Greg could not believe his eyes. He did not expect such a turn of events. Meanwhile, Lana, placing her elbows on the knees, leaned forward and looked intently at the General and Miss Leib.
" I will not speak for long. Because you two do not seem to understand human words. But still, some thoughts just keep bugging me. In my head, it simply does not fit how a father, who claims that he loves his daughter, can try so hard to stuff her under some man, which definitely doesn't respect her and doesn't love her at all. Mr. Leib, you act like a pimp! This will not make her happy, even if she believes otherwise. Are you blind or just don't care much?" - Lana's cold, quiet words seemed to touch the sore points. The general paled, and then red spots started to appear on his face. To accept the truthfulness of this girl's words means to agree with the degeneracy of your behavior. And of course, the man chose to be angry with the offender. But Lana did not stop there.
" Angela, your behavior is not clear to me either. You are a beautiful, rich lady. The whole world is at your feet. But you are able to do so much vile staff, and for what? More money? More fame? And just for this, you are ready to sell your pride, honor, conscience? You are not a woman, you are not even a whore. They at least know what they'll get for their work. And you - just a swindler-loser! Lies, cruelty, and insincerity can buy you more money, but they will never buy love. But I'm sure, you do not need it. There is not a drop of it in you! I'm disgusted to look at you both."
Angela had much less tolerance than her father. When Lana's last words rang in the air, she charged to the offender with a wild cry.
"You - bitch! Do you even know what I went through? How did I achieve all this?" - Angela shouted, but she did not have time to make even a step as she was intercepted by strong hands of two bodyguards. And even in their capture, the girl continued to squirm like a snake, spitting curses.
" And what did you do? Angela, once you crossed the line, all your efforts were crossed out too! If you kept on just seducing Greg and trying to lure him, I would have closed my eyes to this, mostly. He is an adult, intelligent man and he can decide what is best for him. But you went on, far and above. And now do not blame anyone when karma will catch up with you and bite your ass."
Putting an end to her monologue, Lana rose. Along with her stood Mr. Winterbourne. The servant had already bandaged his hand and stepped aside, looking at everything that was going on with an indifferent look. The young man did not react much to this whole scene either. Gallantly offering Lana an elbow and waiting for her to grab hold of him, he led the girl to Greg.
" Our conversation is not over yet. Although we will still have the opportunity to discuss everything. But first, Ru and I need to figure out a lot between us, and for this, there is only one best way. Therefore, with your permission ..." - Winterbourne nodded politely, but he didn't finish the phrase, as if he really didn't need any permission.
Meanwhile, Lana turned to the guards who crowded near the father and daughter.
"Make sure they leave. If they resist or cause problems, throw them away like garbage, right from the stairs."
With these words, they both turned and left the room.
Greg has no choice but to follow them. At first, he wanted to stop them, ask Lana about everything but some strange atmosphere between the two made him reconsider. As if now they were somewhere not here. A sudden thought struck Greg. It was spinning somewhere in the subconscious, not knowing what to cling to. But now, watching this pair from the back, how they moved, the same hair color, fair skin, even manners.
Meanwhile, they reached the main staircase. The crowd below was already buzzing in anticipation of the spectacle. Lana and Mr. Winterbourne proceeded downstairs, attracting all eyes to themselves. It was more like some kind of procession. As if they were performing some ancient ritual. The crowd in front of them made way for them, letting them pass to the center of the hall.
"Ladies and Gentlemen! - The voice of the host sounded in the speakers. - "Today, for the first time in many years, a unique couple will re-open the Charity Ball! Please welcome Mr. Brian Winterbourne and Miss Ruslana Winterbourne! The youngest daughter of a world-famous family today honored us with her presence!"
The audience burst into applause, and Greg stood still at the top of the stairs trying to digest all the information he had received.