NOVEL WEB Chapter 676: In reality, she was at the edge of losing it all.
Arwen's brows rose slightly at the sharp pitch in Selene's voice. If she hadn't known better, she might have thought she had mistakenly worn something that didn't belong to her. But here, she knew better.
"Ms. Martin, did you have a rough day today?" she asked coolly, her tone polite.
Selene only glared at her, her fingers curling tightly into fists at her sides. "I asked why you are wearing this necklace. This —"
"This is mine," Arwen cut her off before she could even finish. "Of course, … if not me, who else would wear it?"
"Arwen, you —"
"Ms. Martin," Arwen interrupted again, her voice firm but even, "I think you should consider taking lessons in etiquette. Because I am getting tired of reminding you of the same thing over and over again. This can't continue for long. Even my patience —though I have it —is limited. And in just few days, you have almost exhausted it all."
She descended the last few steps slowly, each measured movement closing the space between them. "Beware," she warned, her gaze steady, her expression sharp yet still faintly kind. "Don't use it all up. Because if you do, you will lose even the silver chance you might still have of success."
Selene tried to read her but the smile on Arwen's lips was too controlled, too deceptive. It didn't allow Selene to understand her intention at all.
"Losing is fine," Arwen continued, "but at least leave yourself an escape so you don't humiliate yourself completely when you lose. That's just advice. Whether you take it or not … that's up to you."
They both stared into each other's eyes for a moment before Arwen turned to gaze towards her car that was waiting for her, right a few steps away.
"Now, since you are back home, make yourself comfortable and rest. I have somewhere to be. So, … excuse me."
With that, she offered a casual smile, turned, and walked away with unshakable composure.
Selene watched her, her nails dug so deeply into her palms that they almost broke her skin. But even so, it didn't make her flinch.
Arwen felt the gaze burning inti her back, but she didn't falter. Elegance was not about avoiding stares —it was about deciding which ones were worth acknowledging. And Selene's? Not worth a breath.
She smiled warmly at Alfred, who stood holding the car door open for her. "Thank you, Alfred. You can close the door now."
He nodded, closing it gently before walking around to the driver's seat. Moments later, the car glided away from the estate.
Selene remained rooted in place until it disappeared from her view. Then she stomped her foot, her voice low and venomous.
"Arwen, you are pushing me. Don't blame me when I throw you out of this house. Because I will surely be crueller than you can imagine. You dared to touch what's mine —not once but again and again —and Selene doesn't let others touch her possessions."
Carla, who had been waiting inside for Selene to arrive couldn't help but step out to check. "Ms. Selene, you are back? I was worried, thinking what's taking you so long."
Selene merely cast her a cold glance and walked past without a word.
Carla hesitated, confused, not understanding what happened. Then she also followed her inside.
Meanwhile, in the different wing of the estate, someone had been watching everything.
"Sir, Ms. Martin doesn't look well," William said, standing a respectful step behind Morgan. "She might not be able to pretend for long."
The old man chuckled, shaking her head. "You are only noticing it now?" he asked as if he couldn't belief it was so hard to notice. "The life span of pretension is always short. Of course, she won't be able to keep it up for long —especially when everything around her is pushing her to break."
William's brows furrowed in a frown, feeling puzzled. "Sir, are you talking about the young lady? But … she didn't seem to be doing anything. The way she speaks to Ms. Martin and allows her speak over things she shouldn't —it almost feels like she is a stap away from believing her story."
Morgan glanced at him, his eyes glinting. He let out another low laugh. "Oh, is that what you think?"
William felt confused. He didn't respond rather waited for the old man to explain. And Morgan shook his head at him. Then walking inside, he continued, "I don't know about what you see, William, but from where I stand, I just see Arwen playing Selene —letting her believe she is on the brink of victory. But in truth, Selene is already standing at the edge of losing it all."
Sitting down, on his chair, his expression turned deeper as if he couldn't forget what he knows. "That girl might have grown older now, but she hadn't changed much. She still likes to make everyone think that thinking is going their way, when actually, she has long started swivelling it her way."
William didn't understand and seeing him still as confused as before, Morgan didn't explain further. He just smiled and said, "If you still haven't understood what I meant, hold on —you will soon, get it. For now …" he turned to glance at the time on his watch before asking, "ask someone to bring me the tea my granddaughter-in-law has brought for me. I liked its flavour. And I want to have it again."
William nodded and then went to ask someone to arrange it.
In the meantime, at the other side of the city, the party had already begun. The guests have started to arrive and so did Emily.
As the car stopped at the entrance, Karen turned to look at Emily to brief her out one last time before they enter.
"Ms. Quinn, we have arrived and once we enter inside the banquet all, I will take you around to introduce to the guest. Please be at your best behaviour. I will be there to help you, but you must know I won't be able to help you if you aren't careful yourself."
Emily nodded. "I know. Don't worry. Let's go first."
Karen looked slight unconvinced when she noticed Emily's over-excitement. But she, anyway, nodded.