Chapter 49

As the night wore on, I excused myself from my father's side, craving a moment of solitude away from the watchful eyes and prying remarks. Stepping onto the balcony, I let the cool night breeze wash over me, hoping it would clear my mind. The stars above shimmered their distant light with a calming presence amidst the chaos of the party below.

Lost in my thoughts, I was startled when someone else joined me on the balcony. Beta Montez was the same man who had questioned my capabilities earlier. His expression seemed different now, devoid of the earlier sarcasm, replaced with something akin to genuine curiosity.

"I didn't mean to offend you back there," he said, his voice surprisingly soft.

I arched an eyebrow, not expecting such a shift in tone. "It takes more than a few condescending remarks to offend me, Beta Montez," I replied, my voice steady.

He nodded, his gaze fixed on the night sky. "Your father speaks highly of you. He sees something in you that many of us fail to recognize