Chapter 518
Chapter 518:
After Vince left, Richard and Sandra gravitated toward Rosanna. They had long since abandoned any concern for Vince’s opinions; their attention zeroed entirely on Claudius’ impending arrival and the preparations needed to welcome him properly. Rosanna confessed that she couldn’t pinpoint exactly when Claudius would arrive.
Just then, an excited voice cut through the murmur. “Look! Maia’s here!” Every head swiveled toward the entrance.
Maia glided into the room with effortless grace, her makeup flawlessly applied and her crystal-studded blue gown capturing and scattering light like a midnight sea beneath the stars. The fabric embraced her slender waist, radiating an aura of elegance and sophistication.
Sophisticated elegance. Maia moved through the space like a celestial being who had momentarily descended to Earth, commanding the rapt attention of every onlooker. In that breathtaking moment, Rosanna seemed to fade into insignificance — a forgettable girl next door, stripped of any remarkable quality.
Maia’s entrance sent an involuntary twitch rippling across Rosanna’s eyelid. Her fingers curled into rigid claws, nails biting into her palms. So what if Maia looked breathtaking now? Tonight, Maia’s reputation would be utterly shattered.
Richard’s features hardened to granite when his gaze fell upon Maia. Every trace of the warmth he once offered her had evaporated.
His biological daughter, Rosanna, had secured a connection with Cooper Group. What reason did he have to show kindness to Maia anymore? With cold eyes, he said, “Everyone has been waiting. Why are you only showing up now p>
Maia met his gaze coolly, saying nothing. She had come tonight to uncover whatever schemes the Morgan family was plotting and deal with them head-on. Meanwhile, Vince continued scanning the crowded room.
Then he saw her — Maia, gliding into the banquet hall. She looked breathtaking tonight, a vision of elegance and grace. Vince caught his breath at the sight of her. His heart hammered in his chest.
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A wave of emotion washed over him, impossible to ignore. His pulse quickened, breaking through his restraint. He stood and began making his way toward Maia.
At that precise moment, Jarrod stepped into the hall bearing two carefully wrapped gift boxes. He had selected these presents with meticulous thought — one destined for Rosanna, the other crafted especially for Maia.
Spotting Maia across the room, Jarrod quickened his pace, the gift boxes clutched tightly in his hands. He was determined to present his offering to her first and properly atone for his mistakes.
A thunderous boom suddenly split the air. Brilliant streamers of light arced upward into the velvet darkness, bursting into a spectacular cascade of luminous color against the night sky.
“Look! A fireworks display!” gasped an awestruck guest.
Both Jarrod and Vince halted mid-stride, their attention captured by the celestial spectacle. As one, the entire gathering tilted their heads skyward.
The fireworks painted the darkness with vibrant, ephemeral art, leaving the assembled crowd breathless with wonder. Murmurs of appreciation rippled through the guests as they marveled at the Morgan family’s extravagant celebration for their daughters’ birthdays.
Richard, however, stood rigid with confusion. He hadn’t authorized any fireworks show.
As the brilliant explosions continued overhead, their radiance bathed the scene in flickering light. Gradually, the dancing sparks began to arrange themselves, forming glittering words against the darkness. “Happy Birthday!” Boom!
The crowd inhaled collectively in amazement, phones rising in unison to capture the magical moment.