NovelEnglishChapter 15 The Vaughan Group's 30th Anniversary Gala The mansion was buzzing with life, its grand chandelier blazing overhead, bathing the entire ballroom in golden light.
A renowned pianist played a graceful, flowing melody on a glossy black Steinway, while waiters in crisp tuxedos glided through the crowd, silver trays of champagne flutes balanced expertly in their hands.
Tonight, every man was dressed to the nines in tailored suits, while the women floated by in an array of designer evening gowns.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtIsadora had chosen a simple, high-necked, one-shoulder black dress that hugged her figure. The elegant cut drew subtle attention to her porcelain skin-though she was careful to hide the faint marks Victor had left at her collarbone.
Earlier, Eleanor had sent over a slinky, jewel-toned gown for Isadora to wear: plunging neckline, open back, the sort of thing designed to make a statement. Isadora had barely glanced at it before tucking it away. There was no way she'd step out in that tonight.
When she finally entered the ballroom, she caught sight of Pearl immediately.
Pearl's hair was swept into a graceful chignon, her makeup flawless, and she wore a sapphire velvet gown adorned with shimmering crystals that glittered each tshe moved. The deep V neckline and tic open back left little to the imagination, and her sweeping train gave her the air of a princess holding court. A crocodile-skin designer clutch dangled from her wrist, and she clung possessively to Eleanor's arm, the two of them inseparable.
From a corner of the room, a whisper of gossip floated over the clinking glasses and laughter.
"Look at Pearl, strutting around like she owns the place. She wants everyone to know she's the favorite. Who doesn't know about the Vaughan family's little scandal all those years ago the whole real-versus-fake daughter mix-up?" "I still don't get it. The Vaughans dote on the girl who isn't even their own, but their real daughter barely gets a second glance." "I see Eleanor everywhere with Pearl! Last week I spotted them at the mall- Eleanor was buying her armfuls of designer bags, with bodyguards trailing behind, struggling to carry it all." "And poor Isadora. She finally got reunited with the Vaughans, but she didn't kick Pearl out-she's still the one getting sidelined. She's the real daughter, but somehow she's the one treated like a stranger." "It's not that simple. The Vaughans raised Pearl for twenty years; of course their hearts are with her, no matter what." "If you ask me, Isadora's only shot at turning things around is marrying Magnus." "Speaking of Magnus, will that even happen? Didn't you hear-just two days ago, he threw a fake wedding for that old flof his." "Isadora's got it rough. Her parents only have eyes for their adopted daughter, and even her fiancé is hung up on someone else." Eleanor's eyes narrowed when she noticed Isadora drifting in late. Her expression darkened further when she realized Magnus wasn't with her.
Trying to keep the annoyance out of her voice, Eleanor leaned in and asked under her breath, "Why are you by yourself? Where's Magnus?" Isadora glanced briefly at Pearl, who was still gripping Eleanor's arm as if staking her claim. She had no intention of explaining herself. "He's not coming withtonight," she replied simply.
The truth was, since the kidnapping, she hadn't spoken to Magnus at all. She'd seen his nflash across her phone screen once, but what did that matter? After what he'd said to the kidnappers that night-after he'd thrown her to the wolves-she'd given up on him for good.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
Pearl, meanwhile, could barely hide her contempt whenever she laid eyes on Isadora. She blamed Isadora for upending her life. Even though m Richard and Eleanox still doted dand on her, Pearl knew deep down that she wasn't their real daughter. In the beginning, Isadora's presence hadn't threatened her place in the family. But now, with Isadora poised to marry Magnus, Richard and Eleanor were finally starting to pay attention to their biological child-and that was intolerable.
The thought gnawed at Pearl: what if the Vaughans changed their minds? What if they stopped loving her and sent her packing? If that happened, she'd have nothing left. No, she told herself fiercely, there could only be one daughter of the Vaughan family, and it had to be her. Forcing a smile, Pearl remarked, "Isadora, that dress is awfully plain for such a big night. This is our family's 30th anniversary, and half the city's elite are here. You're our daughter, too-don't you think you should make an effort for the family's image?" Eleanor, prompted by Pearl's words, finally took a closer look at Isadora.
The black dress set off Isadora's pale skin, and its fitted silhouette made her look statuesque. But tonight, the Vaughans were hosts and the rest of eT the family had gone all out in tic gowns and sparkling jewels. Next to them, Isadora's understated style looked almost out of place-striking, but undeniably simple. She wasn't wearing a single piece of jewelry.
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
