Abel repeated her name somewhat clumsily, "Gan... Yuan?"
"You can call me Gan," Gan Yuan said with a smile.
"You’re very considerate." Gazing at her beautiful smiling face, Abel’s eyes were already showing signs of infatuation, "How about... we find somewhere to have a good chat?"
"Sure," Gan Yuan glanced around and led him towards a quieter spot by the fountain. Then, she casually began, "What’s the occasion for tonight’s banquet?"
"It’s to celebrate the Locke Family’s hundred-year anniversary of receiving the honor medal."
"I see." Gan Yuan stopped walking, took a sip of wine from her cup, and as she saw Abel raise his hand wanting to rest it on her shoulder, she turned her body, deftly avoiding his touch, "Speaking of which, aren’t there members of the Royal Family attending?"
"The King and Queen would never attend such a dull gathering. The Prince and Little Princess are abroad, and as for the heir, he’s never been interested in such events." Abel’s eyes greedily lingered on her lips moistened with wine, "However, if you want to meet someone from the Royal Family, I might be able to help you. In a few days, on National Day, I’ll be attending a Royal Palace banquet and I can bring a lady companion."
"Really?" Gan Yuan expressed her surprise, then feigned concern, "But... I’ve heard the Royal Palace isn’t very safe, there are rumors that a prince has been attacked, is it true?"
Abel looked surprised, "What... How could that be possible?"
His expression didn’t seem to be feigned; it appeared he was unaware of Huangfu Jue’s assassination attempt.
It seemed that she needed to find a new target. Gan Yuan turned away, looking for her next prey, as a girl’s sarcastic voice was already sounding not far away.
"I’m telling you, Abel, you’d better stay away from this lady in front of you, she can stab a dagger through your thigh at any time!"
Without looking back, Gan Yuan could guess who it was.
Turning around to face Nancy, who was dressed in a pale silver gown, Gan Yuan spoke elegantly.
"Hmph!" Nancy stepped forward, sneering as she moved close to Gan Yuan’s ear, "Don’t think just because you have the backing of the heir that you can do whatever you want. All men are fickle, and your triumph won’t last long!"
Gan Yuan curved her lips into a smile, "At least for now, you clearly hate me to death yet can’t bring yourself to do anything."
Nancy was so angry she almost spat blood but was powerless to do anything.
Just moments ago upstairs, she had received a warning from her father, telling her not to provoke anyone associated with Huangfu Jue. While her heart desired nothing more than to tear Gan Yuan into pieces and feed her to her horses, she could only grip her wine glass tightly, snort coldly, and turn to leave, entering a building on the side.
Abel spoke with a smile, "Don’t worry, she’s just jealous of your beauty. With me here, there’s no one who can hurt you."
Gan Yuan withdrew her gaze, "I thought you two were close."
"Us?" Abel scoffed at Nancy’s retreating figure, "If it wasn’t for my father asking me to attend in his stead, I wouldn’t bother coming to see her annoying face. I prefer spending time with you much more."
"Why haven’t I seen Duke Locke?" Gan Yuan asked.
"Apparently he’s meeting with a distinguished guest from afar."
Abel casually replied, his eyes leering as he lifted his hand, intending to touch her waist.
Gan Yuan lifted her hand and grabbed his wrist before his palm could land on her waist, lifting his hand and passing him her glass instead.