She was the treasured granddaughter Holden and Kiera adored. Even though her uncles weren't as gentle as the grandparents, they still sent her money and gifts for holidays and birthdays.
But now... all her glory, all that affection, was gone. Everything that was hers had been stolen by Serena!
Now, she had to carefully read Serena's mood just to survive. She didn't dare speak too loudly, make a sound when eating, or even walk with heavy footsteps. She was terrified of making a single mistake that Serena could use to have the family throw her out.
"Isabella Lancaster?" Silas's voice suddenly cut through the room.
Isabella's heart skipped a beat. She instantly plastered a sweet, obedient smile on her face and stepped forward with the fruit. "Yes, Silas? Would you like some fruit? I just—"
"Open the curtains a bit more," Silas ordered flatly. "It's too dark; it'll hurt Serena's eyes."
Isabella's smile froze.
"Yes..."
She lowered her head, hiding the stormy emotions in her eyes, set down the platter, and went to pull the curtains.
Three days later.
The Vinton family officially announced that they were hosting a grand debutante gala, The Vinton Debutante Gala, to formally introduce their true, long-lost heiress to high society.
The news sent shockwaves through the elite circles.
After all, rumors of Holden Vinton's imminent death had been spreading like wildfire just days ago. Then came the nation-shaking financial war. Everyone thought the Vinton empire was completely finished.
But miraculously, during those few hours under attack, they turned the tide. Not only did they stabilize their stock, but they ruthlessly devoured the short-sellers, draining them dry.
That legendary maneuver was going down in the financial history books!
Rumors were floating around that this miraculous victory was entirely due to the newly found heiress. And now the Vinton family was throwing a massive gala in her honor, all but confirming the rumors.
Instantly, socialites, powerful tycoons, and even members of The Royal House of
Vaelion were desperately digging for information on this mysterious heiress.
Hiding in a bathroom stall, Isabella furiously scrolled through the news on her phone. Her hands shook with jealousy.
The entire country was obsessed with the Vinton heiress.
The Vinton family had been established in the United Realmon States for years and was the very first Elyndor family to break into the apex of high society here. They an extremely
usually
low
profile.
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For them to make such a massive public spectacle, with Holden personally overseeing the preparations... it proved just how impossibly important this girl was to them.
Isabella was drowning in bitterness and resentment. She had never been treated with such reverence.
Worse still... during her previous
visits, Anna had taken her to
countless parties and galas. She had
made plent
of friends elite
circles. Many of them knew she was
in the country and were bombarding her phone, asking for insider information about Serena.
How was she supposed to answer? What could she possibly say?
She only knew one thing...
Once this gala happened, everyone would know that Serena was the true heiress.
And she, Isabella, had been a fake all along!