Chapter 61

Zane had to go on a business trip, but Alice was right about one thing—he hadn't received an invitation. Alice waved the invitation at Zane, saying, "Zane, I'm leaving now or I'll be late."

Zane nodded slightly, opened the door, entered, and closed it behind him. Alice stared at the closed door, suspicion etched on her face. She thought, He just left like that? He didn't even try to ask me to take him. Even if I wouldn't agree, he should have at least pretended.

Arriving at the Rosewood residence, Alice stopped a maid and asked, "Which room is Elysia in?" Though only twelve or thirteen, Alice was dressed expensively, clearly a wealthy heiress.

The maid, cautious, replied, "Ms. Elysia Rosewood is in the second bedroom on the right upstairs. Shall I show you?"

"No need," Alice said, waving her hand and heading upstairs. Seeing Elena, she was stunned by her beauty. She thought, Isn't she the girl from Amour Cafe? I didn't think she was that attractive before, but now… she's quite stunning. Still not quite as beautiful as Elysia, though.

Elena recognized Alice and raised an eyebrow. "Are you the little girl from Amour Cafe?"

Alice stamped her foot. "I told you, I'm not a little girl!"

Elena replied, "Oh, I forgot."

Alice was speechless.

"Elena, stop teasing her," Elysia said, smiling. Her beauty was breathtaking.

Alice then noticed Elysia, whose exquisite makeup enhanced her already striking features. Her purple gown, adorned with glittering gems, was captivating. Alice thought, How could such a beautiful woman exist? Even I, a girl, am charmed, let alone those guys.

"Elysia, you'll be the most stunning one here tonight," Alice declared.

Elysia laughed. "That's an exaggeration."

"It's the truth!" Alice insisted.

Elena nodded in agreement. "On this point, I and…" Sensing Alice's gaze, she quickly corrected herself, "…and she are in agreement."

Alice, a mix of pride and coyness on her face, said, "Call me Alice. What about you?"

"Elena," Elena replied.

Alice found the name familiar, finally remembering where she'd heard it. She thought, Isn't Ben, the student council president's name…? Looking at Elena, she asked, "Are you the student council president?"

Elena nodded. Alice was thrilled. Oh my! I've met the legendary, aloof goddess Elena! And I even argued with her! Though not as intimidated as other students, Elena was still a legendary figure. Alice wondered if she should feign fear and show respect.

Noticing Alice's furrowed brow, Elysia guessed her thoughts. "Elena won't bite. You don't need to overthink it."

Alice grinned. "I was wondering if I should show the president some respect."

"There's no need. And don't call me president," Elena said.

"Can I call you Elena, then?" Alice asked flatteringly. If I can get close to Elena, I'll be so powerful at school!

Elysia was amused. Alice really knows how to read the situation. Just now they were arguing, and now she's switching sides!

Elena replied, "Whatever." She didn't care what people called her; she was used to being alone. But since meeting Elysia, she felt she had a friend.

Alice's face lit up. She couldn't believe she'd befriended Elena. I'll walk around school with my head held high! she thought.

"Elena, if someone bullies me, will you stand up for me?"

Elysia raised an eyebrow. Zane's niece getting bullied? I don't believe it for a second.

Elena looked at Alice seriously. "I will handle it impartially."

Alice's smile froze. That's too official, she thought.

Elysia burst into laughter. "Don't give Elena a hard time. With Zane backing you up, who would you fear?"

"You're right," Alice agreed.

Less than five minutes remained before the dinner party, but few guests had arrived. Scott felt embarrassed but controlled his emotions, sensing foul play. He suspected the Davis family.

He thought, Aside from the Davis family, no one else has that kind of power. Their status in Sivro is formidable. He imagined the Rosewood family becoming the laughingstock of Sivro high society if tonight's events spread.

Bella, entertaining wealthy ladies in the garden, overheard their mockery.

"The Rosewoods offended the Davis family," one woman scoffed. "They don't know their place."

Another added, "The Davis family's status far surpasses the Rosewoods'. Their marriage alliance is a step up, yet the Rosewoods refused. I wouldn't be able to swallow my pride either."

A third woman said, "We're only here because of business dealings with the Rosewoods, not because we're under the Davis family's control. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here."

Bella felt a surge of anger. If Elysia hadn't insisted on offending the Davis family, we wouldn't be in this mess!

Noticing Scott's discomfort, Bella whispered, "It's your fault for spoiling Elysia! How could this happen?"

Scott's brows furrowed. Is this the time to talk about that? He was annoyed by Bella's thoughtlessness. "You know nothing," he growled. He thought, When Elysia associates with the powerful, and the Rosewoods rise, these sycophants will come crawling to me.