Chapter 604:
Joselyn, who had stepped out earlier, returned just in time to hear the aftermath. When she realized how serious the situation had become, she fainted from shock and was rushed to the hospital.
What was meant to be a grand and joyous engagement had unraveled into a public disaster—a complete and utter humiliation.
Later that evening, on the top floor of Morfort Restaurant, Christina arrived with her protégés and was soon joined by Dylan.
The moment Dylan walked in, the atmosphere shifted. Christina immediately sensed the tension. Dylan’s eyes lingered on the young Prince with a sharpness that felt almost personal, as if he were sizing up a rival rather than offering a polite greeting. Was there bad blood between Dylan and the royal family of Eighshire? That didn’t make sense, at least not that she knew of.
Breaking the silence, Christina posed a question to Dylan. “Why did you suddenly come to pick me up? Weren’t you busy today?”
“I wasn’t busy,” Dylan said smoothly, lying without so much as a blink. He even brought up his sister as a cover. “I was planning to take you back for dinner with Chloe. She was really looking forward to it.” He offered a casual smile. “But I didn’t expect you to already have plans.”
A trace of unease settled in Dylan’s chest. If he hadn’t shown up, would someone else have won Christina’s heart before he even had a chance? What unsettled him even more was her silence. She hadn’t mentioned her identity as Tiana to him at all. Brendon already knew she was Tiana. So did everyone at the engagement party. Even the young Prince was aware. And yet, she hadn’t said a word to him. Was it because Christina truly didn’t feel anything for him?
Dylan tried not to let his frustration show, but deep down, he felt at a loss on how to win Christina’s heart. Ralphy had shared that real romance started with wanting to share every part of your life. Yet, Christina seemed to have no desire to share anything with him at all. He started to wonder if even this Prince meant more to her than he did.
Consumed by bitterness, Dylan’s knife pressed harder into the steak, his movements more forceful than he realized. Each slice of meat became an imaginary blow to the Prince he had never liked. Within a matter of seconds, jealousy and displeasure swirled in his chest, almost making him dizzy. Christina spoke up, breaking Dylan’s spiral and gesturing to her three protégés.
“Let’s have dinner with Chloe next time. It’s rare for the three of them to visit me. I shall treat them to a meal.”
Perla let out a laugh. “If that’s how it is, I’ll start dropping by all the time.”
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“I guess I’ll do the same,” Ashton said, not wanting to be left out.
The Prince chimed in, his tone eager, “And me! I don’t want to miss out.”
Dylan glanced at the trio, his voice light as he asked, feigning ignorance, “Are these all your friends?” He had been meaning to bring it up earlier in the car, but only now did he find the right moment to ask.
Christina realized there was no point in hiding her identity as Tiana anymore. She nodded and responded quietly, “Actually, they’re my protégés.”
Dylan lifted his eyebrows, putting on a mask of mild confusion. “Oh?” He was practically giddy inside. Finally, Christina was going to tell him she was Tiana. Christina answered, locking eyes with him.
“I’m Tiana.”
Dylan intended to put on a surprised expression, but he feared that Christina might see through his facade if he overdid it. Therefore, he chose to narrow his eyes only a little as he kept his gaze fixed on hers, staying silent instead of rushing into words. At that moment, he was unsure of what to say to avoid arousing Christina’s suspicions.
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