**Broken by Destiny by George Orwell**
**Chapter 392: The Wrong Kind of Flattery**
But who would have imagined? The flattery they so eagerly dished out had completely backfired on them.
Whitney maintained a composed expression, her voice smooth as silk when she replied, “Oh, that engagement was called off. The young ones today don’t appreciate being shackled by arranged marriages. It’s far more beneficial to allow them the freedom to pursue their own happiness.”
Her tone was unwavering, cool as a winter breeze. It was evident that their sweet words held no sway over her.
At this stage of her life, with her stature and experiences, Whitney had grown weary of insincere compliments that floated aimlessly in the air.
As her words settled like a stone in the room, the faces of those gathered turned pale, ashen even.
It was nothing short of a social catastrophe, the kind of awkwardness that made everyone feel as if they were trapped in a suffocating bubble.
Fortunately, they were not alone in their embarrassment; at least they had each other to share in the discomfort.
Sabrina’s expression shifted subtly, but she managed to mask her feelings quickly, a practiced move that came from years of social navigation.
Brielle, on the other hand, was not as skilled at concealing her emotions.
Whitney’s statement left her in a whirl of confusion and irritation.
She felt an urge to argue, to defend the traditional values that had been instilled in her, but she hesitated, fully aware of Whitney’s formidable position and influence.
When Brielle’s gaze fell upon Amelia, who stood there with a smile that felt more like a mask than a genuine expression, her annoyance flared even more.
With frustration bubbling inside her, she turned to her father. “Dad?” she ventured, seeking support.
Esmond nodded with a calmness that belied the tension in the air. “Whitney is correct. This generation is different from ours. They care deeply about choosing their partners based on emotion and connection.”
His voice flowed with a quiet elegance and natural authority, a soothing presence that seemed to fill the room. “We should not meddle in the lives of the young. It is their future to shape, after all.”
Esmond’s words carried weight, and he didn’t shy away from supporting Whitney, making his stance unmistakably clear.
Since the tragic passing of Paul and his wife, he had taken on the dual role of uncle and father to Sabrina, stepping in as her legal guardian.
Even now, as an adult carving her own path in the industry, Sabrina still found herself listening to his wisdom, a testament to the bond they shared.
Brielle had anticipated her father’s agreement with Whitney, so she kept her exterior composed.
Yet, beneath the surface, a storm of unwillingness and frustration brewed within her.
Understanding how deeply Esmond valued Whitney, she opted for silence, not wanting to expose herself to further embarrassment.


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