Surrounded by Five Beast Lords novel Chapter 154

Chapter 154

Chapter 154

Dora and her beast mates exchanged pleasantries with some guests, her cheeks were starting to ache from all the fake smiles.

Back when Vivienne used to drag Dora along to these parties, there were always a few familiar faces in the crowd.

With Rafe by her side, she had to play nice and chat with people, even if she didn’t want to.

She spotted Vivienne surrounded by a circle of familiar noblewomen.

Dora knew all too well how fake these women could be, so she led her beast mates over.

She slipped her arm through Vivienne’s and said, “Mom, there you are.”

Her move immediately set off a wave of whispers among the women nearby.

“Isn’t that the Southwell family’s adopted daughter?

“I heard she got kicked out.”

“They look pretty close as mother and daughter, nothing like what the rumors say.”

“Guess you can’t trust gossip unless you see it yourself.”

“The one next to her is the biological daughter, right? I heard her Spatial Realm rank is pretty low, and she’s kind of a scaredy-cat.”

“People say the adopted daughter and the biological one are always fighting. Their relationship is a total mess.”

“Why did Vivienne bring both daughters along?”

“Isn’t she afraid things will get awkward?”

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The noblewomen gossiped nonstop, their voices overlapping in a flurry of whispers.

Their eyes darted back and forth between the three of them, full of anticipation for some drama.

Vivienne kept her cool, leading her two daughters through the crowd.

She’d seen this coming from a mile away.

There was no way the Shawn family would let her enjoy their party in peace.

Sure enough, they hadn’t even taken a few steps before someone came over to greet them.

“Vivienne!” A noblewoman in a flashy outfit eagerly linked arms with her.

She said, “It’s been ages!

“These are your two daughters, right?

They’ve grown up so much!”

The other noblewomen gathered around, chatting away and making small talk.

One of them said, “This must be Iris, right?

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“I heard her Spatial Realm rank isn’t that high, but the land inside is crazy fertile. She’s already able to support herself at such a young age!

“And this is Dora?

“She was always such a pretty girl, and now she’s grown up to be even more stunning.

“I heard she’s got quite a few beast mates these days?”

“You must be blessed, having two such talented daughters!”

Every word sounded like a compliment, but in truth, they were hitting Vivienne right where it hurt.

Her adopted daughter got booted from the family, and her real daughter’s Spatial Realm rank was nothing to brag about

The noblewomen’s eyes darted between the friends, clearly looking for a show.

Vivienne greeted each of them with a warm smile, exchanging pleasantries one by one.

Iris timidly hovered behind her mother.

Dora, meanwhile, held Lioren close, her expression cool and aloof, her dazzling face adorned with a courteous smile.

Everyone in this crowd had heard about her.

Her engagement with the Shawn family was called off, and she was disowned by the Southwell family.

But then, out of nowhere, she became the talk of the town at the challenge tournament and got matched with five beast

mates…

“Dora, I heard your Spatial Realm is basically just patch of wasteland?”

A noblewoman in a magenta dress sidled up, her smile extra enthusiastic.

“None of your beast mates seem to mind though, and they’re all top-notch!”

Dora just smiled lightly. “Just lucky, I guess.”

“Oh, come on, don’t sell yourself short,” another noblewoman jumped in. “It’s all thanks to your charm, Dora!”

Before anyone could respond, a soft, delicate voice cut in.

“What’s everyone talking about? Sounds like a party over here!”

Regina glided over, a wine glass in hand, her smile warm and inviting.

She was accompanied by Wendy, who was dressed to the nines in a gorgeous gown, her makeup flawless. Wendy chine to Regina’s arm, looking every bit the picture of a loving daughter-in-law.

The two of them looked like the perfect mother-in-law and daughter-in-law pair, all smiles and harmony

The noblewomen immediately stepped aside, making way for them.

Regina strolled over, her gaze sweeping over Dora and Iris, her smile turning even sweeter

“Oh, are we talking about the Southwell family’s two remarkable daughter?” Regina sail with a sugary smule

“The vibe got weird, everyone could feel the tension in the air

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These noblewomen weren’t born yesterday; they picked up on the drama right away and settled in, eager for a front-row seat to the show.

Regina walked up to Vivienne and raised her glass.

She said. “Vivienne, it’s been ages.

“I’m really glad you could make it today.”

Vivienne offered a polite smile, raised her glass in a gesture, but didn’t actually clink glasses with Regina.

Regina didn’t seem to mind. She glanced at Dora, then at Iris, and let out a soft sigh.

“Honestly, it looks like our families just weren’t fated to be connected,” she said, her tone full of wistful regret.

She went on. “Back in the day, Cassian and Dora basically grew up together, they were thick as thieves.

“Dora was always tagging after Cassian, the two of them were inseparable.

“But then Dora’s Spatial Realm awakened…

“Yeah, life sure has its twists and turns.”

She paused, then glanced at Iris, her smile growing even more ‘genuine’, though everyone could see right through it.

“After that, we figured maybe Cassian and Iris could tie the knot, since our families have always been tight.

“But Iris wasn’t having it, so we just dropped the whole thing.”

She turned to Wendy, her eyes brimming with motherly affection.

She said, “But now, everything’s worked out for the best. Cassian and Wendy are together, and honestly, they’re just perfect for each other.

“Wendy’s Spatial Realm rank is top-tier, and she’s got real talent. Cassian just broke through to Level 6 in his supernatural ability. It’s a real blessing for the Shawn family.

“So you see, fate is something you just can’t force.”

With that, she flashed a triumphant smile at the Southwell mother and daughters, her gaze lingering with a hint of

smugness.

Her gaze lingered on Dora’s exquisite deep red Pinnacle Level 6 combat suit dress, pretending it was just a casual look Wendy, perfectly on cue, flashed a shy smile and naturally leaned in close to Cassian as he approached.

The noblewomen exchanged glances, all in on the drama.

Regina was really throwing shade with those words.

First, she made Dora look desperate for Cassian, like she was chasing after him nonstop.

Then she hinted Dora was a defective female, so the Shawn family wanted to swap out the bride

By bringing up marrying Cassian to Iris, she was obviously trying to pit the sisters against rich other

And then she made Iris look like she was smibbing the Shawn familly’s offer acting like she didn’t appreciate a good deal when it came her way

Chapter 154

By saying Cassian and Wendy were a perfect match, she was really rubbing it in Vivienne’s face.

She was basically saying, “See? The Southwell family didn’t want my son, but there’s no shortage of better females lining up for him.”

Regina beamed at Vivienne, waiting to see how she’d react.

The noblewomen around exchanged meaningful glances, ready for the show.

Wendy held onto Cassian’s arm, her smile extra sweet.

But her eyes stayed locked on Dora, clearly hoping to catch her looking embarrassed.

Dora held Lioren in her arms, her face calm and unbothered, as if all those words had nothing to do with her.

Meanwhile, Lioren’s ears twitched, and a frosty glint flickered in his amber eyes.

Dora felt Lioren’s body go rigid in her embrace.

She gently patted Lioren’s back to calm him, just about to speak…

“Mrs. Shawn.”

A timid yet steady voice spoke up.

Everyone paused, turning to see who it was.

It was Iris.

The timid Iris, who always hid behind her mother, finally stepped forward.

Her cheeks were flushed, and her hands trembled a little.

But her eyes locked onto Regina, and she spoke each word clearly and deliberately.

“Mrs. Shawn, you’re mistaken.

“Back then, it wasn’t that I disagreed.”

Regina’s smile froze for a second.

Iris took a deep breath and continued, “Actually, it was Cassian who asked me to marry him, and I said no.

A chorus of soft gasps rippled through the noblewomen.

“Iris!” Regina’s voice rose sharply. “What are you talking about? It was obviously…

“Obviously what?” Iris stepped forward, now standing right beside Dora.

Three months ago, during the tournament, Cassian pushed his teammate out of the way to dodge a mutated ahen beast’s

attack.

“Then, when he got injured, he used me as a shield against the mutated vines

“The scar on my back is still there. Iris’s words made Cassian instinctively step back, his face paling

Chapter 155