadable. “He didn’te with us.”


    Katie’s eyes lit up with anticipation. “Oh? Then when is he supposed to arrive?” A chance to get close to the Prince of Eighshire wasn’t something she could pass up.


    Pe’s smile didn’t falter. “I really couldn’t say. I’m not him, after all.” She didn’t miss the subtle shift in Katie’s expression—the spark of excitement quickly dimming.


    “But aren’t you his seniors?” Katie persisted, forcing a lightugh. “You must have his number. Maybe you could ask when he’ll be arriving? I’d love the chance to greet him.”


    Pe held her gaze. “I’m afraid I can’t help you,” she said simply.


    Before Katie could press further, Brendon stepped in smoothly. “Katie, let’s not trouble our guests.”


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