EuropeNovelChapter 145 "I've always lived like this-you know that better than anyone." "Victor, as the heir to the Fitzgerald family, you can't just do whatever you please." Victor replied lazily, "Old man, so should I let you make all the decisions for me?" * It was the weekend, and the birthday of the Vaughan Group's heiress.
Every year around this time, the Vaughan family would throw a lavish party for Pearl. But this year, the invitation list featured only one beloved daughter: Isadora.
That evening, Vaughan Manor was ablaze with lights. The estate buzzed with the city's elite-champagne glasses clinked, laughter echoed, and servers weaved through the crowd, offering drinks. The whole place thrummed with excitement.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtOutside, by the sprawling blue pool, guests mingled in clusters, sipping wine, exchanging greetings, gossiping in hushed tones, or sharing stories in small groups.
"Isn't it strange? The Vaughans always throw this party for Pearl-what happened this year?" "Guess Richard's family finally realized blood is thicker than water. A stray bird can never beca true swan." "I heard Isadora secured an eighty-million investment for the Vaughan Group, and she's the one who landed that luxury M Boutique from Northmarch. With a daughter this capable, I'd put her on a pedestal too." "In other words, Pearl's out of favor now." Pearl stood at the edge of the room in a blue evening gown, her hair swept up in a regal chignon. She listened to the whispers swirling around her, her face pale with anger, fists clenched so tight her knuckles turned white, eyes burning with fury.
Prescott, standing beside her, felt a stab of sympathy. If only Isadora had never made it back, if only she'd died out there twenty years ago.
He tried to comfort Pearl. "Don't worry, Pearl. Once I secure that director position, I'll kick Isadora out of the Vaughan Group. I'll make sure she pays for this." Pearl turned to face him, her eyes red and brimming with tears. "Brother, I'm not even your sister anymore. Dad only threw a party for Isadora this year. He toldto celebrate my birthday the next day. At this rate, there won't be a place forin this family." Prescott shook his head, voice gentle but firm. "No, you'll always be my sister- and Mom's too. Isadora's just a nobody, an outsider." Pearl's tears spilled over. "But Dad doesn't loveanymore." Prescott's heart ached. He'd always protected Pearl, cherished her-and now Isadora had reduced her to this. He vowed silently: he'd make things right for Pearl.
"Dad's just confused," he told her quietly. "You know how he is. Isadora brought in those investments, so Dad's just rewarding her like any other employee. That's all." Pearl threw herself into Prescott's arms, clinging to him. "Promise me, you'll always be on my side." "Always," Prescott assured her.
Nestled against him, Pearl's lips curled into a sly, wicked smile.
Tonight, my dear brother, I'm counting on you.
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Meanwhile, in her room, Isadora slipped into an elegant gown and settled on the sofa, staring absently at her phone.
She'd thought tonight would be her first real birthday as a Vaughan,m celebrated openly and with pride. She should have been happy-but all she felt was emptiness. Maybe it was because she knew the truth: not a single person out there truly cared about her.
Her mind drifted to someone far away-a man in Solstrand.
Isadora laughed at herself. Pathetic, th isn't it? All those years, you spent your birthdays. alone Now you're Surround days surrounded by people, and you still feel nothing. What do you want, really? Suddenly, the door swung open from the hallway.
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