Chapter 40
“Miss Lancaster, you look stunning even without makeup, and with it, you’re as flawless as a doll.”
“I’ve never had foundation sit so well on my skin before. Your complexion is just incredible.”
“No wonder President Lancaster jokes that we shouldn’t try to outshine her natural beauty.”
“That’s because Miss Lancaster is naturally gorgeous.”
Miranda smiled politely.
She had to admit, this body she was inhabiting was indeed quite attractive. The Hawke family had good genes, and the evidence was clear in the four Hawke brothers.
Previously, Miranda had suffered from poor nutrition and self–esteem issues due to her adoptive family’s neglect. This left her looking pale and scrawny, and she never really knew how to dress up. She lacked the confidence to stand out, especially when compared to someone like Arabella, who was always decked out in the latest designer wear.
But now, the reflection staring back at her in the mirror was beginning to look more and more like the version of herself from another parallel universe.
At the Eclipse Hotel, Zephra’s most prestigious hotel, a beacon of luxury that most people could only dream of entering. Yet today, it had been booked entirely for a private event.
The entrance was lined with luxury cars of every make and model. Inside, a picture of glitz and glamour, the ambiance was set by soft, elegant music that mingled with the laughter and chatter of the elite guests.
The Hawke family was a large one, their vehicles alone made up an impressive row.
Arabella stepped out of a sleek, white limousine, her dress a vision of pure white, reminiscent of a fairy tale princess.
Orion was quick to offer his arm, escorting her to the entrance like a true gentleman, with the other three Hawke brothers following closely, their presence akin to loyal knights guarding their princess.
Their perfect looks and the way Arabella was treated became the center of the attention. Many newly arriving elite guests as well as those near the entrance couldn’t help but turn to them.
“That’s the famed Hawke siblings from Zephra NeuraCore.”
“Quite the entrance, she really does think she’s a princess? But today the protagonist isn’t her. Isn’t that presumptuous?”
“You must be new; whenever the Hawke family’s daughter attends an event, her four brothers are always there, treating her like she’s the center of their universe.”
“Well, I have to say, the Hawke boys are all incredibly handsome, especially those twins.”
“If only I had four brothers, then again, splitting the inheritance wouldn’t be fun.”
“I heard that Arabella isn’t even their biological sister.”
The high society types were not easily impressed. With wealth that often surpassed even the Hawke family’s, they had little reason to envy Arabella. Instead, they were more likely to critique other than to dream of becoming one.
To them, it meant more people in the family would divide their share of property, which wasn’t a good sign.
Some were drawn to Arabella in hopes of getting close to the Hawke brothers, given how their charming looks
attracted women.
To the Hawke family, however, treating Arabella like a princess was second nature. They didn’t see anything
unusual in it.
12
09:21
Chapter 40
Their approving looks only fueled Arabella’s belief that the envy and admiration were directed at her, making her smile grow even wider.
Alden and Grace, arm in arm, waited for their children to join them. Their faces were lit with pride.
Their sons were outstanding, and their only daughter shone just as brightly. This was a family to be proud of.
They walked into the hotel under the watchful eyes of the guests, but found themselves stopped by security at the entrance to the main hall.
“Excuse me, are you Mr. and Mrs. Hawke from NeuraCore?”
Alden nodded. “Yes, that’s correct.”
The security claimed, “I’m sorry, but each invitation allows for only two guests. You’re a bit over the limit and will need additional invitations.”
Alden’s expression turned a bit awkward at his words. “I thought one invitation covered a family, no?”
Other guests passing by cast curious glances their way, deepening the Hawke family’s discomfort. They didn’t want anyone to think they were trying to gatecrash or freeload.
“Right. Isn’t one invitation meant for a whole family?” Mrs. Hawke asked hesitantly.
The four brothers and Arabella exchanged uneasy glances.
“Sorry. I’m afraid you’ll need three more invitations,” the security guard replied with a professional smile.
“And how do we get them?” Dorian asked in a low voice.
The security guard continued smiling. “They’re available for purchase at a hundred thousand each. Please follow me to the desk for assistance.”
