When They Beg I Rise (Lemira) novel Chapter 658

Mrs. Amelia had even deliberately mentioned how close they were since childhood.

Stella quickly refused. "That's not necessary. It's more appropriate for Orion to dance with Lemira."

But Mrs. Amelia persisted, "Stella, it's your birthday, after all. I'm sure Ms. Langston isn't that petty, right?"

Lemira met Mrs. Amelia's gaze and offered a slight smile. "I don't mind—"

"See? Ms. Langston said so herself. Don't be shy, Stella."

Mrs. Amelia wore a gentle, proper smile, but there was a coldness at the corners of her mouth.

Stella anxiously looked between Lemira and Orion, knowing that Mrs. Amelia was saying this on purpose.

Orion saw right through it. He looked at Stella and said, "I'm sorry, but tonight I only want to dance with the girl I like. But perhaps I can find you another partner."

"Here I am! Did I miss the cake?"

Thaddeus finally arrived, with Matthew in tow.

Seeing him, Stella breathed a sigh of relief. "Thad, could I ask you for a dance?"

"Of course. It's my duty to protect you. Can't let any other rascal get this chance."

Thaddeus was incredibly sharp. Though he didn't know what was going on, he stepped forward like a true gentleman and invited Stella to dance.

Thaddeus whispered to Stella, "What's the situation? Give me the short version."

"That woman from the Sinclair family was trying to push Orion to dance with me and leave Lemira out."

Because of Edith, Stella had always been closer to Thaddeus since they were young.

She wasn't smiling so happily now, was she?

Inwardly, Mrs. Amelia was cursing Susanna for being so stupid. How had she given birth to such a useless daughter who only caused trouble!

Despite her anger, her tone remained gentle. "I only just learned of this myself. Susanna has always been easily influenced by her friends. It was awful of her to make such a scene at the Waverlys' party. I have already disciplined her."

After she finished, she looked at Mrs. Waverly. "I'm so sorry. Our Susanna has been getting into trouble since she was a child."

"It's nothing. Kids will be kids. I didn't take it to heart."

Mrs. Waverly understood Mrs. Amelia's underlying message and immediately turned to Lemira. "Ms. Langston, you're here for Stella's birthday. Surely you won't make a big deal out of such a small matter and embarrass Stella, will you?"

Lemira's eyes grew cold. Were these two ganging up to guilt-trip her?

With a stern expression, Orion spoke first, "She may be kind enough to let it go, but that doesn't mean I will."