Penelope's eyes blazed red with rage, her fangs extending as she gazed at Eleanor's neck. She rose from her seat, her lush blonde hair swaying with the motion. But before she could take another step, Lucians hand clamped onto her shoulder.
"Don't even think about it," Lucian warned, his voice low and menacing, his eyes flashing a warning.
Eleanor shivered, sensing a malevolent gaze. She turned to see Penelope's angry face, her eyes seeming to burn with intensity. But Eleanor was baffled - they'd never met, and she was certain she'd never offended her.
Penelope was stunning, with her blond hair cascading down her back like a waterfall and a red, high-slit gown that hugged her curves, showcasing her toned figure. Eleanor noticed Penelope's eyes flash red, but it must have been a reflection from the lights.
Beside Penelope stood the captivating man Eleanor had passed earlier. His black hair, striking blue eyes, and chiseled jawline made him an epitome of sexiness. But his anger was palpable, his broad shoulders tense.
Eleanor quickly looked away, focusing on her work. She wanted to go home, leave this opulent world behind.
Penelope seethed, her jealousy consuming her. Lucian never cared about anyone, and now he was captivated by this...human? It was unacceptable.
As Eleanor served drinks, someone bumped into her, spilling some on Penelope's dress.
"Ah!" Penelope shrieked, her voice echoing through the hall. "You stupid, blind lowlife! Do you know how much this dress costs?"
The surrounding socialites whispered, sensing trouble.
"She offended Penelope Douglas."
"Poor girl, she's finished."
"I've never seen Penelope this angry."
Penelope's hand shot out, grabbing a glass from Eleanor's tray and pouring wine over Eleanor's head. The cold liquid soaked through Eleanor's hair, dripping down her face.
The room gasped.
Eleanor stood shocked, wine dripping from her hair, her heart pounding.
Penelope sneered. "Feel worthless? You can't do anything about it."
Eleanor met Penelope's gaze, her voice steady. "I didn't offend you, but you're treating me like this. Being poor doesn't mean I have no self-worth."
With that, Eleanor poured wine over Penelope, the liquid splashing onto her expensive gown.
The room gasped louder.
Socialites whispered.
"She's finished."
"Miss Penelope won't let her go."
"Does she know who she's up against?"
Penelope's eyes widened in shock and rage. She raised her hand to strike Eleanor, her nails sharpening into claws.
But just as all hope seemed lost, a beautiful hand grasped Penelope's wrist, halting her. The hand was like carved jade, strong and elegant.
Eleanor opened her eyes to see whose hand it was.
Lucian's piercing blue eyes met hers, his gaze burning with intensity. His chiseled features softened into a gentle smile.
Lucian's grip on Penelope's wrist remained firm, his eyes locked on hers. He leaned in, his voice barely audible.
"Penelope, sweetheart, you're making a scene," Lucian whispered, his tone laced with sarcasm. "And that dress? Stunning. But the wine stain? Not so much."
Penelope's face twisted in rage, her eyes flashing red.
"Let me go, Lucian," she hissed, her voice equally low.
Lucian's smile didn't waver. "Oh, no, no, no. You're not going to attack anyone else tonight. At least, not while I'm watching."
Penelope's struggles intensified, but Lucian held firm.
"Lucian, this doesn't concern you," Penelope spat, her voice venomous.
Lucian chuckled, his breath whispering against Penelope's ear.
"Actually, it does," he whispered. "You see, I have a thing for underdogs. And Eleanor here?" He nodded imperceptibly toward Eleanor. "She's definitely the underdog in this scenario."
Penelope's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing.
"You're defending her? Why?"
Lucian's voice dropped to a whisper.
"Maybe I just like her spunk. Or maybe I'm bored and need some entertainment. Either way, you're not going to hurt her tonight."
Penelope's face darkened, her fangs extending.
"Lucian, don't make me angry," she warned, her voice barely audible.
Lucian rolled his eyes.
"Oh, please. You're already angry. I'm just preventing you from doing something...regrettable."
With a subtle flick of his wrist, Lucian released Penelope's wrist.
"Go calm down, Penelope. Before you embarrass yourself further."
Penelope's eyes flashed with fury, but she knew better than to push Lucian. She stormed off, leaving Lucian to turn to Eleanor.
"Hey," Lucian said, his smile softening. "You okay?"
Eleanor nodded, still shaken.
"Thanks," she whispered.
Lucian shrugged.
The tension in the room dissipated, replaced by curiosity.
Who was this woman who dared defy Penelope Douglas?
And why was Lucian Darkwood protecting her?...