Chapter 304: Chapter 313

Chapter 313 Destruction Marks +15 BONUS “Before the banquet, the duke and the young master of the Yorks had a long conversation on the second floor.

Could this be related to Mr. York?”

The astute personal butler analyzed the situation for Grace.

“I’ve heard that during the centennial celebration at the Yorks’ residence, he helped Melanie. Maybe he’s interested in her? And it seems that Old Master York tacitly approves...”

“Are you suggesting that Leo wants to pursue Melanie? And that he specifically asked Father to create opportunities for him? This is outrageous!” Grace said angrily, suppressing her voice.

“The duke is currently working hard to gain the support of the Yorks. It’s not impossible that he is catering to Leo’s demands at the moment,” the butler continued.

Grace clenched her fists and ground her teeth. “I absolutely cannot let Melanie be with Leo!”

“If Melanie leaves Jeffrey because of Mr. York, wouldn’t that be a good thing for you?” the butler asked in confusion. Wouldn’t Grace be able to take advantage of this situation then?

“I can’t let her marry into the York family! That would be too easy for her!” Grace was resolute. “Quick, go and destroy the marks on her card! Make sure Father chooses someone else!”

Half an hour later, Duke Wilhelm took the stage again. A servant brought up a table with a collection box, and some scattered cards.

“I truly admire everyone’s creativity.” Duke Wilhelm smiled with joy. “Several themes have deeply touched my heart. However, the concept on this card is grand and majestic. It’s called ‘Forge Ahead’. May I ask who wrote this?”

Duke Wilhelm spoke while involuntarily glancing toward Melanie. Leo also intentionally looked at her, waiting for her reaction.

The backstage music and lighting were all ready and everything was prepared, but Melanie remained indifferent.

“Me.” At this moment, a young aristocrat, who was far from the stage, stood up and raised his hand. “Duke Wilhelm, do you think my proposal is the best? I’d be honored if that’s the case!”

Duke Wilhelm’s gaze changed slightly. He quickly looked at Leo below the stage.

Leo raised his hand, covering his mouth with a handkerchief, coughing lightly a few times. His downcast eyes revealed no joy or anger:

“Ah...” Duke Wilhelm felt awkward on stage. How did this happen?

With so many people watching, he couldn’t retract his words. He could only adjust his expression and say, ” That’s right. Your proposal is the best one. This crown belongs to you!”

Amidst applause, the music was played. A servant took the crown from the stage and handed it to the young aristocrat. The spotlight was on him, and everyone’s attention was focused on him as well.

+15 BONUS Only Duke Wilhelm looked awkwardly at Leo, who continued to ignore him.

Melanie casually glanced elsewhere. In the dark corner, Grace was proudly holding a glass, drinking alone.

It really was her... Melanie smiled. Unexpectedly, she had Grace, her opponent, to thank today.

When Duke Wilhelm saw Leo ignoring him, he felt anxious. He came down from the stage with his entourage. While everyone’s attention was on the crown, he walked directly to Leo and Melanie.

“Miss Melanie, may I know what you write?” Duke Wilhelm asked.

“I wrote, Periodical Cicada.” Melanie calmly replied.

Duke Wilhelm’s brow furrowed... Who had sabotaged his plan behind the scenes?!

When he checked the cards in the collection box one by one just now, he found three cards with folded marks.

One of them was the card with ‘Periodical Cicada’ written on it.

He himself thought the theme of ‘Periodical Cicada’ was quite novel, especially appealing to the younger generation. However, the card with ‘Forge Ahead’ was folded most neatly, while the other two were open. To be cautious, Duke Wilhelm had no choice but to choose ‘Forge Ahead.’

It seemed someone intentionally reached into the collection box, destroyed the original marks, and made new marks on other cards...

Duke Wilhelm suppressed his anger and could only wear a smiling face in front of Leo. He continued to ask Melanie, “What does that symbolize?”

At this moment, many people had noticed that the duke and Melanie were talking, and turned their attention to them.

Under the curious gazes of the crowd, Melanie explained loudly, “The ‘Periodical Cicada’ is a type of cicada that lives underground for seventeen years before emerging. Since the duke’s company is significantly involved in the fossil industry, I thought we could use the symbolism of the periodical cicada’s delicate wings, round eyes, and the meaning of emerging after seventeen years of dormancy. Since the audience is young people, they should appreciate something innovative.”

“Periodical cicada! Wonderful!” Duke Wilhelm praised. “Miss Melanie’s proposal is also excellent. Just now, I was hesitating between these two cards. ‘Forge Ahead’ is steady and majestic, but the long and secretive life cycle of the ‘Periodical Cicada’

also symbolizes the achievements of my family’s business. It can indeed be used as the theme for the seventeenth-anniversary celebration!”

“This is just a preliminary idea. For detailed planning, you still need to consult with professionals, Duke Wilhelm,” Melanie humbly said.

“Of course!” Duke Wilhelm smiled. He stole a glance at Leo on the side, hoping that his compliments could make up for the previous mistake.

As long as Melanie was in a good mood, she shouldn’t refuse Leo’s upcoming invitation, right?