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12:50 Wed, Nov 13
Chapter 122
As night fell and the city lights flickered on, a fleet of luxury cars lined the entrance of the Everland Hotel.
Everyone in Dellanex knew that tonight was the Carnegie family’s acknowledgment party.
The Carnegie family had reserved the entire Everland Hotel for the event, inviting countless political and business elites. It was a far grander occasion than the charity auctions usually held here.
Outside the security perimeter, reporters stood on their toes, eager for any scoop. Flashbulbs went off rapidly as each VIP. usually only seen on the news, entered.
One of the reporters was surprised, “Wow, look over there. Isn’t that Michael Huxley, the head of the Huxley family, one of the three prominent families in Dellanex? I heard Mr. Huxley’s been unwell these past few years and rarely attends such events. Who would’ve thought he’d show up!”
Another said, “And there’s Henry Reyes, the head of the Reyes family. All three of Dellanex’s great families have gathered. tonight”
One added, “If there is a Sinclair were to attend, that would really make headlines.”
Someone let out a dry laugh, clearly amused. The person who said that obviously didn’t understand the status of the Sinclair family in Heloria. They operated on a completely different level,
A family like the Sinclair’s could determine the fate of these so–called powerful families with the snap of a finger. No matter how influential the Carnegie family might be, inviting a Sinclair was out of the question.
A few more political heavyweights arrived, causing the chatter to die down as cameras were raised to capture every
moment.
The Carnegie family’s acknowledgment party dominated all the entertainment headlines tonight,
At 8 PM sharp, the grandest ballroom in the Everland Hotel was blready filled with guests mingling in small groups, toasting with glasses in hand. Every man had either a family member by his side or a stunning companion.
Waiters wove through the crowd, balancing trays in hand.
After a melodious symphony from the live band came to a close the ballroom lights converged on the staircase on the second floor.
Conversations halted as everyone turned their attention toward the stairs.
A young woman in a vintage black retro evening gown descended gracefully, her arm linked with Theo, who wore a sleek gray modern–style suit.
The gown’s hem swept the floor, and the bodice and skirt were allorned with mesh and shimmering silver fragments. Thin straps ran from her shoulders to her back, revealing her striking shoulder blades. On her head sat an antique black crown worth millions of dollars.
She was like the most elegant and dazzling black swan gliding across a serene lake.
At this moment, every guest in the ballroom was utterly captivated–not just by her beauty but by the vibe she exuded, something unattainable, beyond reach.
Theo noticed all the gazes and puffed out his chest with pride. His graying hair, slicked back with precision, made him appear more radiant than ever. He resisted the urge to show off or he’d be parading his granddaughter in front of Michael to gloat. ‘Forget it. Better not provoke Michael tonight, Theo thought.
12:50 Wed, Nov 13
Chapter 122
Ophelia had no idea what was running through Theo’s mind. All she sensed was a sharp, hostile gaze directed at her.
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“Wow, Rex, is this our sister? Why didn’t you tell me she’s this stunning?” Howard Carnegie, the youngest son in the Carnegie family, was seeing Ophelia for the first time, his eyes practically sparkling
Rex shot a sidelong glance at Howard, his expression darkening. He thought, ‘How is he calling her “sister” so naturally? He suddenly felt like he was no longer Ophelia’s only little brother.
The eldest, Jackson Carnegie, was quite pleased with this new sister. Finally, there was someone soft and sweet to adore him. He glanced at his two younger brothers, who were behaving like excitable huskies, unable to hide the disdain in his eyes,
“First of all, I want to thank everyone for attending the Carnegie family’s acknowledgment party. This young lady beside me is my granddaughter, Opheha,” Theo announced proudly.
The room erupted in applause.
The Carnegie family stood proudly at the front, each smiling warmly. They had chosen to hold the event on this particular night, just before the holidays, because the entire family had gathered. Theo’s eldest daughter, Clara, second son, Finlay, and his two grandsons, Jackson and Howard, who had recently returned from studying abroad, were all
present,
“I hereby officially declare that Ophelia is now part of the Carnegie family lineage. She will receive five percent of Carnegie Group shares and ten percent of the family’s assets and enjoy the same inheritance rights as my two grandsons.” Theo’s voice rang out clearly, resonating throughout the grand hall.
All eyes turned to the younger generation of the Carnegie family, but Jackson and Howard led the applause without hesitation, showing no sign of objection.
The ballroom once again filled with applause.
Finlay then brought out the prepared agreement, notarizing it to everyone.
It was only then that the reality began to sink in for Ophelia. Judging by the audience’s reactions, she could tell how incredible this event was.
In wealthy families, acknowledgment parties like this were never this serious. Most new members could barely attend family gatherings, let alone enjoy such privileges. This was the kind of thing others could only dream of
Down in the crowd, Miles watched the graceful figure on stage, filled with deep regret. The girl who had once chased after him was gone.
After Theo’s announcement, the party officially began.
Clara introduced Ophelia to members of the Reyes family, and then Bethany brought her over to greet the Huxley family.
It was then that Ophelia realized the intricate relationships between the three great families. These century–old families, with their unshakable foundations, maintained their power through strategic marriages between their children.
It seemed Ophelia had misunderstood the Carnegie family before–much of what she had learned about them was inaccurate.
“Hey. Ophelia. I’m your little brother, Howard.” Howard was the first to greet Ophelia
If Rex sometimes acted like a tail–wagging husky, the boy in front of Ophelia was, without a doubt, a head–tilting Samoyed. With his short hair and bright, clear eyes, he radiated warmth and friendliness, much like Bethany.
“Hello” Ophelia nodded at Howard, flashing a sweet smile.
Rex felt like crying, wondering, ‘Why has she never smiled at me like that?‘
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12:50 Wed, Nov 13
Chapter 122
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“Hello, Elia. I’m your big brother, Jackson.” Jackson said, with sleek hair and sharp, intelligent eyes. He looked almost exactly like Finlay.
Ophelia thought, ‘He doesn’t seem as slow–witted as Mr. Theo suggested. She said, “Nice to meet you, Jackson.”
Jackson thought, ‘Getting addressed by a sister feels wonderful. He reached out to shake Ophelia’s hand, and Ophelia politely took it, her smile as radiant as ever.
Rex felt like crying even more, thinking. I’ve never even had the chance to shake her hand. How is this so different from what I imagined? I was the first one to know her
Desperate to make his presence known, Rex rushed forward. “Ophelia, guess what. I’ve been attending all those acting classes you told me to take on time. Ask my agent Jason if you don’t believe me.”
Hmm, Ophelia replied.
Rex was shocked, thinking. That’s it? Just one word?‘ He cleared his throat and said, “Ophelia, you have no idea. My acting has reached a whole new level now. I’ve totally mastered it. When we start filming after the holidays, I’ll be ready.”
“You better be,” Ophelia said, turning her head to give Rex a sharp look..
Rex felt a chill run down his spine. He thought, ‘Why is this so different from what I’d imagined? Shouldn’t she be praising me? What is with that look?
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