Free Web NovelChapter 35: Chapter 35 Performance of Deception
Elara’s POV
The Oscar-winning actress had made her entrance—time for the performance of a lifetime.
With my bright demeanor, flawless features, and pure expression, I stepped inside and immediately mesmerized every person present.
"Take the seat beside me," Cassian Halloway commanded.
Giselle went rigid and blurted out before catching herself, "Your highness, she’s nobody special. Just another pretty face. How could she possibly sit next to you?"
I batted my eyelashes.
Jackpot. Giselle’s got it bad for him.
"Giselle, are you giving me orders?" Cassian questioned.
His tone turned arctic. He shifted forward from the darkness, fixing Giselle with a piercing stare until her complexion went ashen.
"I would never," she whispered.
"Watch yourself from now on." Cassian stopped, then continued, "I want her."
I remained motionless. Giselle rose and pushed me toward the shadowy figure of Cassian without hesitation. But I seized Giselle’s gown firmly. With her shove, the material ripped completely away.
I acted like I’d been violently thrust forward, stumbling toward the table’s razor-sharp corner.
Three... Two...
A powerful grip steadied me.
When it comes to weaponizing beauty...
I gazed upward with terror, my tear-filled eyes locking with Cassian’. I was ghostly white, like a frightened doe, clutching his sleeve.
I gestured weakly at the practically nude Giselle and stammered, "Giselle, why did you shove me? You promised you’d bring me here for a good time."
Giselle was utterly speechless.
Her bewildered expression made it clear she had no idea what I was saying.
"I refuse to sit near him... Just don’t harm me... Please don’t harm me," I wailed. I shook uncontrollably, appearing so helpless that anyone would pity me.
When I wept, the edges of my eyes, my eyebrows, and my nose turned a delicate rose—making others yearn to shield me, or perhaps torment me mercilessly.
Cassian, supporting me, experienced precisely that. He glowered at the half-clothed Giselle, his voice menacing and frigid. "You have an issue with my selection?" ƒгeewebnovёl.com
Giselle screamed, "I don’t! I didn’t push her—she grabbed me!"
"Silence." Cassian scooped me up and stared down at Giselle. "Are you claiming she deliberately put herself in harm’s way? You know what I’m capable of. Will you accept your punishment, or should I handle you personally?"
Giselle trembled, her face becoming death-pale. She understood Cassian’ cruelty well. She’d brought me here, worked tirelessly, gained nothing, and only created problems for herself.
She gazed at me in shock. I was nestled in Cassian’ embrace, weeping heavily, but my eyes held a crystal-clear, taunting expression.
I could see the shock in her eyes as she stared at my build and features, clearly trying to figure out if I was truly the Elara she once knew.
"Remove her," Cassian stated coolly, interrupting Giselle’s analysis. He hadn’t even laid a finger on the woman he desired, and Giselle had nearly destroyed her.
I sobbed outwardly while cackling internally. This victim act was precisely what Giselle had used against the original girl for years.
It never failed. The original girl’s awful mother bought it completely every time. One tear from Giselle, and the original would face a beating or confinement.
No magical abilities meant no power.
But observing Giselle now, life hadn’t been kind since she’d expelled the original. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be doing this filthy work.
So what if they were nobility in the Valerion Empire? Without the original girl, they were wretched.
Playing innocent? Anyone can master that.
I understood men’s psychology too—what they couldn’t possess was always most desirable. The hungry stares these men gave me upon my arrival revealed everything.
Giselle might have value, but I was tonight’s target. They knew precisely who to choose.
Especially when I appeared vulnerable—someone always craved being the savior. I had to commit fully. freewebnσvel.cѳm
I despised prolonging matters. I was quick, clever, and ruthless. Turning someone else’s strength against Giselle was simply strategy.
Giselle, savor my present. I’ll handle these men first, then return to play with you.
"Why are you trembling so violently?" Cassian murmured gently, his gaze wandering over me. He moved so near his breath nearly grazed me.
"I’m terrified..." I breathed.
My performance was perfect. My voice was gentle and honeyed enough to enchant.
Cassian said, "Fear nothing. I had her cast into the arena to ease your mind. Once I’ve attended to you, I’ll escort you to observe."
