Winds Carry Lost Promises by Asa Holt Vale 77 Summary
In Chapter 77 of “Winds Carry Lost Promises,” Marina arrives at Snowy House, feeling a mix of gratitude and apprehension about attending a gathering that she doubts she would have been invited to without her friend Kara. As they approach the venue, Marina’s unease grows, especially given the current instability of the Finley Group, which looms over her thoughts like a shadow. Kara’s comforting presence helps to ease her tension, yet Marina can’t shake the feeling of scrutiny that awaits them inside.
Upon entering, they are greeted by a lavish setting and the cold demeanor of Mallory, who feigns warmth while clearly relishing the opportunity to belittle Marina. The atmosphere is thick with unspoken judgments as the guests’ eyes turn toward Marina, and her attempt to maintain composure in the face of Mallory’s condescension becomes a silent battle. Despite her outward politeness, Marina feels the weight of their scrutiny, and the tension escalates as Mallory makes thinly veiled comments about the decline of the Finley Group, further exacerbating the already strained situation.
Kara’s protective instincts kick in as she senses the hostility directed at Marina, and she confronts Mallory, leading to an explosive moment that shatters the facade of politeness in the room. Kara’s fierce loyalty shines through as she decides to leave with Marina, refusing to tolerate the mockery any longer. Their exit is punctuated by a dramatic glass shattering, symbolizing the break from the toxic environment they refuse to accept.
Once in the safety of their private room, the tension dissipates, and Marina allows herself to relax. The earlier mockery turns into laughter as they reflect on the absurdity of the situation. Kara’s playful teasing about Mallory’s desperation for social status brings a genuine smile to Marina’s face, highlighting the bond between them. While Marina acknowledges the judgment she faces, she also recognizes the strength her sister has shown in navigating this world, hinting at the deeper emotional scars that come from years of enduring such social dynamics.
Ultimately, the chapter encapsulates a moment of resilience against the backdrop of social hierarchy and personal insecurities. Marina’s experience at Snowy House serves as a reminder of the challenges she faces, but also the unwavering support from Kara, suggesting that together, they can confront the mockery and judgment that has long defined their interactions within this elite circle.
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**Winds Carry Lost Promises by Asa Holt**
**Chapter 77**
The sleek black car rolled to a stop in front of the imposing structure known as Snowy House.
Marina leaned closer to the window, her gaze fixed on the elegant facade of the building. It was a sight she had seen many times before, yet today, it felt different. A faint smile danced on her lips, but it barely reached her eyes, which were clouded with uncertainty.
“If it weren’t for you, I seriously doubt Mallory would have even extended an invitation for me to this gathering,” Marina remarked, her tone a mix of gratitude and disbelief.
As they stepped out of the car, the entrance of Snowy House loomed before them, guarded by a line of stern-faced security personnel. They stood like sentinels, scrutinizing each guest as they arrived, ensuring that no one slipped in uninvited.
“Didn’t she cling to you for years, yearning to be your friend? And besides, with me by your side, what’s there to fear?” Kara said, intertwining her fingers with Marina’s as she leaned in, her voice laced with warmth and affection.
Marina couldn’t help but smile, nudging her head affectionately against Kara’s shoulder.
“I’m not afraid,” she replied, though deep down, uncertainty gnawed at her. Given the precarious state of the Finley Group, fear was a luxury she could ill afford.
Together, they made their way into Snowy House, the atmosphere shifting as they crossed the threshold. The staff, recognizing Kara, immediately waved them through without a second glance, their routine of checks momentarily forgotten.
Once inside, Kara took the lead, guiding Marina through a beautifully designed courtyard adorned with intricate patterns and down a hallway lined with antique decor. Each step felt like a passage into a world of elegance and unspoken tension.
Kara gracefully hooked her arm around Marina’s and pushed open the door to their private room. A decorative screen stood just inside, obscuring their view of the guests seated around a lavishly set table.
At the head of the table sat Mallory, her expression bright with a welcoming smile that felt anything but genuine. The two empty seats flanking her were clearly reserved for Marina and Kara.
As they entered, Mallory made no effort to rise, merely glancing their way as she coolly remarked, “You’re here?”
Her voice was soft, almost condescending, her gaze lingering on Marina with an unsettling familiarity.
“Marina, it’s been quite a while,” Mallory added, her tone dripping with feigned warmth.
At her words, every head at the table turned to scrutinize Marina, their eyes flickering with a mix of curiosity and judgment.
Maintaining her composure, Marina offered a polite smile, her posture straightening as she replied, “It truly has been a while.”
Mallory’s eyes roamed over Marina’s figure, her eyebrow arching slightly as if issuing a silent challenge. “We were just discussing you, actually.”
The smiles around the table felt rigid, the underlying tension palpable. It was clear that their conversation had not been one of fond reminiscence.
“Oh? It’s been ages. I’m sure everyone must have missed me,” Marina said, her voice light yet laced with an edge.
Kara’s eyes darted around the table, noticing how the others quickly averted their gazes, unwilling to engage.
Mallory let out a soft, almost mocking laugh. “Come on, sit down. Don’t just stand there. I saved these seats for you two.”
As soon as the invitation left Mallory’s lips, one of the guests quickly stood up, pulling out a chair for Kara with an eagerness that spoke volumes.
“Come on, Kara, have a seat,” the guest urged, clearly eager to please.
Despite Mallory’s dismissive attitude toward Marina, the others were keenly aware of her presence and wouldn’t dare ignore her.
Kara, however, didn’t rush to sit. Instead, she pulled out a chair beside her for Marina, her intent clear.
“Marina, sit,” Kara insisted, her voice firm yet gentle.
Marina didn’t hesitate; she took her seat with grace, feeling the weight of the room’s scrutiny. Only after she settled did Kara take her place beside her, and a ripple of discomfort flitted across the faces of several guests.
Mallory shot them a quick glance but chose to remain silent, a slight smirk playing on her lips.
“So, Marina, now that you’re back in Vrufield, are you planning to stay with the Finley Group?” Mallory asked, her tone casual, yet her eyes sparkled with undisguised condescension.
The room was thick with the unspoken knowledge of the Finley Group’s decline, a fact that hadn’t escaped anyone’s notice.
It had been years since the Finley Group had graced the Gill Family’s banquet list, a mark of their waning influence.
Marina straightened her posture, meeting Mallory’s gaze with unwavering resolve.
“If nothing unexpected happens, I won’t be staying with the Finley Group for now,” Marina replied, her voice steady.
Mallory nodded, feigning agreement, her expression a mask of faux sympathy.
“That’s for the best. People should always find a way out for themselves. Otherwise, when the Finley Group collapses, you might have nowhere to go,” Mallory said, her words laced with mock concern.
Kara’s expression darkened as she turned to glare at Mallory, ready to defend Marina, but Marina gently squeezed her hand beneath the table, urging her to hold back.
In her mind, Marina thought, ‘This level of mockery is nothing. Just a scratch on the surface.’
Mallory shot Marina a sideways glance, her lips curling into a satisfied smile as she raised her glass, playing the gracious host.
“Come, everyone, let’s raise a glass to Marina and welcome her back into our circle,” Mallory announced, her voice dripping with false cheer.
At her cue, the guests complied, lifting their glasses in a choreographed motion.
Marina offered a small, polite smile, lifting her glass in response, though her heart was far from celebratory.
Kara, however, remained motionless, her eyes locked onto Mallory with a fierce intensity.
“What’s that supposed to mean, Mallory?” Kara demanded, her voice sharp.
Mallory adopted her most innocent expression, feigning surprise. “Nothing at all. Just welcoming Marina back to Vrufield,” she replied, her tone sugary sweet.
Kara’s frown deepened, her anger simmering just below the surface. Mallory tilted her head, maintaining an air of feigned innocence as she glanced at Marina.
“Marina, did I say something wrong? Did I offend you?” Mallory asked, her voice dripping with false sweetness.
Before Marina could respond, Kara interjected coldly, “You know exactly what you said.”
Mallory set her glass down, letting out a soft laugh, her eyes twinkling with a hint of insincerity. “Marina, if anything I said offended you, then I apologize. I didn’t mean it.”
Her apology felt hollow, lacking any real remorse, as if she were bestowing a favor upon Marina.
“I suppose I still remember you as the radiant girl from ten years ago. I must have forgotten that time changes people. With the Finley Group declining year after year, it’s only natural for you to become sensitive. Even insecure,” Mallory continued, her voice dripping with feigned concern.
Kara’s expression turned icy, and without a word, she brushed her glass aside, standing up and taking Marina’s hand in hers.
The room fell silent, all eyes glued to the unfolding scene, too intimidated to breathe.
Mallory maintained her smile, her demeanor friendly on the surface. “Kara, I already said sorry. What more do you want?”
Kara shot her a look that mirrored the condescension Mallory had previously directed at Marina, her voice steady and cold.
“Nothing, really. No wonder they say that about you. I’ll pick up the tab. Marina and I are leaving,” Kara declared, her tone final.
With that, she took Marina’s hand firmly and began to make her way to the door, causing Mallory’s composure to fracture entirely.
“Who’s ‘them?’” Mallory snapped, her voice sharp and laced with irritation.
All of her previous smugness evaporated, leaving behind a raw edge of frustration.
Kara smirked, offering a deliberately vague response. “Who do you think?”
As they exited, the sound of a wine glass shattering echoed ominously from within the room.
A waiter rushed in to investigate the commotion, his face a mask of concern.
Kara turned to Marina, a triumphant smile lighting up her features. She led Marina to a private room that had been booked just for the two of them, a sanctuary away from the tension.
“She acts all high and mighty, but it’s just because her aunt became the Milner Family’s mistress. She got lucky and thinks she’s suddenly a big shot,” Kara scoffed, her disdain evident.
Once they were alone in the cozy confines of the private room, Marina finally allowed herself to relax, a genuine smile breaking through her earlier tension.
“So, who were you referring to when you mentioned ‘they’?” Marina inquired, her curiosity piqued.
Kara’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned in closer, whispering, “I was just messing with her. She probably thought I meant those wealthy heiresses she’s been desperately trying to cozy up to.”
Marina blinked in surprise before laughter bubbled up, spilling forth uncontrollably.
“She’ll probably be up all night stressing over it,” Marina chuckled, the weight of the earlier encounter lifting.
Mallory might have gained status through her aunt’s audacious maneuvers, but no matter how much influence the Gill family accumulated, Mallory’s connections would never rival those of Kara, who had been navigating the upper echelons of society from day one.
In this social sphere, people were divided into tiers, an unspoken hierarchy that dictated interactions.
Today, Marina had merely tasted the mockery that had long been directed at her.
But she knew that her sister had likely endured years of judgmental stares and subtle barbs from this crowd, silently weathering the storm while maintaining her dignity.
Conclusion
As Marina and Kara found solace in the intimate space of their private room, the earlier tension began to dissipate, replaced by a renewed sense of camaraderie and strength. The laughter that bubbled between them served as a balm, reminding Marina of the unwavering support that Kara provided, which she had once feared was fragile. The mockery of Mallory and the scrutinizing eyes of the guests had been a test, one that Marina had faced with a steadiness she didn’t know she possessed. In that moment, she realized that the true measure of her worth was not dictated by the opinions of others but by the bonds she nurtured with those who genuinely cared. The winds that carried lost promises had begun to shift, bringing with them a sense of hope and resilience.
With the echoes of laughter still ringing in her ears, Marina felt a spark of determination ignite within her. The encounter at Snowy House had been a reminder of the challenges she faced, but it also illuminated the strength she had gained over the years. No longer would she allow herself to be defined by the shadows of the Finley Group’s decline or the disdain of those who thrived on superiority. Instead, she would carve her own path, one that honored her journey and the love she shared with Kara. As they sat together, the weight of the past began to lift, and Marina embraced the promise of a brighter future, fortified by the knowledge that she was not alone in this fight.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**
As the tension from the evening at Snowy House lingers in the air, the next chapter promises to delve deeper into the complex dynamics of Marina’s re-entry into a world filled with unspoken rivalries and hidden agendas. With the aftermath of Mallory’s biting remarks still fresh in their minds, Marina and Kara will find themselves navigating the treacherous waters of social politics, where every smile may conceal a dagger. The fragile alliances and simmering resentments within the elite circles of Vrufield will be put to the test, and Marina must decide how to position herself amidst the shifting loyalties that threaten to engulf her.
Expect revelations that will challenge Marina’s perception of friendship and trust, as she and Kara confront the ghosts of their pasts. With the looming decline of the Finley Group casting a shadow over their future, Marina’s resolve will be tested as she contemplates her next steps. Will she succumb to the pressures of the elite society that once rejected her, or will she carve her own path, armed with newfound confidence and the unwavering support of her sister? As the winds carry lost promises, the stakes will rise, and the choices made in the next chapter will shape not only Marina’s destiny but the very fabric of her relationships in this unforgiving world.
