Chapter 926 Stay Away From Me

The banquet hall fell into a suffocating silence.

All eyes turned toward Robin.

They were guessing whether this bold and imposing young man would dare utter another audacious remark in front of the Spartine Warrior Champion. Nestor followed Teagan's gaze to find Robin standing confidently in the center of the hall.

Surrounding him were Luella, Pierre, and Leilani.

"So, you're the one who wants to duel with that young man?" Nestor pointed a dismissive finger at Robin disdainfully.

"Teagan, is this all the self-control you have? How laughable!

"When we trained at the Spartine Warrior camp, I told you time and again.

"A Spartine Warrior must remain unshaken before any powerful opponent.

"How could you let such a weakling rattle you?

"This is not how a true warrior should behave!"

Teagan answered respectfully, "My apologies, Mr. Nestor. I will keep your teachings in mind. It's just that..."

Nestor, following Teagan's gaze again, finally noticed the way Luella was looking at Robin.

Her eyes were filled with admiration and affection.

It was the kind of look a woman reserves only for the man she loves.

In an instant, Nestor understood the source of Teagan's anger.

He was jealous.

Earlier, on the way to the banquet, Nestor had been entertaining thoughts of a chance romantic encounter with Luella.

Darson had mentioned that she was an avid fan of the annual Spartine Warrior Martial Tournament.

As the eldest daughter of the Aldridge family, Luella harbored a deep admiration for heroes,

Nestor had long heard of her legendary beauty and intelligence.

However, his admiration had been limited to what he'd seen in media portrayals.

Seeing her in person tonight at the Qacalisle Island banquet had left him utterly captivated.

Luella was, without question, the most beautiful woman Nestor had ever seen.

He forced himself to maintain his composure, donning an air of polished chivalry.

Patting Teagan's shoulder, he said, "Teagan, how could you suggest a duel at Ms. Luella's banquet?

"Such uncouth behavior has no place here.

"This banquet should only feature music, dancing, and fine wine.

"Don't you all agree?"

Then, he glanced smugly at the gathered socialites, who nodded awkwardly.

With that, Nestor walked gracefully toward Luella.

"Ms. Luella, it's truly a pleasure to meet you.

"I am Nestor, the Spartine Warrior Martial Tournament Champion.

"Surely, Ms. Luella, you've heard of my name and my accomplishments, right?"

Nestor was certain she would be overcome with delight and fall into his arms, exclaiming, "Of course, I know you! You're the Spartine Warrior Champion!" Before Luella could respond, Leilani hurried forward eagerly.

"Mr. Nestor, I'm Leilani, Teagan's sister. It's such an honor to meet you in person!"

Nestor gave her hand a polite shake and replied warmly, "Ah, Leilani.

"Your brother has mentioned you before. You truly are a stunning beauty." Leilani blushed and giggled at the compliment. "Thank you, Mr. Nestor!" Nestor brushed her off and quickly shifted his attention back to Luella.noveldrama

He extended a hand toward her and said, "Ms. Luella, I've heard not only of your exceptional leadership but also of your unparalleled grace on the dance floor.

"May I have the honor of a dance with you tonight?"

Jealous gazes from the other women in the room burned hot as they envied Luella for receiving such an invitation.

Dancing with the Spartine Warrior Champion was a privilege beyond compare.

Contrary to Nestor's expectations, Luella did not accept his invitation with joy.

Instead, she instinctively stepped closer to Robin and shook her head coldly.

"I'm sorry. I never dance with anyone other than Mr. Ramsey. You're no exception."

Leilani's jaw dropped in astonishment.

Why would Luella reject such an offer?

She knew Luella adored the Spartine Warrior Martial Tournament and watched nearly every match.

What Leilani didn't understand was that while Luella appreciated the strength of the Spartine Warriors, she had always been a perceptive and intelligent judge of character.

The moment she laid eyes on Nestor, she recognized him for what he was-trouble.

As the sole heir to the Aldridges, Luella had been trained by her grandfather from a young age to read people and assess their intentions.

In a business empire as vast as the Aldridge's, failing to see through someone's character at first glance could be disastrous.

After years of practice, Luella could discern much about a person from their demeanor and actions.

Nestor's condescending attitude toward Robin was enough to solidify her poor opinion of him.

Her words cast a chill over the room and the guests exchanged puzzled glances.

Was Ms. Luella simply playing hard to get?

She shouldn't have to do that.

She could easily look down on all the men in the world with her status.

She had no need to resort to the petty tricks used by ordinary women.

Upon closer inspection, Nestor saw that Luella's beautiful eyes were filled with indifference and rejection.

Nestor struggled to process the rejection.

He had been so confident that his status as Spartine Warrior Champion would win Luella's admiration. Yet, here he stood, being humiliated.

Feigning nonchalance, he shrugged. "If you don't want to dance, Ms. Luella, perhaps we can share a drink instead.

"I heard from Darson that you were looking forward to meeting me at this banquet."

He reached out as if to take her hand, but Luella instinctively gripped Robin's arm tightly.

"Stay away from me," she said icily.

"I don't like strangers getting this close."

Nestor's face burned with embarrassment.

No matter how thick-skinned he was, being publicly rejected twice in such a grand setting was unbearable.

His earlier confidence began to simmer into anger as he caught sight of Robin, who looked at him as if he were trash.

At that moment, he understood why Teagan had chosen to provoke Robin.

Breaking the tense silence, Nestor turned back to Teagan. "I think a duel would be the perfect way to liven up this banquet." Teagan's eyes lit up with excitement and he rushed to Nestor's side. "You're absolutely right! I'll challenge him right now!"

"No, no," Nestor said, shaking his

head. He pointed directly at Robin

and sneered, "I'll handle this

weakling myself. It's time he learned

not to cross the wrong person."