As Valessia waited for the maids to follow Arlena's command, she silently studied the table in front of her and the people seated around it.
The laughter and sweet chatter that once filled the air were now long gone. Only Arlena seemed to be enjoying herself, devouring the meal as if nothing had happened, her face bright with delight, completely unfazed by the tense atmosphere.
Across the table, Rhode and Athenya glared at Valessia with open disdain. Their eyes held no warmth, only repulsion, as if her very existence was offensive.
If not for Arlena's earlier intervention, Valessia was certain they would've thrown her out like yesterday's trash.
Soon, three maids returned. One carried a rusted iron chair that looked stolen from a scrapyard. Another dragged in a crooked wooden table, its legs wobbling like it would collapse under a feather's weight.
Valessia brows furrowed. 'Was there someone else joining them?' She wondered.
