The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 555

"No, I don't think so. Professor Howard is deep in conversation with Mrs. Calhoun and Mr. Yates. We shouldn't interrupt," Julianna replies. Her tone is perfectly polite, but her delivery is razor-sharp and leaves no room for argument.

"Oh, that's true. Let's hit the buffet instead," Bonnie chirps, easily swayed. She’s completely oblivious to the bitter resentment currently simmering behind her cousin's composed smile.

Meanwhile, across the room, Landon is sulking. He has never been rejected twice in a row just for asking for a simple dance. His ego is bruised, but his persistence is borderline pathological. He refuses to take the hint.

Spotting Jade passing by, he instantly pivots.

"Ah, Miss Jade Dennis, isn't it? I have to say, the cameras simply don't do your beauty justice." Landon recycles the exact same script and sleazy charm he just used on Tara and Julianna. It is the classic playbook of a wealthy playboy—rinse and repeat until someone bites.

Jade, who has spent the entire evening swallowing bitter humiliations, freezes. The sudden, unprompted flattery is a balm to her battered ego. Her face lights up.

"Really? Thank you," she says, her voice intentionally softening into a coy purr. She delicately tucks a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

Landon recognizes the signal immediately. He's got a live one. Slipping effortlessly into the role of a gentleman, he offers a slight bow. "I've always admired you. Would you do me the honor of a dance?"

I'm the real winner here, Jade thinks gleefully as the music fades. The two of them linger on the floor, clinging to each other with a messy, lingering reluctance.

They are so wrapped up in their own delusions that they fail to realize how utterly inappropriate their public display is. This is a prestigious academic gala, filled with the city's most respected intellectuals. The attendees watch the sloppy spectacle with barely concealed disgust.

Walking past the dance floor, Bonnie and Julianna catch sight of the display and share a look of profound contempt.

Bonnie scoffs loudly, making sure her voice carries over the remaining music. "Wow. Imagine being that desperate. Landon asked Tara, got rejected. Asked Julianna, got rejected. Congratulations, Jade—you're officially the trash can for his leftovers."