You’ll Regret Stealing Him from Me — My Sister Who Took My Fiancé and Celebrated Was a Fool - Chapter 3

I took a deep breath, trying to regain my composure.

The murmurs of the nobles echoing through the venue, the bewildered gazes fixed on me, Isabella and Lord Roderick looking utterly triumphant. There was no way this discussion would lead to anything constructive. Getting emotional wouldn’t help. Right now, I needed to prioritize and handle this realistically.

Above all, I had a responsibility to the guests I had invited tonight. So, I had to end this pointless argument as quickly as possible.

“Fine, I understand. I’ll accept the annulment of the engagement, and I won’t say anything about you stealing my sister’s achievements.”

I delivered those words in the calmest voice I could muster. I hadn’t admitted to anything, but they seemed to take it as a confession. I’d chosen my words carefully, but apparently, their comprehension wasn’t sharp enough to notice.

“I knew it! You finally admitted it, Seraphina!”

“See, Sister? Now everyone knows the truth!”

Hearing my words, Isabella, Lord Roderick, and her entourage all wore satisfied expressions. With smug smiles, they turned and left the venue.

It seemed they intended to shirk all responsibility for the mess they’d created. No cleanup, no accountability. As if none of this had anything to do with them. Never mind that Lord Roderick was technically the host of this event.

Their sheer irresponsibility was staggering. They wouldn’t lift a finger to deal with the chaos they’d caused, leaving all the aftermath. Handling the guests, managing the party’s conclusion entirely to me. Truly, they were selfish to the core.

Right now, my priority wasn’t them. It was ending this party as smoothly as possible. I steeled myself and turned back to the remaining guests.

The nobles still in the venue watched me with uneasy expressions. Understandable. The sudden commotion had completely shattered the party’s atmosphere. Baroness Hamilton hid her face behind a fan as she whispered to the woman beside her, while Count Monteverdi furrowed his brow deeply.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I sincerely apologize for the unpleasant disturbance tonight, especially after you’ve all graciously spared your valuable time to attend.”

I bowed deeply, performing the flawless apology etiquette ingrained in me from years in high society. A gesture meant to convey genuine remorse.

“Though it pains me greatly, tonight’s party must come to an end. I had hoped to provide you all with an enjoyable evening, and I take full responsibility for this unfortunate outcome. I will personally visit each of you in the coming days to offer my formal apologies. For now, please return home safely.”

A disappointed sigh rippled through the crowd, but no one voiced any direct complaints. That, at least, was a small relief.

I made individual apologies to the key attendees, explaining the situation carefully and promising reparations where necessary, until finally, everyone had departed.

By the time I finished handling the aftermath, dawn had broken. Cleaning up the venue, instructing the staff, planning the next steps. I managed to wrap up the bare minimum. But the real cleanup, I knew, was only just beginning.

“My lady, I deeply apologize.”

“The fault is mine for allowing those individuals into the venue.”

Albert Grayson, the head butler entrusted with managing the event, and the head of security both bowed deeply, their expressions filled with remorse. Albert, a capable man in his forties, had served our household for years. As a seasoned professional in event management, he had been a reliable partner in countless successful gatherings.

“This was Lord Roderick and Isabella’s doing. The responsibility isn’t yours.”

I stated it firmly. After reviewing the details, I concluded that the staff had done nothing wrong. They had been diligent, following my instructions to the best of their ability. Refusing a forceful demand from the heir of a ducal house would have been nearly impossible given their positions.

“If Lord Roderick invoked the ‘authority of the ducal house’ to pressure you, you had no choice. If you were ordered to comply without consulting me, there was nothing you could have done.”

In fact, Albert had tried his best to inform me, but Lord Roderick had apparently silenced him with a sharp, “Don’t interfere.”

“My lady, we’ve damaged your standing.”

Tears welled in Albert’s eyes. For someone who had served our family for so long, seeing my reputation tarnished must have hurt more than any personal failure. His loyalty moved me deeply.

“Will you still help me? There’s still a mountain of work left.”

“Of course, my lady. I will see this through to the end.”

Albert nodded firmly. The other staff members mirrored his resolve. At the very least, I knew I had trustworthy people by my side.