Chapter 609
Chapter 609
Chapter 609 Her Face Twisted With Anger
At the hotel, a magnificent red carpet stretched from the outside corridor and extended all the way to the interior. Media from all over the world were crowded along both sides of the carpet, as well as gossip reporters.
Camera flashes went off incessantly, seemingly more blinding than the sunlight.
Outside, luxury cars were lined up, showcasing the extraordinary status of their owners.
After all, those who were qualified to attend this banquet were the cream of the crop in both political and business circles. Being invited by William and his wife was considered a great honor by everyone. Firstly, it was a recognition of their own status and position, and secondly, they hoped to establish a closer relationship with him.
Just after nine o'clock, a black Bentley came to a gentle halt, stopping not far from the hotel.
The car door opened, and a tall man was the first to emerge.
He had striking and well-defined features that, with just one glance, would leave an unforgettable impression of awe and admiration on others.
Cayden gracefully extended his hand toward the woman in the car.
Someone rested her fair, delicate hand in his palm. Then, a pair of slender legs wearing diamond- studded flats stepped out from the vehicle.
The woman wore a light yellow, loose-fitting gown that concealed her large, pregnant belly. Her skin was smooth as silk and appeared especially supple against her light-colored dress.
Avery was feeling rather shy. “I'm a little nervous right now...”
He tightened his embrace around her slightly, inhaling the faint fragrance from her hair. Kissing her ear gently, he whispered, “Don't be afraid. I'm here. All you need to do is take care of yourself at the banquet. Rest assured that the Lambert family won't succeed in having a joyous reunion today.”
Her body trembled slightly. Although her tense expression relaxed slightly, a hint of helplessness flashed in her eyes. “I don't know if what I'm doing is right or wrong. Evangeline had such high hopes for finding her family. If she finds out that all of that came to nothing because of me, she'll definitely hate me, won't she? Had it not been for Evangeline's strong support during the cheating incident previously, I don't think I could've gotten out of that situation so quickly. But now, I've gone and...”
Gently, he tilted her head upward. “There's a time and place for kindness. Evangeline has unjustly taken your place and your parents from you. It was a mistake from the start, and it's something that shouldn't have happened. If we have the chance to stop this mistake, why should we let it continue? Besides, the truth always comes out eventually. Should there come a day when Mr. William and his wife discover that their daughter Evangeline is an imposter, it'll undoubtedly be another devastating blow to them. Could you bear to see that happen?”
“I...” Gazing at him, she cut in gently and said, “Don't say anything more. I know what to do now.”
The reporters surrounding the red carpet did not miss a single detail of the banquet. Amid the flashing of the cameras, the Lambert family's every move was captured.
Naturally, Evangeline was the star of the day.
She had her straight hair curled into voluminous waves that day, and a silver diamond tiara adorned the top of her head. She wore a gown that fitted her perfectly. The pink petals scattered on the ground caught among the folds of her white skirt, and with every step she took, she appeared as though she was treading on flowers. She looked like a princess who had just stepped out of a sea of flowers, eliciting gasps of admiration from everyone.
Meanwhile, Nicole was dressed in an emerald green gown with a plunging neckline, exuding a subtle aura of indescribable allure.
Ever since her pure and innocent image had been tarnished, she had decided to take a different approach, choosing to embrace a more sensual and provocative persona.
Quite a few journalists were secretly comparing the Lambert family's two daughters. One was pure and innocent while the other was sexy, and they were judging to see who was the more outstanding of the two.
Some even speculated about whether Nicole's status as an adopted daughter would be threatened now that the Lambert family's biological daughter had been found. After all, an adopted child could never truly compare to one's own flesh and blood.
“Evangeline, the banquet is about to begin shortly, and you might have to do some interviews with the media. All you need to do is make a brief statement. Leave the rest to your father and me. You don't have to be too nervous.” Claire gently stroked Evangeline's hair while patiently giving her advice.
Evangeline's hands tugged at her skirt as her lips curved into a sweet smile. “I know, Mom. Thank you.”
With a loving expression, Claire gently patted Evangeline's head, then turned to Nicole and said, “Nickie, you have more experience under the spotlight than your sister. Be sure to guide her a bit later, okay?”
Nicole linked arms with Evangeline, displaying a seemingly deep sisterly bond. She said reassuringly, “Don't worry, Mom. With me by my sister's side, nothing will go wrong.”
Claire nodded, showing complete trust in her adopted daughter. After leaving Nicole and Evangeline with a few instructions, she went to attend to some other matters.
The other heiresses in the hall gathered around Evangeline.
They had always hung around Nicole previously, but now, completely unaware of Evangeline's true identity, they began to fawn over her instead, flattering and pleasing her in every way while clearly neglecting Nicole.
Evangeline had never received such treatment before and was a little taken aback for a moment.
However, seeing so many glamorous and wealthy young ladies trying to get into her good books, she felt as though she was on cloud nine. She was practically dizzy with happiness. The life of the elite is truly wonderful and beautiful!
Nicole watched the scene coldly. Ha! What a bunch of susceptible idiots!
As for Navya, who always had a good relationship with Nicole, she did not behave like the other young
ladies, flattering and fawning over Evangeline. Instead, she continued to stay by Nicole's side.
Ever since Navya betrayed Nicole to Cayden, it went without saying that Nicole bore a deep-seated grudge against her.
However, thinking that Navya could still be useful to her in the future, Nicole pretended to forgive her and invited her to the banquet.
Observing Evangeline's expression as she reveled in being the center of attraction, her lips curled with disdain. “Nickie, I apologize for what happened before. I really had no choice at that time. You know how ruthless Cayden can be. However, I promise that nothing like that will ever happen again. Don't worry. Even though Evangeline is back, I'm still your most loyal friend. The friendship we've shared all these years isn't something she can destroy.”
Nicole gave an almost imperceptible snicker. Then, she said impassively, “Let's not bring up the past. Just don't disappoint me in the future.” This belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.
“I swear I'll never—” Navya was about to vow that she would not do so when a wave of gasps suddenly echoed through the hall, causing quite a stir.
Nicole turned around. The moment she saw Cayden and Avery, her face twisted with anger.
All the spotlights were trained on the couple.
Cayden looked absurdly dashing as usual, and his every move exuded a distinguished and elegant air. Next to him was the petite and charming Avery, her breathtaking beauty reminiscent of an exquisite and graceful lyric poem.
As soon as they appeared, they drew everyone's attention.