Chapter 177: Susie: Tonight, I Am the True Audience

Chapter 177: Susie: Tonight, I Am the True Audience

Three high-hanging crystal chandeliers lit up, and flames on the surrounding walls illuminated every corner of the entire first-floor hall.

A costly light red carpet was laid on the path from the hall to the dining room, with two rows of maids in black and white uniforms standing on each side.

Upon entering the dining room, a long table was set vertically, covered with various exquisite bowls, plates, cutlery, and other utensils, as the maids began to busily prepare everything in an orderly fashion.

Earl Hall , dressed in a tailcoat, sat at the head of the table, his expression usual, showing no sign of emotional fluctuation.

A pair of dignified eyes fell on Hastur the moment he arrived in the dining room.

Sitting to the right of Earl Hall was the intelligent and elegant Countess Hall , who wore a smile and also looked over.

Beside the Countess Hall sat Audrey.

Audrey, adorned in a white and pink gown for the evening, had emerald earrings dangling from her ears and a pink gemstone necklace gracing her slender swan neck. With her golden hair and blue eyes, her stunning beauty was truly deserving of the title "Beckland's Brightest Jewel."

Hibbert introduced simply, "Please allow me to introduce this promising young man, Baron Hastur Campbell, the heir to the Campbell family and a good friend of mine."

Mr. Hastur is also my good friend!

Audrey added in her heart, as she entered spectator mode, curiously observing Mr. Hastur tonight.

She wasn't sure if it was her imagination, but she felt that Mr. Hastur seemed a bit restrained tonight, as if carrying a hint of nervousness.

Despite his calm and composed exterior, there were subtle signs of psychological turmoil.

It was rare indeed to see Mr. Hastur experience such emotional fluctuations.

Was it becauseEarl Hall 's presence was too overpowering? Audrey stole a glance atEarl Hall with the corner of her eye.

After observing for a while, her eyes widened slightly.Earl Hall also seemed less composed than usual, harboring a lot of emotions, almost as if he was facing an enemy.

How could it be! Her own father saw Mr. Hastur as an enemy?

And not just any enemy, but one that required full effort to defeat!

Could she have misread the situation?

At that moment,Earl Hall , who had been watching Hastur, withdrew his gaze and said calmly, "Not bad."

"Indeed, even better than the rumors suggest, more praiseworthy and likable," the Countess Hall also spoke with a smile.

Hibbert turned to Audrey and smiled, "My sister, the beautiful Miss Audrey, what are your compliments?"

"Baron Campbell is indeed a young and accomplished noble with extensive knowledge."

Hibbert then looked at Hastur and said, "Hastur, it seems my family holds you in high regard."

This statement sounded normal, but it sparked different thoughts in different listeners.

Even Hastur felt a sudden stir in his heart.

The atmosphere seemed to subtly shift, and Hastur bowed slightly, saying, "The praise I receive tonight will be remembered for a lifetime."

The Countess Hall appeared quite pleased with Hastur's humble attitude, her smile growing a bit brighter.

Hibbert's lips curled into a smile, his eyes revealing emotions difficult to decipher.

Audrey wanted to join the conversation, but in such a setting, she felt it was better to say less, keeping a safe distance from Mr. Hastur.

Despite not knowing what was special about tonight's invitation, she had an intuition about it.

Earl Hall , with a stern face, said in a low voice, "Please, sit down for the meal."

"Please."

Hibbert took his place to the left ofEarl Hall , then led Hastur to sit beside him, directly across from Audrey.

At this time, the maids who had finished setting the various utensils began to bring in dishes one after another.

WhenEarl Hall began to taste the food with his knife and fork, others also started to enjoy their meals.

During the meal, no one spoke, and even the footsteps of the maids serving the dishes were very light.

Each time they placed a plate or utensil, not a single sound was made.

The scene was like a silent pantomime.

And the one who took in this silent drama from above was Susie, lying on the second-floor corridor.

Her gaze, filled with worldly wisdom, her front paws crossed in front of her, her head slightly raised, she watched from her elevated position with an elegant posture, quietly appreciating the silent performance of the humans below.

Tonight, at this moment, she was the true audience.

The silence continued, as if an invisible pressure enveloped the dining table.

Earl Hall did not speak, and so no one else initiated conversation.

Hastur, however, was quite satisfied with this dining experience. The chefs of the Holle household clearly had a high level of culinary skill, able to make even common foods taste extraordinary.

Although his own family's chefs were also good, they could not compare to those of the Holle household in this respect.

Hastur even entertained the idea of spending a significant sum to recruit a master chef for his home.

Sitting across from Hastur, Audrey felt a bit uncomfortable.

The dinner tonight gave her a feeling of restraint, as if there were invisible rules and boundaries, making everything feel confined and less free.

She wanted to tell Mr. Hastur across from her that their family's dinners were not usually this somber, and occasionally,Earl Hall wouldn't mind telling a joke to lighten the mood.

But tonight,Earl Hall seemed to be in a bad mood, probably due to some troubles while handling affairs outside.

After some thought, she could only silently savor the food.

As the main course ended, the maids brought out several very delicate and delicious desserts.

When the desserts were placed on the table, Audrey caught a glimpse of surprise in Mr. Hastur's eyes.

She felt a bit smug about this.

She knew Mr. Hastur had a fondness for sweets, so she had specifically instructed the dessert chefs in the kitchen to control the sugar ratio, ensuring it was sweet but not cloying.

As Hastur quietly enjoyed the masterful desserts, the usually silentEarl Hall finally spoke.

"The desserts tonight are a bit bland."

"They are indeed lighter than usual."

The Countess Hall also noticed that tonight's desserts differed from the usual.

Oh no!

Audrey's expression stiffened slightly, and she felt a bit panicked, realizing she had forgotten thatEarl Hall preferred stronger flavors in desserts, favoring the sweeter varieties.

How should she explain this now?

Hibbert seemed to notice her embarrassment and chuckled, "I instructed the kitchen to make the desserts lighter, to better suit our guest's taste."

Earl Hall and the Countess Hall looked over, and Hastur stopped eating to thank Hibbert for his thoughtful arrangement.

Earl Hall looked away, his calm face revealing no emotion, while the Countess Hall smiled and said, "Do you have a particular taste for desserts?"

"It's just a personal preference; I enjoy tasting fine foods in my daily life," Hastur answered truthfully.

With this start, the atmosphere suddenly became more harmonious.

Hibbert, smiling, asked, "Hastur, what do you usually keep busy with at home?"

"Besides managing some factory and law firm affairs, I like to spend time in the study reading books, tasting good food, and occasionally going out to admire the beauty of Beckland."

"Don't you find it boring to be alone at home for too long?" This time, the Countess Hall asked.

"Occasionally, I also visit friends like Greck and Glaint."

Following this, the Countess Hall and Hibbert took turns asking about everyday matters, and Hastur responded to each one truthfully.

It was all casual talk, a bit like chatting about daily life.

Hastur was initially a bit unaccustomed to this way of conversation, but he soon got used to it.

While tasting the food, they discussed everyday sights and experiences.

If it weren't for the fact thatEarl Hall preferred mature and steady young people, Hastur would have prepared some jokes to liven up the mood.

Audrey, who had been a bit worried at first, now relaxed and occasionally joined in the conversation.

OnlyEarl Hall quietly tasted his food without speaking.

After a while,Earl Hall was the first to rise and leave, and Hastur also put down his knife and fork.

Hibbert smiled and said, "Hastur, don't be so formal; ourEarl Hall always leaves early to give us younger ones space to interact."

The Countess Hall also stopped eating, but she did not leave her seat, similarly smiling, "Tonight, you are the guest, and everything should be as you wish."

"Thank you for your hospitality."

Hastur finished the food on his plate and then stopped eating.

He was not accustomed to making others wait, as it would seem impolite.

After dinner, Hibbert signaled the waiting maids to clear the table.

Hibbert invited, "Hastur, would you mind joining us for a chat with our Countess Hall ?"

"It would be my honor."

Hastur stood up and followed Hibbert, the Countess Hall , and Audrey to the garden behind the villa.

On the second floor, the true audience, Susie, watched as Hastur and the others left, stood up from the ground, shook her body, and also headed to the back garden.

(End of Chapter)