?Chapter 298:


    Her announcement left the group visibly anxious. This was, after all, our first time engaging in such a formal hunting event.


    Hayley offered a reassuring smile to the group. “Don’t worry. The area is well-patrolled by soldiers. They will ensure that no danger wille to us.”


    She then turned her gaze to me and smiled slyly. “Besides, we have a formidable woman among us who is even capable of hunting a brown bear.”


    At her words, all eyes suddenly turned to me. Feeling a surge of unease, I squinted at Hayley, displeased.


    When she saw me like this, her smile only widened. She then continued cheerfully, “Miss Dunn, your strength is unmatched. I’m confident with you here, everyone’s safety is secure. Please, look after them when the timees.”


    She paused and said spitefully, “Perhaps, after today’s hunt, the princes will take a special interest in you and spend the night with you again.”


    The moment she mentioned the princes and the possibility of spending the night with them, a wave of jealous res intensified from the surrounding women. Seeing this, Alice leaned in and whispered in my ear with a frown, “That old hag Hayley is doing this deliberately! She wants to set you up for criticism and turn everyone against you!”


    I gave a subtle nod, acknowledging her words silently. In my heart, I was aware of Hayley’s intentions, but I chose not to respond verbally. Instead, I fixed her with aposed stare.


    I was determined not to give her the satisfaction she sought.


    Noticing my unshaken demeanor, Hayley appeared slightly irked. Nheless, skilled in maniption, she quickly masked her frustration and refrained from further engagement with me. She then efficiently directed everyone to proceed with the hunting expedition into the forest.


    Makenna’s POV:


    We climbed into the vehicle and headed for the forest for our hunting expedition.


    The vehicle sparkled brilliantly under the morning sun. Its polished surface mirrored the dawn’s glow, and the interior was immacte.


    Alice’s eyes widened in surprise as she took in the pristine condition of the vehicle. “This vehicle looks brand new,” she eximed.


    I couldn’t help but smile, feeling a flicker of satisfaction. Frank had been tasked with cleaning the vehicles as punishmentst night, and the sight of his work brought me a certain gloating joy.


    Leaning closer to Alice, I whispered, “Frank had to clean all these vehicles. He and Jessica spoke out of turn during the dinner party, and the prince decided to have Jessica scrub the hot spring and Frank take care of the vehicles.”


    Alice stifled augh behind her hand. “They got what they deserved.”


    As the engine roared to life, more than an hour slipped by in ourughter and conversation.


    When the door opened, a fresh, slightly damp breeze greeted us.


    We had arrived at the edge of the forest.


    The vegetation was luxuriously thick. The canopy of tall trees nearly blocked out the sky, and vines wove a tangled web between them. asionally, the silence was broken by the chirps of birds, adding a touch of liveliness to the scene.


    Deeper into the forest, we could see deer grazing peacefully, hares darting nervously, and squirrels leaping from branch to branch. The asional deep grunt of wild boars rumbled through the underbrush.


    At this moment, the king’s convoy arrived and joined our group.


    Leonardo, dressed in a splendid hunting outfit, stepped out of the car with an air of dignity. The bustle around the vehicles came to an abrupt halt.


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