CHAPTER 315: CHAPTER 315: CONFRONTING MATEO

Mateo frowned. "And who exactly are you to say that?"

Louis’s confidence did not waver. He straightened and, for the benefit of everyone watching, took Olivia’s hand. From Aurora’s position, she noticed that their hands were not actually touching... There was a tiny gap, just enough to avoid real contact while making it look convincing.

"I am Louis," he said evenly. "And I am Olivia’s future boyfriend."

Olivia froze, her eyes widening at his words. Aurora nearly dropped her drink, trying not to laugh out loud. Mateo’s face darkened instantly.

The air between the three of them grew heavy, and more than a few nearby guests began to glance their way.

Somewhere in the background, the music played on, but in this small corner of the ballroom, it felt like time had slowed.

Mateo looked straight at Louis, his face calm but his tone carrying a quiet challenge. "You are lying. From what I know, Olivia does not have a boyfriend."

The people nearby seemed to lean in a little, curious about what would happen next. Olivia blinked once, still a little frozen from Louis’s earlier claim.

Aurora sipped her drink slowly, as if watching a play unfold right in front of her eyes.

Louis did not even flinch. Instead, he gave a small nod, as if Mateo had just confirmed something he already knew.

"You are correct," Louis replied, his voice smooth and even.

"She does not have a boyfriend... yet." He paused for a second, letting his words sink in. "But I said future. In the future, I will be her boyfriend."

The way he spoke was so confident that a few people around them raised their eyebrows in surprise. Olivia’s eyes widened even more. Aurora quickly covered her mouth to keep from laughing, but her shoulders shook.

Mateo let out a slow sigh, the tension in his face easing just a little. He clearly did not like Louis, but he could not deny one thing. "I will not say Olivia is not beautiful," Mateo admitted.

"She is intelligent, smart, and very attractive. It is normal for someone like you to try to get her attention." He turned slightly toward Olivia, lowering his voice as if speaking to her directly.

"But that is one thing. You may say you are interested in her future, but I believe you will leave her for someone else sooner or later. I, on the other hand, will remain loyal to her forever. So Olivia, do not fall for such sweet words. Come to me instead, and I will take good care of you."

Olivia listened without a change in expression. Then she calmly rolled her eyes.

"I do not need anyone’s attention," she said. "I can live a good life even without you... both of you."

Aurora could not stop herself this time. She let out a sharp whistle, grinning widely. "My sister really knows how to bring a plot twist," she said with a teasing tone.

Olivia’s head snapped toward Aurora, her glare sharp enough to make a few people nearby wince. In her mind, she made a note to give Aurora a good scolding at home tonight... maybe even a light beating if Aurora kept pushing her luck.

Louis, however, found Aurora’s comment amusing. He chuckled, shaking his head.

"Looks like you are destined to be beaten at home tonight," he said lightly.

Aurora arched an eyebrow at him and fired back without hesitation.

"I do not know about me, but if you do not continue, your so-called future girlfriend might be taken away right in front of your eyes."

The word future made Louis lift one eyebrow, but he decided not to get into another back-and-forth with Aurora. Instead, he turned his attention back to Mateo. His eyes narrowed, his tone now carrying a hint of disgust.

"You should stop looking at Olivia with those greasy eyes. It is too disgusting to watch."

The bluntness of the insult hit Mateo like a slap. He froze, his mouth opening slightly, but no words came out at first. Aurora, meanwhile, burst into laughter so loudly that a couple of guests turned to stare.

Olivia was also stunned, unsure if she should laugh, sigh, or stop the whole thing.

Louis did not stop there. It was as if someone had fed him gunpowder and lit a match.

"You are not even handsome enough to be called handsome," he continued. "You are not wealthy enough to be called wealthy. On what basis do you think you can pursue Olivia?"

Mateo’s lips tightened, but Louis was already going on.

"And you say I would leave Olivia for someone else? Only a joker like you would imagine something so ridiculous." He pointed at Olivia, his tone softening for a moment but his words clear.

"Do you even know what Olivia has? She has beauty. She has intelligence. Even her mere presence makes people turn their heads to look at her. She may not come from an influential family now, but that is only for the moment. It is just a matter of time before her family rises and enters the upper class. When that happens, men like you will be lined up in a long queue, and you will still not have a single chance to be with her."

His voice carried a weight that made some of the people nearby nod without thinking. Aurora clapped her hands, grinning from ear to ear.

"So, you do have some kind of self-confidence after all."

Olivia’s cheeks turned a faint shade of red. She quickly hid it by glaring at Louis.

"Do not say such things," she told him firmly.

Then she looked at Mateo with the same calm expression she had used before.

"I do not wish to spend time with you. It would be better if you leave."

Louis gave a quick nod as if agreeing completely.

"If I were in your shoes," he told Mateo, "I would be so embarrassed I would probably leave the country altogether."

That was the last straw for Mateo. His face turned dark red, his fists clenching.

"I will teach you a good lesson," he said, pointing at Louis with clear anger in his eyes.