Chapter 183
The dance battle ended without any debate. The difference between the two sides was clearly visible to all.
As Dustin and Irene finished their stunning performance, many in the crowd turned their
attention toward Phoebe.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.
Irene had won, so it was her turn to fulfill the bet. She had to get on the floor and oink like a big.
“Phoebe is the daughter of the most prestigious family in Lannopolis. For her to kneel on the ground and squeal like a pig? It'll be the headline in the local paper tomorrow, and the Chandler family's reputation will be in ruins!" someone muttered.
"The heiress of the Chandler family forced to squeal like a pig after losing in a dance-off? By noon, Lannopolis Elite College will be abuzz with gossip. How will Phoebe ever show her face here again?"
Amid the murmurs, Phoebe's face soured, as if she had just swallowed a fly.
How could she possibly stoop so low?
"You've won. What happens next is up to you," Dustin said to Irene.
Irene looked at Phoebe.
"Phoebe, you've always targeted me, but I won't lower myself to make you act like a pig on the floor. I don't find joy in humiliating others," she said indifferently.
"Thank you for your understanding," Phoebe said and forced out a smile that barely concealed her resentment for Irene.
"Phoebe is the daughter of the most prestigious family in Lannopolis. To humiliate her is to humiliate the Chandler family. The West family is still growing. If the Chandler family turns against us, it will be a disaster," Irene said softly to Dustin to avoid any misunderstanding.
"You're the one involved. It's your decision," Dustin said with a nod.
Irene's ability to see the bigger picture impressed him. She was clearly a very strategic
person.
If it were him, he would not have been so forgiving.
Judging from Phoebe's face, she was not grateful at all. Instead, her hatred for Irene grew further.
The party continued, with Irene becoming the new center of attention. Many sought to approach her, and Dustin found himself pushed to the sidelines.
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He did not mind it and quietly sipped his wine.
The party was hosted by wealthy students who spared no expense in providing premium wine, so Dustin had a couple more glasses.
Phoebe watched from a distance and sneered.
She had been impressed by Dustin's incredible dancing skills and had thought he might be someone of importance. But seeing him standing there in such an unassuming manner, she was convinced that he was nothing more than an ordinary man with no wealth.
Her jealousy eased a little, and she began to form a plan of her own.
"Irene, marry me!"
Suddenly, a voice broke through the crowd and caused a ripple of excitement.
Dustin raised an eyebrow and turned toward the source of the voice.
Irene stood in stunned silence and stared at a man standing before her. He wore a blue suit and held a bouquet of roses in one hand and a sparkling ring in the other. His gaze was fixed on Irene with resolve.
The gemstone on the ring gleamed with a brilliant green light, which drew the eyes of everyone nearby.
"Say yes! Say yes!" the crowd chanted.
"Am I seeing things?" a young woman gasped with her eyes wide open as she stared at the dazzling green stone.
"That's the legendary Verdigris Emerald! It was just auctioned off last month at a top auction house in Central Harbor. And it's already been set into a ring..."
"That's an incredible piece of the Verdigris Emerald! That exact piece of gem was sold for 30 million dollars at the Central Harbor Auction House. Who would've thought it was Mr. Aaron who bought it to craft an engagement ring? He really spared no expense for Irene!" The students whispered excitedly and marveled at the extravagant ring.
Phoebe stood at the side with her eyes fixed on the ring. Her face was twisted in jealousy.
In their first year, she had set her sights on Aaron Burke, but he had completely ignored her advances. Instead, he turned his attention to Irene.