Chapter 558 - Five Hundred And Fifty-eight: Anabelle Found Her Niche
The third point of view:
Jacqueline was smart, Isabelle had to give her that. The woman had gotten under her skin in such a way that no one except Niklaus had done. At last, she met a worthy opponent.
Unlike Jacqueline's thought, Isabella was not distressed by the situation, rather she was excited. It was not every day that she - Isabella - got to see someone who matched her wits. It was exhilarating, Isabella wondered who would win.
Psychopath.
Pedro was tempted to use that word on his girlfriend. Yes, his crazy girlfriend, Isabella. Unlike normal people who will become downcast by such a flop in their plan, it motivated Isabella. She was the type who never gave up until she got what she wanted, hence this challenge from Jacqueline thrilled her. He would see it.
"The napkin!" Anabelle realized, the thought crossing her mind. Unlike the others, she was the only one who was mildly brought up decently. She had always been a proper lady.
"Thank God, you are not all barbarians," Jacqueline said, hopping over to Neon's side and picked one of the napkins saying, "Always place your napkin on your lap... " she helped Neon with his, "Before you begin eating, unfold your napkin and place it across your lap. This way no food will drop onto your clothing while you are eating. You should never tuck your napkin into the front of your shirt or dress when engaging in a fine dining experience, you don't want to embarrass yourself in front of the queen and the other guest," she told them.
"Oh," some of them nodded in understanding. However, did she have to go as far as taking away their soup? It was so unfair.
Jacqueline continued amid their grumbles, "Place the napkin on your chair any time you leave the table temporarily. At the end of your meal, neatly fold the napkin and set it to the left of your setting," she instructed, and they followed her actions without delay.
"Royalty," Isabella snorted with disdain. Why go through such a rigorous process just to have a meal? Such strange people.
"Commence with your meal," Jacqueline announced and the kids stared at one another unsure of what to do. It was obvious that the woman was playing a smart game with them and none of them wanted to be a victim.
Although Jacqueline took away the soup, there was still quite a feast on the table. This was the royal palace and meals here were served up to six courses.
"You don't want to eat?"Jacqueline asked when no one made a move," If that's the case, I wouldn't mind moving into the next lesson of the day," the delight on her face told them all she enjoyed their dilemma.
"Hey, " Anabelle whispered, drawing their attention, "I got this, just watch me," She told them.
Suddenly, Anabelle who had never been "significant" in their group became the center of attention as she showed them how to use the cutlery in the proper order.
"There are three sets of cutlery around your plate," Anabelle made a demonstration using hers, "Forks will be positioned to the left of your plate (with salad forks furthest to the left and dinner forks closest to your plate), knives will be to the right of your plate, and spoons will be above your plate or to the right of the knives. Always work your way inwards with each dish. This means that the cutlery positioned farthest from your plate should be used for the first course," she explained animatedly to them.
Meanwhile, a smile made its way across Julie's features as he watched his girlfriend demonstrate. He always knew Anabelle was special and would find her place one day and she sure did.
"Good work," Isabella said - that was as far as her thank you went.
"Thank you, Anabelle,"
"Me too,"
The twins picked up her actions very quickly as usual except Neon.
Since Anabelle was seated beside the young boy, she leaned towards him and said, "If you are still unsure of which utensils to use first, watch me or what others are doing and follow their lead,"
"Thank you, Anabelle," Neon said, the smile beginning in his eyes, then touched his lips, and the little dimple that played at the corner of his mouth appeared, even dazzling Ailee who had been watching them.
At that moment, Ailee was utterly frozen in time. Neon's eyes twinkled with humor and he was so cute – and so utterly unaware of his charm. It was as if the sun rays danced upon her face. Ailee was almost jealous that the smile was reserved for Anabelle - she wanted Neon to smile for her too.
Ailee hoped that Neon never leaves her, so she could stare at his smile forever. She had this sudden feeling to keep him hidden permanently, she didn't want anyone else to see his smile - not even her brother, Allen, nor Isabella nor Anabelle. She only wanted that smile for herself.
At once the little girl shook the thought out of her head. What was she thinking? She didn't even understand what she was thinking.
The smile on Neon's face made Anabelle's heart swell with joy. For the first time in her life, she had this feeling of satisfaction, like she had achieved something big. For the first time in her life, she was good at something Isabella couldn't do. It was safe to say she found her niche.
Jacqueline smirked, maybe the children weren't so hopeless after all. But then, the challenge has been issued and she would not go easy on them. At once, she clapped her hands and the maids from before walked in again, and took away the food they were about to dig into.
"What now? Didn't we get it right?" Anabelle was frustrated. She was sure she had done it right and the others carefully followed her lead.
"Of course, you did right but a punishment for one is a punishment for all," Jacqueline said, walking over to Julie's side and they understood at once.
It was Julie who caused them to fail.
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