[
BONUS
Chapter
for reaching 400 PS! Thank you all!🤍 ]
===🤍===
The heavy doors at the entrance slammed open, echoing through the grand hall.
Every head turned as Sinclair strode in with a beautiful man behind him. But it wasn't just Sinclair that held their attention. Walking beside him was a woman of such breathtaking beauty that the crowd collectively gasped.
She was more than stunning—borderline ethereal, as if she had stepped out of a dream. Her every movement was fluid, graceful, with an air of quiet strength that immediately pulled all attention to her.
Her gown was nothing short of mesmerizing. Crafted from a shimmering silk-like fabric, it flowed effortlessly around her, catching the light with every subtle movement. The color was a deep, iridescent midnight blue, which contrasted beautifully against her porcelain skin, with hints of silver thread woven throughout, making her appear as though she were draped in the night sky.
The bodice of the gown was form-fitting, intricately embroidered with delicate silver and diamond-like embellishments that swirled in patterns reminiscent of stardust, drawing attention to her graceful figure. The neckline was daring yet tasteful, plunging in a soft V-shape, framed with fine lace that added an air of timeless sophistication.
The sleeves were sheer, trailing down to her wrists, with more intricate beading that seemed to sparkle with every movement, like constellations on her arms. From the waist, the gown cascaded into a voluminous skirt that seemed to float behind her as she walked, a long train trailing elegantly on the marble floor.
Every step she took was as though she were gliding, her gown creating the illusion of ethereal grace and power.
To complete the look, she wore a delicate silver diadem adorned with tiny sapphires, resting gently in her flowing light purple hair, giving her the appearance of a queen stepping out of a fairy tale. The entire ensemble radiated a quiet, regal power, making her the undeniable center of attention the moment she entered the room.
The jewels adorning her were nothing compared to the natural elegance she exuded. Eyes widened, whispers grew frantic, and all the air seemed to vanish from the room.
Of course, it was none other than Eve.
The very crowd that they had just dismissed as a fake heiress was now standing at the entrance, more powerful, more radiant than anyone had ever imagined.
The fake Rosette had returned, and her entrance was nothing short of a storm.
"Father . . . what is she doing here?" Sophie's voice trembled with indignation, her face pale with disbelief.
Sullivan, standing beside her, was equally confused—his expression a storm of anger and shock.
It was supposed to be Sophie's night, her moment to shine. But the instant
Eve
entered the room, all eyes shifted to her. It was as if Sophie had been forgotten in an instant, her birthday celebration overshadowed by the woman.
And worst of all . . . Eve wasn't alone. She was with
Sinclair
!
The grandfather who didn't even acknowledge her, his true flesh and blood, and yet was beside a woman of unknown birth.
Sophie's heart clenched, her fists tightening as tears welled up in her eyes. How could this happen? Why did Eve have to show up *
now
, on the most important day of her life? Of all the days, why this one?
"Eve!" she hissed internally, her fury threatening to spill over. It wasn't enough that Eve had always been in the background, quietly siphoning attention away from her, but now she'd come to ruin everything
. On her very important day!
Sophie's voice cracked as she turned to her father, desperation lacing her words. "Daddy, do something!" Her hands balled into fists, her nails digging into her palms.
Sullivan's eyes flashed with anger as he addressed his father. "What is the meaning of this, father? Why did you bring her here?" His tone was sharp, his emotions barely contained.
But while Sullivan's outrage simmered, Sinclair remained calm and composed. His piercing gaze swept over the crowd, ignoring his son's demand. Instead, he turned to the gathered guests, his tone commanding silence.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Sinclair began, his voice echoing through the room, "I understand that tonight must be filled with confusion for many of you." He paused, allowing the tension to build.
Sophie's heart pounded in her chest, each word from her grandfather sending her deeper into dread.
"As you all know by now, Sophie is the true daughter of the Rosette family." Sinclair's gaze briefly flickered to Sophie, his expression unreadable. "But what you don't know . . . is that Eve has been serving the Rosette family in secret, safeguarding Sophie's place for all these years."
A shocked murmur rippled through the crowd. Sophie's blood ran cold.
Safeguarding her place?
What was he talking about?!
Sinclair continued, his voice filled with authority and finality. "For her loyalty and service to the Rosette family, and for protecting Sophie throughout her life, I have made a decision."
Sophie's breath hitched.
No . . . what's he doing?
"I will officially adopt Eve as my daughter."
The words echoed in Sophie's mind like a death knell. The room spun as she struggled to process the words. Eve.
Her
. A
Rosette! What nonsense is this?!
Sinclair's voice boomed one final time, sealing his words. "From this day forward, she will be known as Eve Rosette."
The crowd erupted into a frenzy of buzzing whispers. Sophia stood frozen in disbelief, while Sophie's mouth dropped open, stunned by the turn of events. But it was Sullivan's thunderous voice that shattered through the noise, brimming with fury.
"You can't do this,
Father
!" Sullivan roared, dashing down the grand staircase, leaving Sophie abandoned in the spotlight, her figure shrinking as the chaos swirled around her. She stood there, lost, like a deer caught in the headlights, unsure of how to navigate the disaster.
Sinclair met Sullivan's charge with a raised eyebrow, his voice dripping with cold sneer . "I can't?" he asked, his tone sharp as a blade. "And who are you to tell me what I can and cannot do? Have you forgotten who I am?"