When Serena returned to the ballroom with a transformed Black Jack, they immediately drew numerous gazes, a mix of curiosity and awe.
Even Black Jack cleaned up nicely in a formal gown.
She had chosen a wine-red, strapless, fishtail dress that perfectly matched her bold and bewitching charm. Her slender figure was both sexy and elegant, her allure laced with a hint of wild arrogance.
Standing in the ballroom, she could hold her own against any socialite in the room.
"Damn, this is what you call a top-tier Elyndor banquet! Look at this scale! This class! Ah, being the little princess of the Blackwood family sure is nice," Black Jack exclaimed, her eyes darting around excitedly.
She grabbed Serena's arm, her voice a low, thrilled whisper. "Hey, hey, Demon, look over there... isn't that the Arbiter from the United Realmon States? And over there... the Secretary of State from Xandoria, and that federal official..."
With every name Black Jack mentioned, her eyes grew brighter, until her voice was trembling with excitement. "Those are all our mission targets! If we could take care of all of them in one go, wouldn't we just...?"
"Stop right there.” Serena raised a hand and squeezed Black Jack's lips shut. “This is Elyndor. Get all those crazy ideas out of your head!"
Though her mouth was covered, Black Jack's eyes remained glued to the targets. Her words were muffled. “Buh... thos... ish... money!"
"If you get caught in Elyndor, I can't bail you out," Serena said, squeezing a little harder. “What good is money if you're not around to spend it?"
She paused, remembering Nicholas's seemingly casual probing. "And another thing, stop calling me Demon. Use my Elyndor name.”
Black Jack nodded vigorously, letting out a series of muffled yelps while struggling playfully.
Her amusing antics softened the cool, refined features of Serena's face.
It was the first time the Lancasters had ever seen such a relaxed and genuine
expression on Serena's face. It was a level of ease she had never shown even with them.
Catherine and Edward exchanged a glance before pushing Old Mr. Lancaster's wheelchair toward Serena.
Catherine's gaze fell on Black Jack. "Serena, this is...?”
Hearing her mother's voice, Serena finally let go of Black Jack's mouth. When she turned, she saw her whole family had come over.
"You jerk, Serena! I finally get all dolled up and look this good, and you have to ruin my image, don't you? Black Jack grumbled, rubbing her mouth and lunging to playfully choke Serena.
But then she heard Serena say, "Grandpa, Dad, Mom, Julian."
Four titles in a row.
Black Jack froze mid-action. She looked up and met four pairs of curious eyes, all sizing her up.
On the way to the banquet, Serena
had briefly explained that she had left the Wynn family after
discovering her biological parents were the Lancasters, Vaelion City's wealthiest family, and that she was now living with them.
So these were Demon's biological parents, grandfather, and brother? Their features... did bear a striking resemblance to Demon's. They were definitely family.
Since they were her best friend's family, Black Jack quickly smoothed down her dress and greeted them, with a wide smile. Hello, sir. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Lancaster. My name is Hazel."