Under the Veil I Rule
Chapter 253

Elysia and Dorian stepped into the banquet hall. Elysia, who usually had this cool and distant aura about her, transformed instantly with a warm smile as she mingled with the guests congratulating her. The change was so dramatic that Dorian couldn't help but take notice.

Trailing beside her, Dorian glanced at her several times, hoping to replace a moment to speak with her. But with the endless stream of well-wishers, there was hardly any opportunity for a private word.

Just then, a delicate girl in a white and blue dress approached, calling out "Dorian," as if wanting to start a conversation with him.

But a waiter, hurrying past, accidentally bumped into her, causing her to stumble against the wall, clutching her shoulder with a pained expression.

Elysia let out a cold chuckle, not even bothering to glance her way before turning on her heel and walking off.

"Dorian."

Jessica winced, nursing her arm as she approached, her voice soft, "Are you guys..."

"You should replace a seat and rest for a bit, dinner's about to start. I need to go make a toast," Dorian interrupted, swiftly moving to catch up with Elysia, whispering something to her, but Elysia merely gave him a cool glance without responding.

Jessica watched their retreating figures with wide eyes, her nails digging into her palms.

Nearby, Amara noticed the scene and felt a bit of unease. Elysia seemed different somehow, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. She decided she'd ask her about it later.

While Elysia and Dorian went off to toast, Amara found a place to eat. She was seated at a table with strangers, but she didn't mind. She was used to being on her own and enjoyed her meal regardless.

Soon, someone took the empty seat beside her. As he sat down, the surrounding people immediately stood up, eagerly shaking his hand, all the while calling him "Mr. Everly" with exaggerated flattery.

Amara glanced at Finnian, who had suddenly joined her, without saying a word and continued to eat, pulling down her mask.

Finnian was the kind of person who drew attention wherever he went. After he finished exchanging pleasantries with the others, he

finally relaxed and leaned a bit

closer to Amara, asking, "Is the food here any good?"

Amara was surprised by the simplicity of his question and replied casually, "It's alright."

"Then have some more."

With that, Finnian used his fork to place a piece of garlic butter chicken wing onto Amara's plate.

His gesture caught the attention of the others at the table, making Amara feel a bit awkward. She whispered, "I can help myself, you know. No need to trouble you."

Finnian glanced at her, "Why are you always so polite with me?"

"We're not exactly strangers, are we?"

He added before she could say more.

Amara thought for a moment, deciding it was best to be clear. As she poked at the chicken wing with her fork, she spoke quietly, "We're not strangers, true. But we're more like... adversaries. Or at least we were. Then again, you did save me the other day, so maybe you're more of a... benefactor now. But deep down, we still have..."

"What do you mean by adversaries?" Finnian's tone grew serious, "Do you hate me?"

"That's not what I mean," Amara quickly clarified. "It's just that during our divorce proceedings, things got really messy. After all that, how can we just pretend everything's fine?"