Chapter 102: Chapter 98

579 words

<html><head></head><body>Given the circumstances, Evelina took matters into her own hands. Realizing the potential of her location at the hot spring resort, she refused to let the chance slip by. Evelina rose from the pool and nudged a small wooden boat brimming with exquisite desserts and red wine toward Aurora. "Miss Marsh, perhaps you're hungry. Please, enjoy some of these treats." With a courteous smile, Evelina filled a glass with red wine and presented it to Aurora, saying, "This wine is exceptionally good." Evelina extended the glass to Aurora with both hands, a gesture of deep respect. Aurora rejecting the offer would only make her appear petty. Moreover, Jasper was within earshot on the other side of the fence, listening in. Aurora knew better than to let her composure slip in his presence. She gracefully accepted the wine and tasted it. "Thank you, Evelina. Clearly, you're trying to impress, but that's alright. Winning Jasper's affection does require a certain finesse, something I admit I haven't mastered." Kristina couldn't help but scoff at Aurora's biting remark. Was Aurora calling Evelina-a woman clearly above her-just a temptress out of jealousy, because she couldn't win over the man she wanted? Such pettiness! Despite her cutting remark, Aurora maintained an air of graciousness. "Nonetheless, I wish you both happiness." Her words sounded polite, but she'd already been whispering to lreah's elite women, accusing Evelina of seducing Jasper. The local society women, unable to capture Jasper's affection themselves, refused to let a woman of Evelina's past stand without challenge. To them, Evelina was becoming a formidable enemy. "Your good wishes are appreciated, and I accept them." Evelina elegantly lifted her glass."Although I sense your underlying envy, that's alright. I am as accustomed to jealousy as I am to praise. Unlike you, a spoiled young woman, mastering such emotional intelligence isn't within your reach. But don't feel too bad about it." "Hahaha!" Before she could continue, Kristina erupted into laughter. The sight of Kristina laughing uncontrollably made Florrie lose her composure as well. Together, they laughed so hard they nearly fell over. Visibly infuriated, Aurora's face turned a deep shade of red. No longer able to stay calm, she slammed the glass down and tipped over the dessert-filled boat. Treats spilled into the water, and wine spread through the pool, turning it red. Evelina said, "Miss Marsh, why the outburst? I'm only treating you the way you treat everyone else." As Aurora made to leave in a huff, Evelina reached out, pulling her back into the water. Drenched and stained with wine, Aurora emerged looking thoroughly disgraced. However, instead of confronting the situation, she fled like she was being chased. Evelina's confusion cleared when Florrie screamed, "Ah! Snake! There's a snake!" Snakes here? The resort had been operating safely for years under strict safety protocols. How could there be snakes? Turning swiftly, Evelina spotted several venomous snakes approaching Florrie and Kristina through the water. Her immediate concern shifted from Aurora to aiding her friends. "Stay calm, Florie." She intended to instruct Kristina to move Florrie to safety, but then noticed snakes near the pool's edge as well. Perplexed by the sudden appearance of snakes in a well-kept resort, Evelina realized this had to be an intentional act. Behind her, Aurora's panicked shouts continued as she ran, "There are snakes! Help!" Her cries seemed desperate, but her actions spoke otherwise-likely, she was making her way to the men's pool, perhaps to draw attention away from the chaos. </body></html>