?Chapter 517:


    Barton Russell, Jayceon’s father, quickly assessed the situation. While Brenna might be negotiable, crossing Ethan and the Harper family was a losing game.


    Swiftly, Elsa reprimanded Tina with a sharp p. “A bet is a bet. The Russells won’t risk Mr. Mitchell’s wrath over your ego!”


    Tina’s eyes welled with tears, and even Amy could only relent seeing her son’s fury, nudging Tina forward.


    The crowd parted, creating a space for Tina’s humiliating crawl.


    Tina had no choice but toply. She crawled and barked like a dog three times. A stifled chuckle from the crowd was quickly silenced by the Russells’ collective re.


    Jayceon’s expression darkened. Ethan, his lifelong friend, had publicly shredded the Russell family’s pride. How could he face his family now? Grasping for a diversion, he announced stiffly, “Lunch is ready. Let’s go eat.” The guests eagerly dispersed to the garden, avoiding any mention of the spectacle.


    Tina, devastated, fled upstairs, crying.


    In a quiet corner, Isabe and Jade discussed the drama in hushed whispers. Jayceon pulled Ethan aside for a conversation.


    Rosie seized the moment to confront Brenna, who stood alone now. “Do you even realize who that was earlier?”


    Her face was grave. While most guests might not have recognized Ethan’s mother, Rosie had deeper connections to the Mitchell family and had recognized Elsa.


    Brenna met her gaze coolly. “Yeah.”


    Rosie blinked, startled. She had assumed Ethan hadn’t introduced Brenna to his parents. “You’re in deep trouble,” she said.


    “I don’t need you to tell me that,” Brenna shot back, casting a sidelong nce before leading Patrick to eat.


    During the meal, Brenna noticed Zoe Russell, Davin’s young daughter, stealing curious nces their way with wide, innocent eyes.


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    Patrick, too, kept looking at Zoe.


    After lunch, Zoe yed in the yard, clutching a stunning crystal ball. Patrick approached her. “Hi, can I y with you?” he asked.


    Zoe, roughly Patrick’s age, smiled. “Sure! I’m Zoe Russell. What’s your name?”


    “I’m Patrick Moore. You can call me Patrick. Your crystal ball is really pretty. Can I take a look?” Patrick said.


    Zoe passed the shimmering crystal ball to Patrick. At that moment, a servant carrying a tray of drinks brushed by, inadvertently knocking Patrick’s arm. The ball slipped from his grasp, rolling wildly across the ground. The spot was near the basement entrance, where the floor nted slightly downward.


    The crystal ball sped toward the open door and bounced down the basement stairs with a series of clinks.


    Without hesitation, Zoe and Patrick dashed after it, determined to retrieve it.


    After finishing her meal, Brenna scanned the yard for Patrick, but he was nowhere in sight.


    “Patrick? Where did you go?” she called, rising from her seat to search for him. Isabe had just settled back into her chair, a subtle, self-satisfied glint in her eyes.


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