Reaping What You Sow

Brandon began to wonder if he had offended Ella in some way. He racked his brain but couldn't come up with an answer. Awkwardly, he smiled at Ella and suggested, "Ella, how about we go over there and have some snacks?"

Ella cast a contemptuous glance at Brandon and shook her head indifferently. "No, thank you. I don't like those things."

Brandon's mouth twitched. Charles also noticed Ella's unusually cold demeanor tonight and gave Brandon a scrutinizing look.

Just then, Lily approached them, shyly addressing Charles, "Charles, I've heard your name since I was little..."

Charles smiled faintly, "It's not convenient to talk here. How about we go to the gazebo over there?"

Outside Lily's family's grand hall, there was a small gazebo lit by a soft yellow lamp.

"Sure, I'd love to chat with you!" Lily's heart raced, thrilled that Charles wanted to talk to her alone.