Chapter 180
Well, they did say, “Birds of a feather flock together.”
This year’s charity banquet was hosted by an international luxury brand owner, a tradition they upheld annually in the country. The guest list was a who’s who of brand ambassadors and the hottest celebrities of the
moment.
But the stars were just one part of the evening’s constellation. The real luminaries were the elite socialites and heiresses – the true powerhouses of consumer spending. After all, these were the people who could actually afford the sparkly trinkets on display, making them the brand’s most valued clients.
Even with all the celebrities around, it was clear that these dazzling heiresses held a superior position. But Arabella, the so–called “heiress“, was clearly cast out of that inner circle.
The other guests didn’t equalize themselves with her, their gazes at her a hint of disdain, whispering juicy tidbits about her.
“Did you see Arabella’s façade crumble? She’s been faking it all along.”
“Totally! I’ve always thought she was a phony. She even tried to badmouth me in the press. The Hawke family blackballed me for ages, and I lost roles because of them.”
“Is that true about her and Theo?”
“I used to think the Hawke boys were like something out of a romance novel. Now, they’re just a bunch of
clowns.”
Because of Arabella, the Hawke family had fallen from grace in the eyes of many.
Women who once idolized the four Hawke brothers now found them lacking. Why settle for a bunch of overprotective brother–types, especially ones so shamelessly doting on a foster sister, when they could have their pick of the litter?
Not to mention Arabella’s biological parents, who were well–known for their antics. When Adam and Ethan’s family suggested Arabella set Adam up with a well–to–do girlfriend, everyone couldn’t help but roll their eyes in disgust.
“Ugh, shameless,” Hannah spat, her face twisted in distaste.
Meanwhile, the Hawke family noticed Miranda. When Alden and Grace saw her, there was a flicker of awkwardness in their eyes, quickly replaced by delight.
The four Hawke brothers had spotted Miranda mingling with the Lancasters shortly after arriving. They were chatting and laughing, looking every bit the quintessential high society siblings, capturing everyone’s attention with their mere presence.
Miranda’s outfit was understated, yet she seemed to outshine everyone, exuding an effortless grace like a princess meandering through her own gardens. Compared to the other guests in their finery, she was radiant, a true embodiment of elegance.
In contrast, Arabella, standing nearby, seemed worlds apart. Every move she made only highlighted her lack of sophistication, as if she were some country bumpkin who didn’t belong.
This brought back memories of when Miranda first returned to the Hawke family. Back then, they had looked at her the same way – thinking only Arabella was fit to be their sister, raised in their world of privilege and refinement. Miranda had been awkward and plain, always managing to embarrass herself.
But now. The roles had reversed. Yet, Arabella’s behavior hadn’t changed. It was Miranda who had transformed. Arabella also spotted Miranda. Her smile froze, replaced by a flicker of spite in her eyes. She reached out,
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Chapter 180
trying to link arms with Dorian, but he deftly avoided her touch.
“Dorian.” she called, only to receive a cool, dismissive glance in return.
