The Villainess Became The Male Lead's Secretary

Chapter 11

Unexpectantly, the Emperor beckoned the two secretaries, causing Vivienne to momentarily divert her attention from Ava.

"Your Majesty, is there something we can help you with?" the two secretaries responded simultaneously, their voices synchronized in response to the prince's call.

"So, what are your thoughts on the current opinion of the other nobles regarding Ava?" the Emperor inquired.

"Based on my observations, Ava has undeniably made a remarkable impression on the nobility. They view her as a worthy candidate for the esteemed title of the future crown princess," Vivienne responded.

"I wholeheartedly agree with Lady Vivienne's assessment. In addition, there is a widespread discussion among the attendees about how perfectly Lady Silverwood complements your son," Milo added, emphasizing the positive reception and compatibility between Ava and the crown prince.

Before the Emperor could utter a word, a sudden, resounding crash echoed through the ballroom. Vivienne's worst fears materialized before her eyes as she witnessed the catastrophe that unfolded. Ava's exquisite gown, once a vision of beauty, now bore the unmistakable stains of spilled red wine. Ava found herself sprawled on the floor in a moment of despair, resembling a damsel in distress.

'Of course, just when I divert my attention for a mere two minutes, a disaster must befall the female lead,' Vivienne muttered in frustration, berating herself for being unable to avert the inevitable cliché unfolding before her. She couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment at her inability to prevent this unfortunate turn of events, a testament to the inescapable nature of such predictable scenes.

Reacting swiftly, the crown prince rose from his seat, his expression filled with concern and determination. Without hesitation, he swiftly removed his cape and draped it over Ava's stained dress, shielding her from further embarrassment and preserving her dignity.

The room fell into a hushed silence, the collective gasps replaced by a mixture of sympathy and awe at the crown prince's chivalrous act. His selfless gesture protected Ava's image and demonstrated his unwavering support and affection for her.

As the crown prince and Milo led Ava away from the crowd, searching for a quiet place to fix her stained dress, Vivienne was responsible for dealing with the person who caused the problem. The culprit's guilt was apparent, evident in their smug, victorious smile.

Vivienne glanced at the guest list and quickly identified the individual's name. She confidently approached Lady Victoria Hamilton, and her eyes focused on her. With a hint of disapproval in her tone, Vivienne addressed her directly, her voice laced with authority. "Ah, Lady Victoria Hamilton, if I'm not mistaken?"

In an attempt to feign innocence, Lady Hamilton responded with a seemingly innocent inquiry, "You are correct. Is there a problem?"

"I kindly request that you depart from this event due to your disruptive behavior," Vivienne stated, attempting to maintain a composed tone.

"But I haven't done anything wrong," Lady Hamilton persisted, feigning innocence.

"Your dress bears a wine stain, coincidentally matching the one on Lady Silverwood's gown. As it turns out, when you spill wine on others, traces of it tend to linger on your attire. If you refuse to leave promptly, I will be compelled to summon the guards to escort you out. You have ten seconds to decide," Vivienne warned Lady Hamilton sternly.

Lady Hamilton, taken aback by the sudden turn of events, was momentarily stunned. She opened her mouth to protest, but the sharpness of Vivienne's gaze silenced her, leaving her motionless and incapable of defending herself. Realizing the futility of any further resistance, Lady Hamilton could only retreat from the scene, her escape a tacit admission of guilt and defeat.

Vivienne inwardly judged the situation, watching the person walk away with a sense of disapproval. 'How immature, splashing wine on someone else's dress. Thankfully, we've handled it well, and Lady Silverwood can now come back and enjoy the rest of the evening comfortably,' she pondered.

After the incident, the ballroom regained its festive atmosphere as guests admired the strength and unwavering support surrounding Ava. Lady Hamilton's exit brought a renewed sense of unity, creating a harmonious environment that allowed Ava to continue her debutante with newfound confidence and elegance.

As the night drew to a close without any further incidents, Vivienne exhaled a deep sigh of relief, feeling the weight of her guard finally lifting. She made her way outside, settling into a comfortable spot to bask in the serene beauty of the night sky.

'While the ruined dress was unfortunate, tonight's events served as a powerful reminder to the nobles that underestimating Ava would be a grave mistake. Yet, it appears that I am not the sole contender for the role of antagonist in this story,' Vivienne silently contemplated, 'I foolishly believed I was the only one. Still, it seems someone else will always be ready to step into that role if I refuse to play it.'

Milo joined Vivienne outside, carefully balancing two glasses of water in his hands.

"Lady Vivienne, would you like a glass of water?" Milo asked, extending a glass towards Vivienne, who happily accepted it.

They sat in peaceful companionship, their eyes locked on the shimmering stars above. Suddenly, the music's musical notes filled the air again, drawing their attention. They turned to witness the enchanting sight of the crown prince and Ava dancing joyfully in each other's arms.

'Oh, I see. The crown prince didn't get a chance to dance with Lady Silverwood. Perhaps he has requested the orchestra to play the music again, hoping for another opportunity. Considering this is an isekai novel, the female lead might believe in the myth that the person you last dance with becomes your eternal lover,' Vivienne mused with a hint of amusement.

"Would you care to dance with me, Lady Vivienne?" Milo asked, a shy smile tugging at his lips.

The unexpected invitation took Vivienne aback, but she couldn't resist the charm in Milo's eyes. With a nod and a smile, she accepted. The two started awkwardly, struggling to find rhythm and synchronicity amidst the music. However, their missteps and laughter only added to the moment's joy. Gradually, they grew more comfortable in each other's arms, moving gracefully as they swayed to the rhythm.

The dance left a lasting impression on Vivienne, her heart fluttering with newfound emotions. In that magical moment, she realized that her feelings for Milo had blossomed into something more profound.