Chapter 121
Chapter 121
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“Everyone in Virelia knows that Sophia was kicked out of the Stewart Family ages ago. She has absolutely nothing to do with us, Felicity said, her face betraying an unmistakable look of disdain at the mere mention of Sophia.
“She chose to throw her life away, and that has nothing to do with us. From now on, treat her like a stranger. Do not let her drag down your status as a lady of high society. Understood?”
Felicity had never felt any real connection to Sophia. From the very beginning, she resented the fact that Sophia was a girl.
Back then, both she and Griffin had been preoccupied with their careers, so they simply shipped Sophia off to their hometown, leaving her in the care of Griffin’s mother, Margaret.
Felicity had met Sophia a few times over the years, but the girl’s personality was far from endearing.
She always wore a cold, unreadable expression, her sharp eyes eerily perceptive, so much so that when she looked at people, it felt like she could see right through them, peeling away all their secrets. It was unsettling. Felicity despised that.
And when she later found out that Sophia wasn’t even her biological daughter, she breathed a sigh of relief. At the very least. it proved that she was a normal mother.
Her lack of affection for Sophia wasn’t her fault. Sophia simply wasn’t hers to begin with.
Now, Chloe was everything Felicity could ever want in a daughter. She had no interest in bringing up Sophia ever again.
The girl had been cast out of the Stewart Family and was no longer their concern. Even if she contracted some disease and died alone in the streets, it would have nothing to do with them.
Hearing footsteps outside, Felicity gave Chloe’s shoulder a reassuring pat and leaned in slightly. “Be good. People who do not matter are not worth your time or energy. Right now, your only priority is to dress yourself up beautifully and stand by Ethan’s side, looking your absolute best when you meet his parents.”
Although the Stewart Family and the Baker Family had arranged a marriage alliance long ago, Chloe’s background, having grown up in a poor district, made her unworthy in the eyes of the Baker Family, who considered themselves far superior.
Even at the grand reception hosted for Chloe last time, Ethan’s parents had refused to attend. Ethan had been the only one who showed up, publicly acknowledging their engagement on his own.
Today, Howard and Gloria had finally agreed to make an appearance. They had invited the Stewart Family over for a formal discussion regarding the wedding.
This meeting was a critical step, one that could determine whether the Stewart Family could rise to the next level of power and influence,
If Chloe could win over Howard and Gloria, securing the alliance between the Stewart and Baker families, there would be a massive leap forward.
“All of this is thanks to Chloe winning Ethan’s favor. That is my daughter, brilliant, charming, and impossible not to love,” Felicity thought, a surge of satisfaction filling her chest.
She clapped her hands, signaling for the people outside to enter. The next second, a team of professional stylists filed in
Meanwhile, the Stewart Family’s butler wheeled in a clothing rack. “Ms. Stewart, come and try on the custom dress that Mrs. Stewart had made just for you.”
Chloe’s eyes lit up with excitement. She immediately sprang to her feet and dashed toward the rack. “Mom! Last time, you promised me you’d get me a custom piece from Luminous‘ new collection. Did you really manage to get one?” she asked eagerly “Luminous designs are my absolute favorite! Thank you so much!
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As she spoke, she reached forward and pulled open the curtain draped over the rack. But before she could even finish her
sentence..
The moment the fabric fell away, revealing the dress inside, Chloe’s voice caught in her throat. A long white grown hung before her, its pristine fabric shimmering under the light. It was elegant and refined, a clear mark of luxury.
But it was not Luminous.
The disappointment in Chloe’s expression was instant and obvious,
Her mother had promised her a piece from Luminous, the one brand she adored, the one the idolized Luminous latest collection was all she truly wanted.
That was what symbolized status; what truly set apart the elite.
Chloe had been hinting to Felicity for a long time. She wanted to wear the latest Luminous gown for this crucial meeting with Howard and Gloria. She had envisioned herself making a breathtaking entrance, leaving them in awe and securing her place as the future daughter–in–law of the Baker Family.
But now, standing before this dress, she felt a wave of disappointment crash over her. Yes, it was luxurious. Yes, it was a designer piece. But it was nowhere near the impact that a Luminous gown would have had.
She bit down on her rosy lips, a flicker of resentment rising in her heart toward Felicity.
Still, Chloe was a seasoned actress. She had learned how to read people and adapt. This was the very skill that had allowed her, a girl from a poor neighborhood, to seize the rare opportunity to study abroad.
Without that ability, someone of her background would never have been able to climb her way up, let alone become the close companion of Xandra, daughter of the prestigious Roscente Family.
Out of the corner of her eye, she caught the way Felicity’s expression darkened, a hint of embarrassment flashing across her face. Chloe swiftly adjusted her demeanor, pretending not to notice the change in Felicity’s mood.
She kept her gaze fixed on the dress, holding her pose just long enough before suddenly widening her eyes, making them sparkle with excitement. “Wow!” she gasped, her voice filled with exaggerated wonder.
Turning back to Felicity, she beamed, her entire face lighting up with joy. “Mom, this dress is absolutely gorgeous! I love it! I really love it! Thank you so much for picking out such a stunning gown for me!”
Felicity’s expression had been gloomy just moments ago due to Chloe’s earlier mention of the Luminous collection. But seeing Chloe’s enthusiastic reaction now, her features softened.
There was not a single flaw in Chloe’s performance, not a crack in her joyful expression, not even a flicker of insincerity in her eyes.
Felicity knew the life Chloe had come from one of the struggles, one where luxury was an impossible dream. Even now, being able to wear a custom gown worth 150 thousand dollars was already the pinnacle of her life’s achievements.
Felicity stepped forward, taking Chloe’s hand in hers. I’m so glad you love it,” she said. “I put a lot of thought into choosing it for you.”
She let out a small sigh, gently patting the back of Chloe’s hand. “I know how much you adore Luminous,” she continued, her voice laced with a mother’s patience. “But you have to understand that pieces designed by Luminous master designer are not something you can just buy on a whim, let alone a custom–made one.
“I hope you won’t hold it against me. But I promise you this. When you and Ethan get married, I will find a way to make sure you walk down that aisle in a gown designed by Luminous. How does that sound?”
Chloe’s eyes turned misty, her face full of heartfelt emotion. Gripping Felicity’s hand tightly, she slowly rested her head
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against Felicity’s shoulder, her voice soft and sweet, laced with affection. “Mom, I know you’ve already done everything you could to make my dream come true. I really do, she murmured. “And I truly love this dress. I can tell just by looking at it that it’s perfect for me. You must have spent so much time picking it out.”
“Thank you,
–
Mom. I love you the most. Her delicate, affectionate tone sent a tremor through Felicity’s heart.
For twenty years, Felicity had never experienced this kind of intimacy with a daughter and never felt the warmth of a child. leaning into her with such reliance.
This is my daughter, my baby girl. Indeed, only my own daughter can make me feel this close, she wondered.
Felicity reached up and gently ran her fingers through Chloe’s hair. “You are a grown woman now, still acting like a little girl.” she chided fondly. “Hurry and change into your gown. Ethan will be here to pick you up any minute.”
Chloe’s cheeks flushed a rosy pink. She gave a shy nod, obediently following the professional styling team as they led her away to be transformed.
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