Even Aaron, who had been absent for days without reason, and David, who whined for her to come to his room, and the duke, who had not attended his daughter’s debutante ball under the pretense of being busy.
Even Ariella, who would be sulking with her torn dress, all felt endearing to her.
In her good mood, Lizzy nestled her arm deeper into Aaron’s. He flinched for a moment but soon smiled and skillfully led her inward.
After exchanging simple greetings with important guests, familiar faces soon approached to speak.
“Lizzy! Oh my, you’re truly beautiful! You were pretty before, but you seem even prettier now. How unfair!”
The one who appeared in a pink dress was none other than Catalina. Loveth and Zaria followed closely behind. All of them had once been friends of Ariella but were now Lizzy’s friends.
“Thank you for coming, everyone. But I noticed that Lord Wrexham isn’t here with you?”
When Lizzy tilted her head in question, Catalina’s face noticeably stiffened. The joy of the moment faded, and a wary light shone in her brown eyes.
“Timmy went to talk with another gentleman for a moment. He’ll be back soon.”
“Oh, I see.”
Lizzy couldn’t help but chuckle softly.
She had known for a while that Catalina was anxious about losing her fiancé to her.
The idea that she, with Aaron by her side, would want someone like Lord Wrexham was a laughable misunderstanding.
The reason she had posed a question that could lead to such a misunderstanding was simple.
‘A pink dress? Are you kidding me? What are you trying to do?’
Strictly speaking, Catalina’s dress was a highly saturated pink, but such objective facts did not register in Lizzy’s eyes.
She was simply displeased that Catalina had come wearing a dress that was even slightly brighter than her own debutante gown.
“By the way, Lizzy, where’s Arrie? She isn’t here, is she?”
Loveth smoothly changed the subject. Since it was a topic Lizzy also wanted to discuss, she gladly accepted.
“Well… I asked her to come, but… it seems Arrie just can’t accept this ball. I understand. It’s inevitable if she dislikes me…”
“My goodness! Even so, to not show her face at a ball held in her own mansion. How rude!”
“She’s definitely jealous. Unlike Lizzy, Arrie couldn’t have a solo debutante ball. It’s a shame to be so small-minded.”
As the gossip about Ariella began, Catalina quickly joined in, as if she had never shown any signs of displeasure.
Zaria, however, wore an uncomfortable expression without adding to the conversation, but she was always quiet, so no one noticed.
Zaria mustered her courage and brought up another topic.
“Um, by the way, Lizzy. Did you prepare the ball yourself? The indoor decorations are incredibly lavish and beautiful.”
“That’s right. Especially the tapestries and lace decorations hanging over there. They’re quite unique and pretty.”
Fortunately, Loveth did not notice anything odd and continued the conversation. Lizzy willingly continued to respond.
“Yes, it’s my first time, so I’m quite inexperienced, but… since it’s my debutante ball, I prepared everything myself. And that was made from silk and lace brought in from Ashbon. Isn’t it pretty?”
At the mention of Ashbon, the surrounding nobles’ eyes widened. Silk and lace of that quality were typically used for the finest dresses.
It was far too expensive to be used merely for indoor decorations. Most of the budget had gone into that, so one could only imagine.
“Indeed, Bedford is different.”
“Seeing how much is invested in a princess’s debutante ball, she must truly be the biological daughter.”
Nobles nearby whispered as they overheard the conversation. It was precisely the reaction Lizzy had been hoping for.
‘I’m glad I invested generously in the decorations.’
Lizzy lifted her chin and smiled confidently. Although she had spent all the money on that, leaving only enough for food, drinks, and dishes to avoid embarrassment, she didn’t mind.
After all, what kind of pig would come to someone else’s debutante ball just to eat?
Some nobles were awkwardly eating subpar food and drinks, looking puzzled, but Lizzy, surrounded by people, did not notice such things.
She focused on enjoying the attention directed at her, exchanging glances with various people until the dance music began. At the same time, she carefully observed the gazes of those looking at her necklace.
If anyone looked flustered or surprised by it, that person would be Ariella’s man.
The one who dared to interfere with her plans, helped Ariella, and even sent a white dress. Finding that man was the purpose of wearing this necklace today.
After finding the sender of the necklace, I will enlist the help of David and Aaron to completely ruin that bastard’s family and household. So that Ariella can crumble even more as she witnesses her lover’s downfall.
