Chapter 251 Are You Sick?

Crystal seemed happy as Elvis caressed her hair, a small gesture of affection. She had expected a hug or kiss, but he only stroked her hair before withdrawing his hand. "Crystal," he muttered, "I have an appointment. I'll see you later."

Crystal was disappointed. "Elvis, you just arrived! Why are you leaving so soon?" He ignored her displeasure, looking down at Phoebe. "Phoebe, let's go," he said gently. Phoebe followed, and Crystal watched them go, feeling increasingly misunderstood. Elvis was always indifferent, rarely showing affection. He picked Phoebe up and left.

Noah coughed awkwardly. "Since everyone's happy," he said, "let's play a trick on that clown from the Hart family."

"What do you intend to do?" everyone asked curiously.

Noah pulled out his phone, holding Rosella closer. "I'll call her," he declared. "She'll be humiliated if we make fun of her."

"Goodness, Noah, that's too extreme! You don't have to humiliate her," a celebrity protested. Rosella twisted playfully. "Noah, you're so annoying. Why do you want to call her?"

He kissed her face. "It's you I like, okay? Don't worry about that clown."

The Hart family was largely ignored by Imperial's upper class, yet no one dared provoke them. Noah shushed the group, dialed the number, and turned on the speakerphone. The ringing echoed through the hall as everyone waited with bated breath.

A beautiful voice answered, "Hello, who is this?" The group exchanged surprised glances; the Hart family's "clown" had a lovely voice. Elvis, about to leave, paused, turning to watch. He found himself inexplicably drawn to the unfolding conversation.

Noah spoke disrespectfully. "Hello, you're the youngest Hart daughter, right? I'm Noah, your fiancé. But don't think about marrying me. I already have a girlfriend—we're currently, uh, coaxing each other." He glanced at Rosella, who moaned understandingly. Noah cooperated, burying his head in her neck and murmuring, "Baby, you're so sweet."

Everyone waited for the girl's response, but she remained silent. The atmosphere grew strange as Noah and Rosella continued their charade. Finally, Noah fell silent.

The soft voice chuckled. "Are you done?"

Noah stiffened. "What do you mean?"

"What do you mean? Since you two are busy performing, I'll just be a quiet audience. Are you angry? Oh, I commend you two for working so hard."

Noah was about to explode. The Hart daughter was nothing like he'd imagined. "And, Mr. White," she continued, "your voice sounds weak and breathless. Kidney deficiency? Do you experience that every time you make out?"

The onlookers stifled laughter. Noah's face burned with embarrassment. He was being mocked.

"If you do have a kidney deficiency, don't worry, I know a specialist. Need an introduction?" she added.

"No! I don't need you to introduce me to anyone!" Noah hissed.

"No? Okay. I'll hang up now." The call ended.

A wave of laughter erupted.

"Noah, your fiancée is so funny! How could she be so cute?"

"Noah, you tried to tease her, but she teased you!"

"Noah, you really don't have a kidney deficiency, do you?"

Rosella eyed him suspiciously. Noah felt humiliated. He'd intended to humiliate her, but he'd been humbled instead.

"Clowns! I'll get back at her!" he muttered.

Elvis hadn't left. He was surprised at himself; he wasn't one for socializing, yet that beautiful voice held a captivating power that kept him rooted to the spot.