“Hurry up, dear.” Jane’s voice sounded, breaking Sylvia’s reverie as she gawked at the picture-perfect family portrait.

Both Mikel and the special guest had not yet arrived, but they had to start arranging the silverware and the dinner plates.

Sylvia neatly folded the cloth napkins, while Jane went around placing the silverware and the plates.

Even though there were only two or probably three parties dining tonight, the duo still made sure to carefully set up all the seats at the huge dining table.

After making sure all the cutleries were lined accurately, Jane then started arranging the various dishes around the table. 

She carefully took out each one and placed it near the head of the table, rather than the center so that the guests could easily reach them if they wanted to.

Sometimes, they preferred the dishes being served to them, while at other times, they preferred some privacy.

Hence Jane arranged extra servings on the table as well, apart from keeping some with her on the trolley, taking into account all the possibilities.

“Huff! Almost done!” The woman took a breath, carefully checking everything one more time.

All of this was very new to Sylvia and she couldn’t help but wonder who this extremely special guest was.

Just from Jane’s nervousness and anxiety, she could tell that the person was going to be somewhat nitpicky and hard to please. 

Perhaps a noblewoman? Sylvia guessed.

And bingo… she was right on the money!

Just as she arranged the last napkin, Sylvia could hear voices outside the dining hall.

Before she could figure out what they were talking about, Jane ushered her into a corner, she as well, standing right next to her. “Come here. Fast.”

The two then bowed their heads and waited in the background as if they didn’t exist.

Soon, a woman’s sweet voice drifted into the hall, reaching Sylvia’s ears. “You are so kind, your highness~~” 

This was followed by a familiar chuckle, that sent shivers down Sylvia’s spine.

However, the man who entered right after seemed entirely different than the version whom she knew of.

Mikel was dressed in a crisp black jacket and a neat white shirt, giving him a very formal look.

At the same time, his top two shirt buttons were undone, revealing a part of his muscular chest, making him look more inviting and easy to approach.

But that was not what caught Sylvia’s attention. She was rather taken aback by the man’s demeanor as she had never experienced this side of his.

Mikel wore a charming smile on his lips, his sweet gestures gentle and honey-dripping. 

The way he moved, his smile, his eyes that obliged the woman next to him with his full attention, everything was gentlemanly.

This coupled with his high cheekbones and his alluring features, even made Sylvia dazed for a second. 

The man was the perfect image of a handsome charming prince and he was the complete opposite of how he had always been with her.

Sylvia rolled her eyes, with her eyeballs almost hitting the back of her head. 

The man’s cheerful and gentle smile was too irritating to see because she knew exactly how fake it was.

As Mikel walked into the dining hall, chatting and laughing with his companion for the evening, Sylvia quickly bowed her head back, not daring to stare at him any longer.

After all, what he did or how he behaved had nothing to do with her.

The man had obviously noticed her gaze on him, but he didn’t spare her a single glance and continued paying attention only to the woman next to him.

Sylvia lifted her head again out of curiosity and took a slight peak at the woman standing next to Mikel.

She looked quite enchanting with a slender figure and attractive brown eyes.

And judging from the dress she wore, she was definitely someone with a high status in society, probably hailing from a rich noble family or perhaps even a royal family.

The two looked extremely compatible and well suited standing next to each other, like a golden couple made in heaven.

As they walked over to the dining table, Mikel politely pulled the chair back for the woman to sit, with a sweet smile on his lips. 

“My lady…” He lightly bowed with a playful smirk, which from the looks of it made the woman very pleased. She was visibly blushing.

Mikel then turned around, walking over to the head of the table, his gaze lingering on the women in the background for a fraction of a second, but this was enough to churn Sylvia’s stomach. 

So creepy! She shuddered, still unable to digest the man’s fake gentlemanly mannerisms.

She wondered how the special guest, the good-looking rich woman, was falling for such an obvious act!

Well, it was none of her business. So she silently continued observing them from the corner of her eyes, in a not so obvious manner.

Not long after, two other maids entered the dining hall, joining her and Jane, also becoming a part of the backdrop.

Sylvia didn’t recognize them and so she assumed that they were perhaps servants of the special guest.

Breaking her thoughts, Mikel’s honey dripping voice, once again sounded. “Shall we begin dining, Lady Priscella?” He cocked his head to a side and hummed.

“Yes, your highness.” The woman nodded, smiling sweetly in return.

Mikel then returned her smile and raised his hand without looking back, making Jane immediately come forward.

She quickly began serving the first course for the golden couple.

“Ah… It smells good as always.” Lady Priscella scooped a spoonful of soup and winked at Jane in a familiar way.

Jane didn’t dare reply to her, only silently bowing in return.

Mikel as well nodded and started eating, his hands elegantly scooping up the soup, mouthful after mouthful.

The two exchanged smiling glances and everything looked pleasant and peachy, making Sylvia wonder why Jane was so terrified…

The lady was clearly interested in winning Mikel’s affection and Mikel as well seemed to be entertaining her just as she pleased.

Wasn’t everything as it should be? What could possibly go wrong? Sylvia didn’t understand.