The sound of shattering glass echoed across the ballroom.
Guests turned toward the balcony area in surprise. A small table had been knocked over, and broken glasses were scattered across the floor.
Standing beside the mess…
Was Vanessa.
Her red dress shimmered under the lights, but the anger in her eyes was impossible to miss.
Whispers spread quickly through the room.
"Isn't that the cheerleader from the academy?"
"What is she doing here?"
Amara felt a knot form in her stomach.
Vanessa's gaze was locked directly on her.
Then, slowly, Vanessa began walking toward them.
The elegant ballroom suddenly felt tense.
Adrian noticed the direction of Vanessa's stare.
His expression hardened slightly.
"Stay calm," he murmured to Amara.
Vanessa stopped a few steps away from them.
Her smile looked forced.
"Adrian," she said sweetly.
Adrian didn't smile back.
"Vanessa."
The Queen, who was still nearby, raised an eyebrow slightly.
"And who might this be?" she asked.
Vanessa immediately straightened her posture.
"Vanessa Cole, Your Majesty," she said politely. "I attend St. Augustine Royal Academy as well."
The Queen nodded politely.
"I see."
Vanessa's eyes quickly shifted back to Amara.
"And this must be the famous scholarship girl," she added lightly.
Amara stayed quiet.
Vanessa laughed softly.
"You've caused quite a stir at school."
Adrian's voice turned colder.
"That's enough."
Vanessa ignored him.
She looked directly at Amara.
"You know, it's funny."
"What is?" Amara asked calmly.
Vanessa crossed her arms.
"How quickly someone can rise above their place."
The comment made several nearby guests glance at each other awkwardly.
Amara felt the insult clearly.
But she didn't react.
Vanessa stepped closer.
"Just because you're here tonight doesn't mean you belong here."
Before Amara could respond—
Adrian stepped forward.
His presence immediately changed the atmosphere.
"Vanessa," he said firmly.
"Leave."
Vanessa stared at him in disbelief.
"You're defending her again?"
Adrian's voice remained calm but firm.
"Yes."
Vanessa laughed bitterly.
"You don't even know her."
Adrian didn't hesitate.
"I know enough."
The tension between them was obvious.
Several reporters nearby had already begun quietly taking photos.
Vanessa noticed the cameras.
Her pride wouldn't let her back down.
She looked at Amara one last time.
"You should enjoy tonight," she said coldly.
"Because once we return to school… things won't be so easy for you."
Then she turned and walked away.
The tension in the ballroom slowly faded.
Guests returned to their conversations.
But the moment had already been witnessed by many.
Amara exhaled slowly.
"That was… uncomfortable."
Adrian glanced toward the photographers.
"It's worse than uncomfortable."
Amara frowned.
"What do you mean?"
Adrian gestured slightly toward the cameras.
"They just captured the entire scene."
Amara's eyes widened.
"You're joking."
Adrian shook his head.
"Tomorrow morning…"
He paused.
"The entire country will probably see those photos."
Amara's heart dropped.
"You're serious?"
Adrian nodded calmly.
"Welcome to royal life."