And Hannah doubted if Maloney would even give her the attention she so desired.
Maloney, meanwhile, remained at the table, his cold eyes fixed on Joselyn.
Blushing, Joselyn clutched her glass. “Maloney…”
Maloney’s eyes narrowed. “What is it?”
Summoning courage, Joselyn pressed on. “If you really want the Compton and Pierce families to be united, why must you marry Miss Moore? I am a better match, Maloney. I’ll support you wholeheartedly.
Hannah isn’t even interested in you. Why then do you choose her over me?”
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Maloney smirked, swirling his drink. “Because she’s the legitimate Compton heir. You’re merely an adopted daughter.”
Joselyn’s heart sank, her grip on the glass tightening as she forced a smile. “Is that the only reason, Maloney?”
“The title ‘adopted daughter’ marks a divide we can’t bridge. We can never be together.”
Maloney’s callousness wounded Joselyn.
She blinked back tears and ran out of the hall, her companions trailing behind in solidarity.
Stepping into the garden, Hannah sought solace away from the crowded hall. Little did she expect the scene unfolding before her.
“Does a bastard like you belong here in this banquet?”
“Look at yourself. You really disgrace the Lyons family!”
The individual being surrounded and insulted by the group of men was the same person Hannah had encountered earlier at the banquet.
It was Remington’s half-brother, Peterson.
“He’s Remington’s brother. Don’t get involved. Let’s leave first…”
Winston began to caution, but before he could finish, Hannah raised her hand, signaling for him to wait. “Hold on a minute. Let’s see what’s happening inside.”
The group of men encircled Peterson, mocking him with provocative comments. Despite the insults, Peterson remained composed, with his head slightly bowed, and did not attempt to defend himself against the derogatory remarks.
One of the men, seemingly bored, callously kicked Peterson, causing him to kneel on the ground.
He grabbed a nearby glass filled with red wine and poured it over Peterson’s head.
Drenching his black hair, the liquid trickled down his cheeks, leaving crimson trails and stains on his white shirt.
“Hahaha!”
The others burst into laughter, reveling in Peterson’s evident embarrassment.