Julianna said, âHow do you still not understand? The Murphy family of Altney is still a highly prestigious family. If you can establish a connection with them, they will be a powerful ally when you go against Abel in the future!â
Hearing this, Adam finally understood what his mother meant.
He said, âBut I donât like her. Sheâs pretty, but sheâs not my type.â
Julianna rolled her eyes and said, âMother knows best. Iâm aware you have feelings for Emmeline, but itâs best you give up on that pipe dream. Even if you could court her, she will never reciprocate your affection.â
Adam put a fist up to his mouth and coughed.
Julianna added, âDonât be mad. You know itâs true. Iâm telling you you have an opportunity here. Donât miss it!â
Adam narrowed his eyes at Evelyn.
Julianna lowered her voice and said, âWhy are you still standing around? Women are no more than tools. I didnât tell you to like her. Just make sure you can use her!â
Adam finally nodded, âAlright. Itâs not like I have anything better to do. Letâs see what we have here.â
Julianna slapped Adam on the back and said, âThatâs my boy! Good luck!â
Adam cleaned up his suit a little, then took two glasses of wine and walked over to where Evelyn was.
Meanwhile, the guests had begun dancing in the hall.
As it was difficult for Emmeline to move about, Abel had invited his mother over to the dance floor.
Adrien and Lizbeth had begun dancing as well.
âMs. Evelyn,â Adam said as he approached Evelyn. He asked softly in his deep voice, âAre you unwell?
Do you need any assistance?â
Hearing someone speak to her, Evelyn lifted her head and met Adam with her reddened eyes.
âMr. Adam?â
âYes,â Adam responded as he sat down next to her. Offering her a handkerchief, he asked, âAre you alright?â
Evelyn was momentarily taken aback before shaking her head, âYes, Iâm fine.â
âWhy are you crying?â Adam acted like a caring gentleman.
Evelyn smiled wryly, âI⦠just thought of something in the past. Iâm better now.â
Adam smiled, âHave a drink. Itâll cheer you up.â
Evelyn took the drink from Adam and lightly sipped on it.
Adam asked, âWould you care to dance? It would be an absolute shame to hide such beauty in a dark corner like this.â
Evelyn mulled it over and decided that she couldnât let Emmeline just look down on her like this.
There were still plenty of other men vying for her.
After all, the firstborn of the Ryker family was here, was he not?
Evelyn nodded, âYes, I would.â
Adam took her hand like a gentleman and led her to the dance floor.
As her dress swayed to the rhythm of the music, Evelyn shot Emmeline a cold glance.
It just so happened that Emmeline also met her gaze.
Emmeline was a little shocked, thinking, Oh my, Evelyn is bold. Of all the people in the room, she chose to go with Adam?
Does she not know the type of person he is?
Evelyn was delighted to see the surprise on Emmelineâs face.
She assumed that it was because Emmeline was shocked to see her matched up with Adam so quickly.
Little did she know that Emmeline was just being concerned for her wellbeing.
Filled with self-satisfaction, Evelyn started leaning closer into Adamâs embrace.
Adam looked down at her and smiled, âWhat plans do you have after this, Ms. Evelyn? Will you be returning to Altney?â
âI originally planned to head back after Lizâs engagement party.â Evelyn lowered her gaze and continued, âBut now Iâm not so sure.â
Adam suggested, âThen youâre welcome to stay in Struyria a little longer. There are plenty of places to explore here, and I can be your guide.â
âThatâsâ¦â
Evelyn knew that Adam was testing her.
If she agreed to him, it would mean that she consented to the idea of the two of them dating.
However, she didnât harbor such feelings towards Adam, and was at a loss on how to respond.
Adam smiled gently, âIf you need some time to think about it, you donât need to answer me now. Iâm a very patient man.â
âThen I shall tell you once I have made up my mind.â
âSure.â
Evelyn leaned her head onto Adamâs broad shoulders, and the two of them gradually danced their way to the center of the hall.