Chapter 282

Just as Adrian was about to shout "one," rapid footsteps echoed outside the banquet hall.

Henry rushed to the second floor. "Boss! The Winstons are here!"

"What?"

Adrian's expression darkened instantly. He grabbed Sophia and shoved her toward Henry. "Take her away!"

"Yes, sir."

Henry dragged Sophia toward the back corridors.

"My shoes!"

Sophia's heels lay abandoned by the sofa.

Adrian kicked them under the couch with his foot.

There was no time to evacuate the first-floor crowd.

The Winston patriarch barged in with Isabella in tow.

"Ah—" Isabella screamed, covering her eyes.

The old man's face twisted in rage. "Clear the room!"

"Understood!"

Winston bodyguards sprang into action.

Guests scrambled for the exits. Women fled in every direction.

Lucas seized the chance to slip away with the crowd.

Outside, his men rushed forward anxiously. "Sir, what happened?"

"Minor issue." Lucas removed his mask. "Keep watching the Valdemars."

"Sir!" Another guard reported urgently. "Damian is inside too!"

"What?" Lucas kicked the man. "Why didn't you say so sooner?"

The guard cowered.

Lucas replaced his mask and vaulted back over the wall.

The banquet hall blazed with light.

Adrian descended the stairs calmly. "Mr. Winston, such an unexpected visit. No advance notice?"

"Notice?" The old man's cane struck the floor with a crack. "Notice for this depraved spectacle?"

"Standard business tactics." Adrian remained unruffled. "If it offends you, I'll cancel it."

Isabella flushed with anger. "Disgusting! Our family would never stoop to such methods."

"Different rules in Lorville."

"You—" Isabella suddenly remembered her purpose. "Where's Sophia? You brought her here—was this your plan all along? Hand her over!"