Debraâs POV:
I recognized the haughty tone instantly.
It was Shirley.
Despite the disdainful stares from others, no one dared to mock me openly since Andrew brought me here.
The upper class valued their dignity.
Theyâd avoid public ridicule of those they deemed beneath them.
Shirley, however, was an exception.
Sheâd already caused me trouble twice.
She was a pampered socialite obsessed with Andrew.
I stopped collecting glasses and rose to my feet.
I met Shirleyâs gaze head-on.
âMiss Harrison, someone bumped into me just now.
Was it your doing?â
Ivy bristled with indignation.
âIt has to be her! Everyone else avoids us.
Sheâs the only suspect.
The nerve! If I could, Iâd shred her myself!â
While anger flared within me, Ivyâs fierce loyalty soothed me.
âDonât worry,â I whispered.
âIf she tries anything, Iâll handle it.
â
Shirley, adorned in a pink evening gown, sauntered over with her followers.
She scoffed at my question.
âIâm the clan leaderâs daughter.
Why would I bother with a wretched mixed-blood? That would demean myself.
â
Her entourage echoed her mockery.
âDonât flatter yourself.
Youâre not even fit to polish Shirleyâs shoes.
Youâre beneath her notice!â
Laughter erupted from the group.
Someone covered her nose and feigned disgust.
âWhatâs wrong with this woman? Security! How did she even get in here?â
They made quite a commotion.
Many attendees at the banquet took notice of the situation and gathered around us, intrigued and curious.
Instead of fear, a surge of defiance coursed through me.
They wanted a fight, and Iâd give them one.
I decided to escalate things and see who ended up humiliated.
Maintaining my composure, I addressed Shirley.
âMiss Harrison, your jealousy is transparent.
You couldnât handle me accompanying Andrew, so you resorted to childish tactics.
Thatâs unbecoming of a clan leaderâs daughter.
â
With a hint of sarcasm, I added, âYou orchestrated this scene, yet lack the courage to admit it.
How disappointing.
â
âDonât you dare!â Shirleyâs face contorted in fury.
âLiving with Andrew doesnât make you his equal, Debra.
Remember your place.
Youâre not good enough for him!â
Shirleyâs posse mirrored her arrogance, nodding fervently and parroting her words.
âExactly! Shirley is the clan leaderâs daughter, the most respected witch here.
Why would she be jealous of a half-breed like you? Donât get ahead of yourself.
â
I countered with a sneer, âThen why waste your precious time antagonizing me? Donât you have more important things to attend to?â
Shirley threw her head back arrogantly.
âA reason? I simply dislike you, Debra.
Thatâs all the explanation you deserve.
â
Furious, Ivy complained, âDonât let this bitch walk all over you! Teach her a lesson she wonât forget!â