What happened at the banquet 3

Noelle's mask of politeness shattered, his voice laced with a sharpness he no longer cared to hide. "Oh dear, did you expect me to burst into tears?" he mocked, his tone losing any pretense of respect. "The Robbens already spoke of this 'grand plan' of yours. Or perhaps you expected me to be filled with immense gratitude?"

The prince's expression darkened, his gaze turning venomous. "You dare speak to me that way?" he spat, voice taut with fury.

"Oh, I do," Noelle replied, his tone steady, though his words cut deep. "Respect is earned by those worthy of it. Unfortunately, that isn't you. You're nothing more than an insecure shell of a man, desperately clawing for justification for your mediocrity. It eats at you, doesn't it? Despite having everything handed to you, you'll never match my husband —no matter how hard you try."