After I Torched Alive, My Alpha Went crazy novel Chapter 157

Faye laughed. "You’ll get it. Just think of it as balancing a tray of food. You’ve done that a hundred times."

Her encouragement helped, and by the end of the day, I could walk steadily, even with the book.

Next came dining etiquette. "Hold the fork like this," Odette demonstrated, her movements graceful and precise.

I tried to mimic her but fumbled, dropping the fork. "Great. Now I’m a klutz too."

"It’s okay," Faye said with a grin. "At least you didn’t stab yourself."

Despite the teasing, they were patient with me, correcting my mistakes and celebrating small victories. Slowly but surely, I started to feel less out of place.

One evening, we practiced greetings. "A slight nod and a polite smile," Odette instructed.

I gave it a try, earning a thumbs-up from Faye. "Not bad! You might pass as a noble yet."

Their support made all the difference. For the first time, I began to believe I could survive the banquet.

The night of the banquet arrived, and my nerves were in overdrive. Dressed in a gown that Odette had picked out, I barely recognized myself in the mirror.

"You look stunning," Faye said, beaming.

"Are you sure? I feel like I’m playing dress-up," I replied, tugging at the hem of the gown.

"You’ll be fine," Odette said firmly. "Just remember everything we taught you."

We entered the grand hall, and I immediately felt out of place. The room was filled with people who exuded wealth and power. Their sharp gazes were sweeping over me. Whispers followed wherever I went.

"Who is she?"

"She doesn’t belong here."

"That’s the commoner, isn’t it?"

I tried to focus on Odette and Faye, their presence a small comfort amid the sea of judgmental stares.

"Smile," Odette whispered.

I forced a smile, but it felt fragile.

As we moved through the crowd, a woman approached us, her smile sharp and insincere. "You must be Grace," she said, her tone dripping with mockery. "What an… interesting addition to tonight’s gathering."

I held my ground, replying calmly, "Thank you."

Every step I had taken to get here was carved out of hard work, not inheritance.

But here I was, standing among the nobility. And it was clear they didn’t think I belonged.

Groups of aristocratic girls stood in tight circles, their laughter sharp as they glanced my way. They looked at me with dislike, and their whispers, though meant to appear subtle, reached my ears clearly.

"Look at her," one of them sneered. Her voice was dripping with contempt. "She couldn’t even afford a sports car like mine if she saved for a year."

Another chuckled, tossing her hair. "And her PACK, oh my goodness, it’s so small. How many servants does she even have? Three? Four? We’ve got more than that in just one wing of the estate."

The group burst into laughter, the sound loud and deliberate. Their words hurt me, but I refused to let it show.

They measured worth by wealth and servants, but I knew better. My value wasn’t tied to extravagance.

Summoning every ounce of composure, I stepped forward. "You think wealth makes you better than me?" My voice was steady. I just wanted to sound graceful.

Their laughter faltered, and I saw their eyes widen in surprise. Clearly, they hadn’t expected me to respond.

"I may not have your sports cars or your endless line of servants," I continued in a sharpening tone, "but I have something far more valuable, and that is hard work.

"I didn’t need to be born into luxury to get here. I earned my place. Every step I’ve taken has been mine, not handed to me on a silver platter."