Chapter 282 Chapter 282 The birthday banquet began in full swing .
Guests lined up to offer their congratulations .
Noelle stood beside the Andersons , politely greeting each guest .
She wasnt great with social etiquette , but Kimberly and Vincent stayed by her side , guiding her on how to interact with others .
With her sweet smile and endearing charm , Noelle quickly won the hearts of many .
Meanwhile , her fiancé Nicolas quietly slipped away from the crowd and beckoned Stanley to join him outside .
Mr.
Sawyer ? Stanley looked wary .
Whyd you call me out ? Youre not planning something shady again , are you ? Nicolass gaze was unreadable as he cut straight to the point .
What do you think of the man Noelle brought with her ? Stanley froze .
His eyes widened in alarm as he stared at Nicolas , voice tight .
What are you planning ? If things go south .
Nicolas said calmly .
I want you to take him down .
Can you do that ? Stanley instantly broke into a cold sweat .
You want me to take down Brandon ?! Thats right .
Can you handle it ? Nicolas knew by now that Stanley was a transformer a product of the Serpaton Mocrta Alliance Laboratory .
And that lab was , in theory , a direct rival to Brandons Atoraka Nowedon Laboratory .
Which meant , technically , Stanley had the right to attack Brandon .
But Stanley shook his head furiously .
No way , no way, no way .
Im not even in the same league as that guy .
He had never fought Brandon before , but it was common knowledge Brandon was at least an 55 tier transformer a level not even worth dreaming about tangling with .
Nicolas clicked his tongue in disappointment . Useless .
Stanley was speechless .
Before meeting this group of people , he used to think of himself as a prodigy , a born elite .
Now ? He felt more like the comic relief .
Still , he crossed his arms and said , No matter what you say , Im not going to fight Brandon .
Besides , hes Noelles friend .
Why would you want to hurt him ? You really dont know ? Nicolas asked , raising an eyebrow .
Know what ? Stanley blinked .
Nicolas didnt elaborate .
The truth was , the lab had released many transformers into the world not just for training but to build emotional bonds with others , only to later destroy them in cold blooded emotional severance tests .
From Stanleys reaction , it was clear he didnt know that So Nicolas simply said , I just dont like his face .
Really ? Stanley didnt buy it .
You can guess the rest , Nicolas said vaguely Just as they were about to head back inside , a voice spoke behind them .
Brandon was standing there , smiling faintly , as if hed been watching for a while .
Stanley jumped Brandon_ Oh crap .
Did he hear everything ? Of course he did .
An SS tiers hearing was better than a trained hound .
There was no way Brandon But Brandon didnt spare Stanley a glance .
His emerald eyes locked straight onto Nicolas as he slowly strolled forward , hands in his pockets .
So you do know fear after all , he said with a soft , mocking Nicolas didnt flinch .
And where exactly did you see fear on my face ? Brandon leaned in close , lowering his voice .
Dont worry I wont make a move on you he here .
Besides , it wont be me who does it 776 PM Chapter 282 Nicolas met his gaze , calin and unfazed .
So confident your plan will work ? Absolutely , Brandon repled with ease .
Nicolas smirked .
Overconfidence usually leads to disaster .
Thanks for the concern , Brandon said casually .
But it wont happen .
Lets wait and see .
Sure , Brandon agreed : Î The two men stood face to face , eye to eye , locked in a quiet but intense standoff .
The tension between them could suffocate an entire TODI Meanwhile , Stanley stood awkwardly nearby , caught in the crossfire and deeply regretting every life decision that had brought him to this moment .
I heard every word , but understood nothing .
But one things for sure Brandon is 100 % here to stir up trouble .
The banquet carried on well into the evening , past nine oclock .
On the other side of the hall , Noelle had been helping her parents greet guests for hours , and her face was nearly frozen from smiling .
As another wave of guests finally left , Kimberly turned to her and asked , Tired , sweetheart ? Absolutely .
Noelle said without hesitation Kimberly chuckled .
Its your first time hosting something like this .
Its understandable .
Vincent added .
This is just the beginning .
Once you marry Nicolas , youll be attending plenty more events like this .
Consider this good practice .
Of course , Vincent said with total seriousness .
Noelle muttered .
Ugh ... being upper class sounds exhausting .
Vincent nodded , taking the chance to lecture .
You think its easy ? Keeping a family name respectable takes effort .
Social networks are vital , and learning to manage those relationships is part of your future . Once you become Mrs.
Sawyer , youll need to hold your own in high society .
Oh .
Noelles response was half defeated .
Kimberly wrapped an arm around her daughter and gently scolded Vincent.Dont scare her , Vincent .
Do you think Nicolas will actually let her suffer through all this She then turned to Noelle and said with a giggle , Dont worry , sweetie .
Socializing is all about status , Nicolass position is already so high , no one will dare make things difficult for you .
Just relax and enjoy yourself .
People will flock to praise you no matter what .
Really Noelles eyes lit up , only to dim again a second later .
But Dad just said ..
Kimberly laughed .
Your dad was teasing you .
Noelle glanced at Vincent , who despite his usual stoic face had a subtle smile on his lips .
Realizing shed been tricked , Noelle pouted .
Dad ! You were messing with me ? Vincent chuckled Your mother says Im too stiff and distant , so Im trying to be more humorous Noelle raised an eyebrow You think youre funny ? ant I just now !? he asked .
She answered with mock seriousness .
Not even close Vincent let out a dry Really ? Hrally she confirmed As father and daughter stared each other down in awkward silence , Kimberly quickly stepped in to smooth things over .
Alright , alright , Chapter 282 enough with the standoff Noelle , your friends are still here .
Youve been glued to us all evening .
Go spend some time with Nicolas and the others , Youre right ! .
Noelle perked up .
She hadnt seen much of Nicolas tonight .
Hed been busy all day , and she had no idea what he was up But as she glanced around the hall , she didnt see him anywhere .
Thats odd ... Where did Nicolas go ? E