Chapter 363 363 Don't Need To
"She still has a lot to learn," he thought.
Selina also stood from her seat as Reaves wanted to take his leave, "It would be my honor to escort you out." she said gracefully.
"Selina, I understand your good intentions but you don't need to escort me, I know my way from here."
Reaves, displaying a keen sense of diplomacy, appreciated Selina's thought of seeing him off but he interrupted her. He turned around and looked at her, he said. "Selina, my dear, I appreciate your hospitality, but perhaps it would be wise not to give Mary too hard a time. After all, we are the elite of Castra City, and a win-win situation is always more favorable than a lose-lose."
Selina was momentarily caught off guard by Reaves' unexpected intervention, she couldn't help but consider his words carefully. His insight struck a chord, reminding her that navigating the intricate social landscape of the city required finesse rather than brute force.
"You might have a point, Reaves," Selina conceded with a thoughtful expression. "I'll handle Mary with tact. I know it wouldn't serve our interests to escalate unnecessary conflicts."
Reaves nodded appreciatively, recognizing the pragmatism in Selina's decision. He knows that's the best for both of them as she they prepared to face each other, in the elite circles of Castra City, strategic cooperation often outshone open confrontation.
The butler came out to give Selina's word to Mary Kay, "Sorry ma'am, she is currently in a meeting with an important figure and they are doing a very important transaction, she will come out to you when she is done"n..o.-v./E--l).b-/I/.n
Mary Kay smiled and replied "Oh thanks, I will wait for her. Can I ask you who this important figure is?"
"It is Mr Reaves from James' family ma'am" the butler replied and waited for Mary Kay's other questions.
"Okay, thanks for your time" Mary Kay responded, the butler bowed gently and left, Mary Kay's smile changed immediately after the butler left she looked okay on the outside but on the other hand, Mary Kay was furious inside after hearing the butler reply.
Mary Kay, though maintaining a composed exterior, seethed with indignation upon hearing that Selina was in a meeting with Reaves. "So, it's Reaves," she muttered to herself, the name leaving a bitter taste in her mouth. Despite her inner turmoil, Mary Kay understood the importance of upholding appearances.
Inside, her thoughts raged like a tempest. "Selina is using Reaves as an excuse to keep me waiting. How dare she belittle me in front of her butler! I won't forget this." Beneath her aristocratic facade, Mary Kay harbored a burning determination to retaliate, her thought reflected the tumultuous storm of emotions she was grappling with. "She thinks she can undermine me by using Reaves as an excuse? I won't let her get away with this. Just wait until I have the upper hand,"
Meanwhile, Selina and Reaves had just finished their business discussion in the meeting room bidding each other farewell, unaware of the storm brewing in Mary Kay's mind. The butler returned to Selina, relaying Mary Kay's intention to wait patiently. Selina nodded in acknowledgment, maintaining a sense of control over the unfolding situation.
As Mary Kay sat in the parlor, other customers in the vicinity exchanged knowing glances, sensing the undercurrents of tension. Mary Kay's elegant demeanor masked the turmoil within, creating a facade of aristocratic calm. The anticipation of the impending confrontation lingered in the air, setting the stage for a clash of elite forces in the social arena.
The butler, sensing the tension, approached Mary Kay cautiously. "Ma'am, I understand waiting can be frustrating, but I assure you, Mrs. Selina values your patronage. She'll be with you shortly."
Mary Kay, trying to maintain her aristocratic poise, responded with a forced smile, "I appreciate your assurance. Please convey my patience to Mrs. Selina. I understand the demands of business."
"Alright ma'am," the butler responded and left once again.
At this moment, one of the customers caught sight of Mary Kay's demeanor "Hey look over there, who is that she looks familiar" she asked her companion.
"Isn't that Mary Kay?" her companion with more keen memory replied.
"You mean, the Mary Kay who own the largest medicine hub and brothel in the city?" the third woman sitting close to them asked in shock.
"Yes, which other popular Mary do you know in this city" the lady with keen memory replied with an air of superiority.
"What do you think she is doing here?" the first lady asked glancing at Mary Kay.
"I don't know, maybe she is also here to ask for assistance from Selina" the lady with keen memory replied with her arrogant demeanor.
Mary could hear everything the customers were discussing but tried to ignore the unpleasant words, yet her palm had crushed the cup on the table into smithereens.
Mary Kay's composure cracked along with the fragile cup beneath her grip. The shattering sound echoed through the parlor, the moment the glass shattered, everyone else remained silent, continuing their unfinished business and pretending that nothing had happened. As the shards of glass settled, Mary Kay's eyes flashed with a mixture of anger and embarrassment.
One discreet voice murmured, "Did you see that? What a show!"
Another, more audacious, jeered, "She must be one of those noblewomen with a fragile temperament."
A third, with a sly grin, added, "Perhaps she's upset about something other than her tea."
In the midst of the whispers, a couple sitting nearby exchanged amused glances, their words a low hum in the background. "Looks like someone can't handle their emotions," one of them chuckled.
Ignoring the now hushed whispers from other patrons, she forced a tight smile, whispering to herself, "Compose yourself, Mary Kay. This isn't the place for a spectacle." Her inner turmoil raged on as she grappled with the realization that she had lost control, if only for a moment.
The butler, sensing the uncomfortable atmosphere, discreetly approached Mary Kay. "Ma'am, shall I bring you another cup of tea?" he offered, trying to provide a semblance of assistance while maintaining a tactful distance.
Mary Kay, attempting to salvage her poise, declined with a forced smile. "No, thank you. I appreciate your concern."
Reaves, emerging from Selina's office just as Mary Kay shattered the glass, immediately sensed the tense atmosphere. Despite the surrounding silence, he navigated through the unspoken tension and approached Mary Kay with an amiable smile.
"Mary, my dear, what a delightful surprise!" Reaves greeted her, feigning ignorance of the shattered cup. Mary Kay reciprocated with a smile, and they exchanged pleasantries. Reaves couldn't ignore the undercurrent of inner rage in Mary Kay's demeanor.
As they engaged in small talk, Reaves couldn't shake off his concern for Mary Kay. He had previously advised her to tread carefully in her conflicts with Selina, cautioning against escalating the situation. However, Mary Kay had been steadfast in her approach, seemingly undeterred by Reaves' counsel.
During their friendly banter, Reaves subtly shifted the conversation towards the ongoing conflict between Mary Kay and Selina. "Mary, my dear friend, I couldn't help but notice the tension between you and Selina. Is everything alright?"