Chapter 424

Gerard looked completely deflated. At this point, he just wanted to go home. Just then, the clatter of carriage wheels echoed outside. A middle-aged man in a butler uniform stepped inside. The clock on the wall pointed precisely to 6:30 pm. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. The gala is about to begin. Please follow me," said the man respectfully. Vespera and the others got up and boarded the carriage outside. The ride to the gala was quiet. Halfway through the journey, Vespera felt an intense stare. She turned her head and saw that Evelyn was staring at her with her chin propped on one hand. "Vera, you look thin, but who would have guessed you had such an incredible figure?" As Evelyn spoke, she reached out to brush aside the strands of hair covering Vespera's chest. Vespera instinctively grabbed her wrist, shocked. Evelyn added, "You would look even better if you put your hair up." Vespera said quickly, "I prefer it down. It's warmer." "Warmer?" Evelyn was surprised, then