?Chapter 749:


    Evelyn’s eyes rolled without hesitation. She’d gone out of her way to defend Ste, and for what? A petty insult in return? At that point, she was done trying.


    Louis never backed off from a fight, especially not when someone like Ste tossed the first stone. He continued, “Miss Russell, you clearly have refined taste, chasing after a man like Wesley. It’s just a shame Wesley has functioning eyes.”


    Thement cut deep.


    Scanning the room, Ste saw not a single sympathetic face. Most looked amused. Wesley, in particr, seemed to be barely hiding his contempt. Her throat tightened. Words failed her.


    If not for Kiera’s light taps on his back, Louis probably would’ve kept going. Sensing her silent plea, he decided to cut it short.


    Rather than waste another breath on Ste, Louis turned toward Kiera with a softer look. “Are you in pain?” he asked.


    Kiera gave a faint shake of her head but froze the moment his fingers lifted toward her cheek. In a split second, she changed her answer with an eager nod. No way.


    She could not lie. Louis had made it very clear—if she acted out or lied, he’d pinch her cheek without hesitation.


    Louis ced a gentle hand on her head and said, “Since you’re being so honest, I’ll make sure to surprise you with something special next time.”


    Standing nearby, Malcolm watched with aplicated expression. He couldn’t help but wonder when his little sister started listening to Louis so easily.


    Malcolm stepped forward and quietly guided Kiera away.


    As the ceremony wrapped up, the atmosphere shifted to something lighter.


    Guests satfortably, enjoying both the breeze from the sea and the vors of the meal prepared for the asion.


    Taking the seat beside Elena, Louis leaned in slightly. “Tell me, how do you think about my usual treatment of you?”


    Elena didn’t even nce up. “Cut the crap. Just say whatever it is.”


    Her blunt tone didn’t bother Louis one bit—he knew her well enough to realize she’d already figured out he was about to ask for something. So, he didn’t bother dragging it out.


    “You did an amazing job redesigning Evelyn’s dress. I was wondering… Could you make one for me too?”


    A dress for him? A flicker of surprise crossed Elena’s face as she finally looked at him. It didn’t take long for confusion to give way to understanding.


    Something about the way she looked at him didn’t sit right with Louis. Maybe she’d taken his request the wrong way?


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