chapter558

Sandy's lips parted as if she wanted to say something, but Soren jumped in before she could, turning to Juna. "Miss Davis, you might not know this, but Lydia grew up with the Smith family. Eighteen years under their roof, and it turns out she's not even their real daughter. Her actual family comes from some tiny village way out in the sticks."

He made sure to say "tiny village" loud enough for everyone to hear, almost daring the crowd to look down on Lydia. In his mind, she was just some country nobody who didn't belong here.

Juna's eyes flashed with sarcasm. Lydia's gaze turned icy, already plotting how to make sure Soren would regret every word.

Completely missing the warning signs, Soren just kept going. "We were engaged since we were kids, but now that she isn't really the Smith family's daughter, how could I possibly marry her? She started holding a grudge. To stay in the city, she began selling herself for money. I hated seeing her throw her life away, so I tried to help, but she just attacked me without a word. Can you believe it? She has no manners, no decency, and she shouldn't even be at this charity event. She's only here because she's up to something. Miss Davis, you really should have someone escort her out. Actually, I have one more little request."

He finished with a smug little laugh.

Juna raised an eyebrow. "What kind of request?"

Soren's eyes darkened as he glared at Lydia, who still looked totally unfazed. He clenched his teeth. "Before you kick her out, make her kneel and apologize to me."

He had been humiliated in front of everyone tonight, and there was no way he was leaving it at that.

Juna let out a short, disbelieving laugh.

Jenson and Milana, watching from the sidelines, quietly tried to blend into the crowd. The Lane family might have been clueless, but they knew exactly whose side Miss Davis was on. She was here for Lydia, and Soren was too dense to realize he was being treated like the punchline of a private joke.

Miss Davis was just letting him talk so he and the whole Lane family could embarrass themselves even more.

Soren saw Juna's smile and thought she was about to help him out. He quickly added, "Miss Davis, I promise I won't make a scene. We can take this somewhere private."

He was itching to get Lydia alone and teach her a lesson. Earlier, she'd caught him off guard, but he was sure that if they went head-to-head, she wouldn't stand a chance.

Juna shot Lydia a quick wink, subtle enough that Soren didn't notice.

Lydia folded her arms, not saying a word.

Juna took her silence as agreement and looked back at Soren. "Alright, there's a private lounge over there. Let's talk in there."

Soren lit up like he'd just won the lottery. "Miss Davis, you're amazing. Thank you so much."

He was practically wagging his tail.

"Let's go. I'll take you," Juna said, not bothering with any more small talk. She led the way herself.

Soren looked so pleased with

himself, he seemed to forget about his aches and pains. He shot Lydia a look full of petty triumph. "Lydia you like to act tough, right? Let's see if you're brave enough to come with us

Lydia just smirked and followed Juna, calm as ever.

Soren assumed Lydia was finally scared straight, so he moved to follow, but Sandy grabbed his arm

again. Soten, listen, abonet

she..."

Lydia,

"Sandy, I know you care about me. Let me deal with Lydia first, then I'll come talk to you."

He turned to his parents. "Dad, Mom, you should come too."

Clark and Vivia joined them, Clark even pausing to give a polite

apology to everyone watching net

"Sorry for the trouble. We'll get this sorted out right away."

The rest of the guests could only think, Are these people for real?