Chapter 108: A Promise Meant to be Kept

Stella returned just in time to see Owen storming off, his rigid back giving away his frustration. "Why did he leave?" she asked, her tone sharp with curiosity.

Olivia chuckled lightly, withdrawing her gaze from Owen's retreating figure to focus on her mother. "He's upset that we used him to embarrass his uncle," she said, the smugness in her tone unmistakable.

Stella shook her head dismissively. "That doesn't matter. We need to focus on the next step—gaining Mrs. Scott's trust and using her to deal with your sister."

Meanwhile, across the ballroom where Stella and Olivia's scheming eyes couldn't reach, Aurora finally let out the laughter she had been suppressing. It started as a chuckle and grew into a hearty laugh that made her eyes glisten with tears.

"I can't believe how ridiculous those two are," she said, pressing a hand against her stomach. "What do they think we are, clueless amateurs?"