Adrian's lips curled up with a soft smile, the coldness around him dissipated for a moment.
His hold around Stella's hand tightened subtly, his intention obvious, he had no plan of letting go.
The attendees witnessing the scene exchanged quick glances among themselves, curiosity flickering across their faces.
"Why isn't he letting go?"
"Do you think he might have some interest in her?"
"That's impossible," another countered immediately.
"Her reputation as the second daughter of the Norton family is already this bad… would he still want a broken shoe like her?"
Stella sighed quietly.
She had to admit that controlling human mouths was one of the most impossible tasks in the world. People would always say whatever came to their minds, regardless of the consequences.
"Mr. Carter," she said calmly, lifting her gaze to him, "I wonder… do you also have the same thought…that I am a broken shoe?"
