Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 216 It wasn't long before another member of the Marquis of Arden's household was sitting on the ground in tears. It was the heir himself, Colin, who was genuinely crying. Aurora had not struck him with any serious force. At most, he had a few minor bruises. But the repeated falls and humiliating defeat were enough to drive anyone to tears. The shame alone was unbearable. "General Campbell! You can't do this! You simply can't!" Colin's face was streaked with tears. He didn't wail like his sister, but he flopped and thrashed about just as dramatically. "Will an apology not suffice?

Spare us, | beg you!" As the day waned, the other teams that had secured their places for tomorrow's contest paused to watch the spectacle, while those who feared they might not advance hurried to make their final attempts. The team from the Marquis of Arden's household stood empty- handed, as did the Duke of Blackmoor's household. At this rate, both sides would be sent home. Was it really worth it? Sebastian cast a glance at his sister. "Lena, it's getting late." He also felt a little panicked.

If their mischief caused their own ---- team to fail, the revenge would be costly and ultimately meaningless However, Selena looked to the horizon with a calm smile, worry absent from her features. "No rush." She dismounted and approached Chloe, her smile teasing. "Lady Murray, about that wild boar this morning... Do tell me, who truly struck it?" ".. | did," Chloe stammered, anxious yet still feeling some grievance. "Lady Qiana and | hit it at the same time" "Are you mad?" Colin leapt to his feet, glaring at his sister, fury blazing. "You only hit it in the leg!

Do you think a wild boar collapses from a mere scratch? It was not yours! What right did you have to seize it? Tell me!" He seemed to have caught a glimmer of hope at last. Looking at Selena, his expression turned pleading. "It was my sister's fault, Lady Campbell. Please be merciful-" Selena gave a cold snort. "This isn't about me, but about how the prey my aunt brought down was stolen, and she was insulted with false excuses. | won't let that go." "Apologize, now!" Colin glared at his sister, so angry he looked ready to throttle her.

"Quickly!" ---- Time was running out, with less than two hours remaining. But maybe if they tried to mend things now, there was still a chance to salvage the day. There was no time to lose! He yanked his sister to her feet and dragged her toward Qiana's horse. Looking up at the woman seated high in the saddle, his voice came out hoarse. "Lady Qiana, my sister was wrong, I'll make her apologize to you!" "Wrong? How, exactly?" came Selena's cool voice from behind him. "Lord Murray," she cut in, her tone colder still. "This matter doesn't involve you, does it?

Why not let the one responsible speak for herself?" Her relentless, unforgiving stance was nothing like the gentle, elegant, refined Selena everyone thought they knew. Colin shot a warning glare at his sister, and Chloe's eyes brimmed with tears again. Selena swung herself back into her saddle and looked down at the pair, a faint, mocking smile on her lips. "I see how itis. A noble young lady like Lady Murray can't endure even the slightest grievance. Even when she's in the wrong, she refuses ---- to admit it. In that case, we may as well all stop wasting our time." "Fine!

Then, let's all be ruined together!" Chloe glared up at her, teeth clenched. "If our team can't reach tomorrow's finals, do you think yours will?" At worst, they would all go down together. She feared no one!