Chapter 85
The crowd was stunned by William’s declaration.
“No, no, that’s impossible, Mr. Smith. You must be joking,” someone stammered.
“We know you adore Janie, but she’s so young. How could she possess such skills? And a master? That’s even more far- fetched.”
Others echoed the sentiment.
They, too, held some belief in the mystical, and even knew a few practitioners, but those individuals, regardless of their abilities, were always elderly, not young women like Janie.
Jackson scoffed, “It’s embarrassing how you flaunt your ignorance.”
The guests were taken aback, their faces flushing with a mix of shame and annoyance.
They wondered about Jackson’s audacity. He was just a minor celebrity, wasn’t he? Wasn’t he afraid they’d dig up dirt on him and blacklist him?
Considering he’d dared to beat up Ryan and his brothers and was now an honored guest of the Smith family, they began to speculate about the siblings‘ true background.
The Jenkins family was equally dumbfounded.
They naturally didn’t believe William’s words.
Janie had been a minor when she left their home.
Over the years, she’d likely struggled just to make ends meet. How could she have learned anything about mysticism, let alone become a master?
But William had no reason to lie.
And recalling Ryan mentioning her medical knowledge only deepened their confusion.
Could the Moore family truly be some extraordinary, powerful clan?
Zion, the least intelligent of the Jenkins siblings, blurted out, “That’s impossible!”
William retorted sternly, “Do you think I, an old man, would lie?”
James and the others affirmed his statement. “It’s true, Miss Janie saved my father’s life. Despite her young age, her abilities are remarkable.”
They could see Janie wasn’t trying to hide her skills, so they spoke openly.
Otherwise, they wouldn’t have breathed a word.
The crowd remained skeptical.
The Jenkins exchanged glances.
Ethan spoke, “Of course, we believe you wouldn’t lie. But Janie is so young, we’re naturally a bit apprehensive.”
The crowd chimed in.
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“Why doesn’t Miss Janie demonstrate her abilities? Let us witness them.”
“Yes, we’d love to see what a mystical master is like,”
“Witness hell! Who are you to demand a demonstration?” Janie snapped, silencing everyone.
Surprisingly, it wasn’t Jackson who spoke but Janie.
Her patience had worn thin, and she was done listening to them.
The guests bristled with anger.
Janie fixed her gaze on Xena, “It’s pathetic how obvious her act is, and yet you fall for it. You’re all fools”
The crowd was speechless.
“How can you speak like that…”
Janie glanced at Xena, “Your hideous appearance is truly disgusting.”
Xena gritted her teeth, her face contorted in a mixture of sorrow and resentment.
She lunged at Janie, “Janie, let me explain…”
Before she could even touch Janie’s clothes, she was flung backward.
“Ah!”
Xena crashed to the ground, screaming in agony.
David snorted, “What a blatant attempt at faking an injury.”
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Jackson crossed his arms, “What’s so surprising? Someone capable of framing others would naturally be adept at this sort of thing.”
David nodded, “Makes sense.”
Xena wasn’t faking it this time. She was genuinely writhing in pain.
She had no idea what had happened.
But even the Jenkins family didn’t believe her anymore.
Jackson turned to the Jenkins family with a helpful air, “Just wait for our lawsuit.”
The Jenkins family was speechless.
Was Janie really going to be this ruthless? Show them no mercy at all?
Xena’s heart burned with resentment.
Why was Janie so unforgiving, pushing her to the brink?
“What a show!”
a carefree voice called out.
A young man emerged, pulling another along with him.
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The crowd murmured, impressed by the striking features of both men.
The first was vibrant and outgoing, while his companion held a cool, intense presence.
William Smith beamed. “Asher, what a surprise!”
Asher Hayes grinned. “Grandpa, we were passing through and couldn’t resist stopping by. We heard about the party and decided to crash it. Looks like we didn’t miss much.”
He added with a playful wink, “I hope you don’t mind.”
The realization rippled through the guests.
This was Asher Hayes, the heir to the Hayes fortune, one of the most influential families in Skyline City.
And the man beside him…
Asher made no introductions, yet treated him with a subtle deference that sparked curiosity.
Those who recognized him felt a thrill.
Not only had they witnessed the earlier drama, but they were now in the presence of Caleb Krieger, the sole heir to the Krieger family, Skyline City’s most prominent dynasty.
They struggled to maintain their composure.
Caleb’s gaze settled on Janie, who met his stare unflinchingly.
Jackson stepped forward, subtly shielding her from view.
‘My sister attracts too much attention, he thought, ‘What’s a brother to do?‘
“Mind?” Mr. Smith scoffed affectionately. “Don’t be ridiculous! Who wouldn’t welcome you?”
Asher approached, his easy charm on full display, and inquired after his grandfather’s health before turning to Mrs. Smith with a winning smile.
William announced, “We owe Miss Janie our lives. This old couple wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for her.”
Asher turned his attention to Janie.
“Miss Janie,” he said, his smile widening, “we saw everything. Color me impressed. Let’s connect. What’s your Insta?”
Janie remained impassive. Jackson frowned. “Absolutely not.”
Asher’s smile faltered.
“Mr. Moore, perhaps you should let your sister speak for herself. She’s an adult, isn’t she?”
Janie spoke calmly. “I’m sorry, but no.”
Asher was taken aback by her polite but firm refusal.
The other guests watched in disbelief.
‘Did Janie and Jackson not know who they were dealing with? If they didn’t want their contact info, we’d gladly take it!‘
Mr. Smith glanced at Caleb and addressed the crowd. “I apologize, everyone, but it’s getting late. Perhaps we should…”
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The guests took the hint.
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Reluctant as they were to leave, especially with the prospect of networking with Caleb and Asher fading, they couldre ignore the Smiths‘ dismissal.
A few made last–ditch attempts to engage Caleb and Asher, hoping to snag a phone number or social media handle, bove were met with Asher’s polite deflections and Caleb’s icy demeanor.
They shuffled out, disappointed.
The Jenkins family and Tyler lingered.
Tyler, having arrived with them, was obligated to leave with them.
Xena, still sprawled on the floor, looked up at Caleb and Asher, forcing a smile. “So sorry about that awkward first impression.”
Asher offered a strained smile in return.
Caleb showed no such courtesy. “Awkward? Try malicious.”
