Chapter 16 The Other Guy Is Flirting With Me

• "Honestly, Bryan, I don't know why you're wasting your time on a piece of shit like this girl. I mean, just look at her. Strutting around like she owns the place, as if she's the most attractive maid in the palace." Ena's words stung, a familiar pang of humiliation rising within me. I struggled to maintain my composure, my eyes flitting between the two of them.
• Bryan's raised eyebrow signaled that he was poised to respond, a flicker of amusement dancing in his gaze. It was the first time I found myself wishing for someone's words to provoke Ena. I held my breath, hoping that Bryan's response would land a blow. And just as I dared to hope, he delivered.
• "For those who have a beginner-level skill in seeing, Alicia is, in fact, the most beautiful maid in the palace." The words tumbled out of his mouth, carrying a sharp edge that I hadn't anticipated. Relief washed over me as I suppressed a surprised smile. For the first time in a while, someone had managed to dodge Ena's barbs with a well-timed retort.