Chapter 1040

Claire shrieked, "Briana, you idiot! Help me hit her! What are you standing there for?" Unlike Claire, who came from old money, Briana was just a social climber—clinging to Claire in hopes of securing access to elite circles and maybe catching the eye of a wealthy heir. The last thing she could afford was to upset Claire. At Claire’s furious command, Briana hesitated only a moment before grabbing a wine bottle and hurling it toward Hazel. Neithan jumped up from the couch, trying to shield Hazel, but she was already ahead of him. In one fluid motion, she intercepted the bottle midair, slammed it against the edge of the coffee table, and held the jagged neck to Briana’s throat. Briana froze, all color draining from her face. Claire, still screaming hysterically, shouted, "Where are the security guards? What do I even pay membership fees for if they can’t protect me? I’m being attacked!" Just then, the castle manager rushed in—but before he could speak, a calm but commanding voice interru