Page 352

The Parents’ Week Gala was in full swing.

It was no wonder the students took the event seriously, as if their lives depended on it, considering every parent there was dressed to the moon.

Naturally, the children of aristocrats wouldn’t want to fall behind.

They wanted to impress, and dazzle — and oppress one another.

This was a big deal after all, especially with the event streaming live for the districts. Finally, the world would get a glimpse of what it meant to be part of the elite Lunaris Academy.

Although nearly everyone was dressed to impress, it still wasn’t hard to differentiate the parents of the aristocrats from the parents of scholarship students, not when they flaunted their flashy gold, jeweled cuffs, and diamond-clad fingers.

The ballroom itself was grand and luminous.

High vaulted ceilings draped with stunning chandeliers rained down a soft, luxurious glow while velvet-draped tables were arranged around a wide open dance floor of polished obsidian.

Waiters in perfect uniforms moved through the crowd with gleaming trays, offering sparkling drinks and dainty finger foods while the soft hum of live string music set the perfect backdrop.

Elsie Lancaster might have had a few hiccups the past few days, but it was obvious she had come to this gala well-prepared.

As soon as she made her appearance, the media team, who had been given clearance into the ballroom, swarmed like moths to a flame.

Countless camera flashes lit up her face as microphones hovered before her lips.

"Elsie Lancaster, you look stunning tonight!"

"Elsie Lancaster, mind telling us who designed your outfit?"

The media peppered her with questions. And true to their words, Elsie Lancaster did look stunning.

She wore a bold crimson fitted gown with spaghetti straps that showed off her graceful collarbones.

The bodice hugged her waist tightly, highlighting her already enviable figure.

The fabric was rich and sleek satin, the skirt flaring just below her hips into a long, straight fall that brushed the floor, with a modest slit on one side for ease of movement.

Elsie wore silver heels, and her signature silver hair was swept to one side in soft waves, tucked behind one ear to reveal a simple diamond earring.

Her makeup was a classic red lips, dark liner around her icy blue eyes, and a shimmer over her cheekbones that caught the light just right. She looked perfect.

Being one who loved attention, Elsie answered the questions with a charming smile. "The dress I’m wearing was designed by House Serenelle, and same goes for my shoes."

But the questions didn’t stop.

"Elsie, how’s your relationship with the alphas? It’s just a few months to graduation, who do you think will emerge as heir?"

"Who do you want to end up with?"

"I heard you’re especially close to Roman. What if he doesn’t win? Would you reject him?"

"Elsie, how’s your relationship with Violet Purple? I heard your position has been threatened by the new girl?"

Elsie had just been about to answer a few of the questions when she heard that one, and froze just like that.

It was like an out-of-body experience. The buzzing, the voices, the cameras, all faded for a moment as her mind went blank.

At that moment, Elsie was lost with her mouth wide open, looking like a fish out of water.

Thankfully, Caroline appeared at that moment and placed both hands on her daughter’s shoulders, snapping her back to reality.

"I think that would be all for now!" Caroline smiled sweetly to the reporters and swiftly began to steer Elsie away.

"Just one question!"

"One more question, Elsie!"

The reporters rushed forward, but security moved in fast, blocking their path as Caroline whisked Elsie off.

"Are you stupid?" Caroline hissed under her breath as they walked. "How could you zone out like that? That was your chance to shine and take over this entire occasion."

But Elsie wasn’t listening. Her eyes scanned the ballroom restlessly.

"What is it?" her mother asked, annoyed.

"Violet Purple. Is she here yet?"

At the mention of that name, Caroline’s face twisted instantly. She sneered. "Are you kidding me right now?" She lowered her voice. "I’m already running out of patience with you, Elsie. Don’t provoke me further."

Then her eyes narrowed as she looked ahead. "There’s Irene."

Elsie followed her gaze and noticed the woman in red. Not just that, it was the same shade as her dress and her eyes widened. "She’s in red. Is that why you told me to make a last-minute change?"

"For women, even the smallest thing can become the subject of conversation," Caroline told her seriously. "Our relationship with Irene is already on thin ice. Don’t fuck up this opportunity. Now go." She gave her a little shove forward.

Elsie didn’t even catch her breath before she was walking again, her feet moving on their own.

Out of her peripheral vision, she noticed Grace, who was stunning in a blue outfit.

After Caroline had caught them together, the only reason Grace was still allowed at school was because she had promised to stay away from her.

Grace smiled gently, but Elsie scowled in return.

If she had stayed away from people like her, maybe she wouldn’t be under such scrutiny from her mother now.

Grace had served her purpose, now she could return to the dirt she crawled out from.

Elsie needed her head in the game if she was going to defeat Violet Purple.

It was time for pleasure to end. It was time to take back control of her school.

So she ignored Grace and walked straight toward Irene Hale, who was speaking politely to another parent.

"Hello, Irene," Elsie greeted with a bright smile.

Irene, mid-laugh, turned toward her, and the transformation was immediate. The smile dropped from her face like a curtain and her eyes swept over Elsie with razor-sharp coldness.

The look she gave her made Elsie wish she had never walked over in the first place.

Damn it.