Protected behind Xander, Hazel remained untouchable. But with the media pressing in and the crowd growing larger, it became
clear they couldn’t reach the banquet hall at this rate.
Realizing this, Hazel pulled Xander’s hand down, stepping forward into full view of the reporters. They hesitated momentarily
under her piercing gaze but continued pressing with questions.
“Ms. Queen, did you attend Mr. Price and Miss Hasani’s wedding because Miss Hasani invited you personally?”
Although the Price family had spent a fortune to suppress the earlier scandal, it had spread widely among the elite. The reporter’s
question caught the attention of nearby guests, their curiosity piqued.
Realizing their slip-up, the reporter quickly shut their mouth, retreating slightly. Mentioning such a scandal at Damon’s wedding
was a sure way to court disaster.
“Were you taught to ask these pointless questions, or are you just naturally curious about trivial matters? I’m a single woman-
what’s the big deal if I date a few boyfriends?”
“And as for Damon’s infidelity, that’s already an undeniable fact. Are you bringing this up to reduce his guilt, or are you just
predisposed to defend men?”
“If you don’t want today’s behavior to affect your future in your respective companies, I suggest you step aside. I need to go in
now.”
Hazel’s unflinching words carried the weight of her position. Even the largest media company in Vernon couldn’t rival Queen
Corp. Her direct threat was unmistakable.
Exchanging glances, the reporters reluctantly stepped back, clearing a path for Hazel and Xander.
As they reached the entrance of the hall, Xander leaned close to Hazel’s ear and whispered softly, “You’re still the same as ever.”
At the far end of the hall, Damon caught sight of their intimate gesture. His expression darkened as he abruptly let go of Delilah’s
hand and strode toward them.
“Hazel, I never realized you had such charm-changing men one after another. And this one? Did you bring him just to show off?”
Hazel and Xander exchanged a glance, both chuckling lightly, their movements perfectly in sync.
Damon frowned deeply, an inexplicable sense of urgency rising within him. This man felt entirely different from Eddie, Hazel’s
previous companion. The way Xander looked at Hazel-it was identical to how Damon used to look at her.
“Damon, there are still guests you haven’t greeted. Why are you here alone?”
Delilah approached naturally, looping her arm through Damon’s. The two were dressed in coordinated outfits, looking every bit like a perfect couple.
1/3
No Seat
+25 BONUS
Meeting Hazel’s gaze, Delilah remained unfazed, as though the scandal Hazel had exposed online days ago had never happened.
“Hazel, you’re here. I reserved a seat for you in the front, but…”
She paused, her gaze shifting to Xander. Feigning surprise, Delilah covered her mouth. “Oh, is this your new boyfriend? My
mistake. From what I saw, the last one seemed more like your type.’
“>
“I didn’t know you’d bring your boyfriend, so I only reserved one seat. The seating plan was finalized in advance. If it’s not
inconvenient, I’ll add a chair in the back for him.”
Hazel had been the subject of several tabloids lately. Besides Eddie, a few Queen Corp employees had also been linked to her in the
entertainment news.
Online opinions about her were sharply divided-some praised her for being an inspiration to women, capable of attracting so
many high-caliber men, while others accused her of being unfaithful, changing boyfriends too frequently.
Throughout it all, Hazel had remained silent, neither clarifying nor addressing the rumors. This only fueled the online keyboard warriors to spread baseless gossip more brazenly.
Delilah’s remark drew the attention of nearby onlookers. Some even cast judgmental glances, with a few openly pointing fingers
at Hazel.
Unbothered, Hazel fixed her peach blossom eyes on Delilah, who stood a few centimeters shorter than her.
“I thought your eyes were only for Damon, but it seems any man will catch your attention. How many boyfriends I have has
nothing to do with you. As long as my boyfriends don’t mind, why are you throwing a tantrum here?”
Delilah snickered lightly. “What man wouldn’t mind? If they don’t, it just means they don’t truly care. Hazel, be careful with such
men. You might get deceived-emotionally or financially.”
Her gaze shifted to Xander. “But surely this gentleman is genuine with you, right? How long have you two been together?”
Xander’s demeanor was entirely different from Eddie’s. While Eddie came across as a youthful boy, Xander exuded maturity and
steadiness.
Though his looks fell slightly short of Damon’s, his composed and mature aura was unmatched.
“Is an interrogation part of attending your wedding, Miss Hasani?” Hazel’s tone turned sharp. “The guests have been standing at the door for ages, yet you won’t let them in to sit down. It seems you need more lessons from the matriarch in hospitality, lest you embarrass yourself in public again.”
Delilah, heavily pregnant when she entered the Price family, had been a source of gossip among many in high society. Most wealthy wives detested women like Delilah, who used their children as leverage to marry into a family.
They feared someone like her might appear in their own households, causing them to be cast out, much like Hazel.
“A hall this grand, but only eight tables? No wonder the bride and groom have so much time to interrogate us. Since they didn’t prepare a seat for you, Xander, let’s leave. No need to trouble them further.”
2/3
No Seat
With a graceful turn, Hazel took Xander’s arm, ready to leave.
Damon instinctively stepped forward to stop them, but Delilah clung to him tightly.
“Damon, I think my stomach hurts a little. Can you help me over there to rest?”
***
Disrespected
+25 BONUS
Disrespected
