Chapter 115

The area was nearly deserted. Just as Elise was about to speak, voices floated over from the nearby seating area.

"Everett, are you actually interested in Damien's girlfriend?"

"Interested? Not exactly. But she's certainly... intriguing."

Camille and Elise froze. It was Everett Mercer and his entourage.

Their backs were turned, and a row of cocktail glasses obstructed their view, so they didn't notice the two women standing nearby.

"At the auction earlier, I noticed you couldn't take your eyes off that delicate beauty beside Elise. She's probably still in the main hall - why don't you go say hello?"

Camille hadn't expected the conversation to suddenly pivot to her.

Before she could react, Elise's eyebrows shot up, already mentally dragging Camille over to play matchmaker.

But Everett shook his head dismissively before Elise could act. "Nah."

Elise blinked in surprise.

What was this? Sudden disinterest?

"She's pretty enough," Everett continued, swirling his drink. "But so quiet and docile - like a porcelain doll with no personality. Frankly, boring."

"Oh come on! And you claim you're not into Selene?"

Clearly, he'd spoken with Selene and found her more captivating, losing interest in anyone else.

"That's not it," Everett hesitated.

His friend laughed. "I get it. Selene's your new type now? But that still proves you're into her, doesn't it?"

Before Everett could respond, his friend added, "Honestly, Selene has that ice queen allure. Challenging, untouchable - way more exciting."

"Ever since Selene entered our circle, half the men have been obsessed with her. Too bad she's Damien's. Can't deny that man has impeccable taste."

Elise's smile turned rigid.

Her expression darkened. She wanted to storm over and give them a piece of her mind, but Camille stopped her with a gentle hand. "It's fine," Camille said calmly. Maybe she wasn't extraordinary. Maybe she wasn't exciting.

But she knew exactly who she was. Strangers' opinions meant nothing to her.

After finishing their drinks, Everett and his group left.

Elise was still fuming. "I used to think Everett had decent taste! But even he's fallen for Selene's act?"

Before Camille could respond, a sleazy-looking man sauntered over. His bloodshot eyes raked over Camille with obvious intent. "Elise, who's your lovely friend—"

"Don't even think about it," Elise cut him off coldly. "You? With my friend? Trash. Get lost."

The man's face darkened. "Elise, you—"

She shot him a look sharp enough to draw blood.

The Ellis family wasn't to be trifled with. Knowing better than to push further, he slunk away with a muttered curse.

Elise downed her drink in one angry gulp. "How many creeps have hit on you tonight? And why do all the decent men only want Selene?"

Camille patted her back soothingly.

The truth was simple - Selene was exceptional. But before she could say so, Elise's face suddenly went cold.

Following her gaze, Camille turned to see Selene standing nearby, holding two water glasses.

No one had noticed her approach, but the smug curve of her lips confirmed she'd heard Everett's entire conversation.

As they watched, Selene's smirk deepened.

Without a word, she cast Camille one glacial, disdainful glance before turning on her heel and walking away, the click of her heels echoing in the sudden silence.