?Chapter 1152:


    Lance, ready with more jibes, was interrupted by Tinsley. “That’s settled. The misunderstanding is over. The ball is about to begin. Lord Rosethorne, I hope you enjoy the evening.”


    Shame prickled under Lord Rosethorne’s skin, and he wasted no time making his exit.


    Determined not to fall behind, Elyse slipped out after him.


    Still holding tight to Elena’s hand, Alistair puffed up his chest and announced, “Nobody’s going to mess with the Healer while I’m here!”


    Azy grin yed on Lance’s lips as he leaned against a nearby pir. “Guess it takes all kinds to keep this ce interesting.”


    One nce from Tinsley was enough to wipe the grin right off Lance’s face. He straightened up in a heartbeat.


    An apology from Tinsley quickly followed. “I hope what happened earlier didn’t bother you, Healer.”


    With a casual wave, Elena brushed off the concern. “Not worth dwelling on people who don’t matter.”


    Admiration sparked in Tinsley’s eyes. That response alone showed Elena’s steady temperament.


    Tinsley’s gaze swept across the hall, a frown flickering across her face. “I just saw the Duke of ckwood here. Where did he wander off to?”


    Elena replied, “He stepped out to take a call.”


    Torin’s phone had rung earlier, and judging by the way his features tightened, it was something serious. Elena, however, saw no reason for rm.


    Tinsley instructed an attendant to fetch the Duke of ckwood.


    Elsewhere, the furious Lord Rosethorne was busy reprimanding Elyse. Displeasure simmered in her. Seeing Elena so close to royalty stung enough, and being scolded because of her made it worse. The resentment only grew, brewing into something dark.


    A hushed conversation between maids drifted through an open doorway as Elyse walked past. “Her Majesty’s ne is breathtaking—the stone is almost the size of a golf ball.”


    “Naturally. It’s His Majesty’s love token and worth billions.”


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    “Billions! We must be careful. If anything ever happened to that ne, there’d be hell to pay.”


    With utmost care, the maids arranged the Queen’s dress in the room.


    A sharp glint appeared in Elyse’s eye as the beginnings of a scheme took root. Even the Princess and Princes wouldn’t be able to shield Elena if she were to offend the Queen.


    After locking the door with a click, the maids hurried off to fetch the gown the Queen would wear tonight.


    All the while, Elyse remained crouched in the shadows, waiting for her moment. As soon as the coast was clear, she reached for the hairpin she had hidden for just this purpose.


    Life in Yoswye had not taught her many good habits, but sneaking about and taking what wasn’t hers had be second nature to her.


    She spotted the emerald ne, eyes shining with the thrill of it. Instead of hiding the glittering piece, she slipped it into her pocket and headed off to find Elena, nning to use it as her weapon against her.


    Excitement buzzed through the hall as the ball drew near. Tinsley and her brothers went to meet Terrance, leaving Elena alone.


    Feeling restless, Elena wandered off to a quiet part of the hall, looking for a moment of peace. She had just started to rx when a figure strolled over. Without hesitation, Elyse closed the distance and pretended to bump into Elena by ident. Seizing the moment, she tried to slip the ne onto Elena, but before she could make her escape, Elena caught her by the wrist.


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