Judie was an arrogantly condescending individual. Even though she had rescinded her earlier


    statements and insisted Eloise’s presence at the banquet, there was no telling what other strategies


    she could employ to harm Eloise.


    While Loraine could offer protection to Eloise this time, she couldn’t assure her safety indefinitely.


    Therefore, she could only rest easy once the Cooper family was dealt with conclusively.


    Naturally, Loraine kept these thoughts to herself, unwilling to burden


    Eloise with her concerns.


    She simply smiled and reassured, “I’ve matured now, and I’m no Longer the Little girl who was easily


    intimidated. I can protect you now, and be your pir of strength. So, don’t worry about me. Let us


    apany you. Regardless of Judie’s schemes, I won’t allow her to triumph.”


    Eloise was touched by Loraine’s words, although she still appeared somewhat apprehensive. To ay


    Eloise’s concerns, Loraine pushed Marco in front of her with a casual smile.


    “Besides, I now have a boyfriend. He’ll ensure my safety even if Judie attempts to harm me.“


    Intention Revealed


    Hearing Loraine’s admission of him as her boyfriend, Marco’s grin broadened as he moved forward,


    exuding sincerity.


    “Mrs. Harvey, you have my word, I will look after Loraine well!”


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    Reflecting on Marco’s impressive disy of strength when he single-handedly confronted a group of


    ck-d men at the orphanage entrance, Eloise hesitated momentarily but didn’t reject his


    assurance.


    ninjanovel


    Marco had leapt to Loraine’s defense earlier, an act which attested to his genuine affection. He


    appeared quick-witted, and with him at her side, it seemed less likely that others could mistreat


    Loraine.


    Considering Loraine’s decision to stay for her sake, Eloise saw no need to object.


    She soon found an empty table for them to sit at. All around them, the vigers were heartily enjoying


    the feast. For these folks, ustomed to modest meals, thevish spread on the banquet table was a


    rare indulgence, and they were making the most of this celebration.


    However, Loraine and Marco found the oily, rich dishes unappetizing.


    Eloise, given her age, had a weak appetite and set her tableware down after a few bites.


    As the banquet reached its zenith, some guests began to depart.


    Loraine figured that Judie might make her move now. After all, a banquet would Lose its purpose once


    everyone had left.


    Sure enough, as the next dish was served, Judie took center stage, a microphone in hand, ready to


    address the crowd.


    “Fellow vigers,” she began, “Today, we celebrate the harvest festival, and while this feast is a way for


    us to share the bounty, we also have an important issue to discuss!”


    The vigers nced at her as they ate, but most remained engrossed in their meals.


    d in red and clutching a modest microphone, Judie was reminiscent of a rural performance host.


    Her passionate speech, filled with dramatic highs and lows, echoed throughout the space. “The Cooper


    family may be prosperous now, but there are many in our vige who still face hardship. As we enjoy


    our prosperity, we, the Cooper family, have no intention to monopolize it. As members of this


    community, we aim to lead our fellow vigers towards affluence!”


    Loraine’s lips twitched ever so slightly, her face impassive. She nearly wanted to apud Judie’s


    theatrical disy.