Even though countless curious—and at times envious-eyes followed her every step, Aurora seemed oblivious. She carried herself with the same calm, unhurried smile, as if she didn''t notice the attention at all.


    Thatposed confidence didn''t go unnoticed; in fact, it made people look at her with newfound respect.


    Whispers drifted through the crowd:


    "Is that Aurora? She really is stunning, isn''t she? The moment she walked in,


    every other debutante here seemed to fade into the background."


    "No wonder all the family heads are so taken with her, like she cast some kind of spell."


    "Just her looks alone could outshine ny percent of the girls at this party."


    "It''s no wonder someone tried to smear her reputation by spreading rumors about her being illegitimate. Without some dirt on Aurora, she''d be impossible to outshine-even for someone hoping to marry into the Williams family."


    "I''ve heard she''s brilliant too. Top of her ss in everything at school, apparently."


    "And that''s not all-she''s a violinist, an artist, a racecar driver, an extreme sports enthusiast, and an internationally recognized perfumer. People say her dancing is exceptional, and even her calligraphy has earned praise from masters."


    "Exactly. Aurora isn''t just adored by men-girls look up to her too. My best friend absolutely loves Aurora''s paintings. It''s a shame she didn''t get an invitation tonight. She even asked me to try and get Aurora''s autograph and a photo."


    "I heard about that! She''s famous in the art world, which is how Leonard Lerman, head of the Lerman family, first became interested in her. And she''s a force on the racetrack too—that''s where Sellers Burton, from the Burton family, met her."


    "Aurora''s name is well-known in so many circles, but people here are usually too busy showing off their wealth to focus on real talent. That''s probably why most of them have no idea just how remarkable she really is."


    "Looks like I misjudged her before. Maybe tonight''s the perfect chance to get to know her."


    When Lauretta Chapman arrived at


    the reception hall with Katrina


    Greene and Wendy Burke, this was the scene that greeted them: everyme was talking about Aurora, singing her praises as if she were the star of the evening.


    If you didn''t know better, you''d think this whole party was thrown in her honor.


    Katrina nced around and spotted Aurora, surrounded by a crowd.


    She asked quietly, "Lauretta, are we sure we''re at the right ce? Isn''t this supposed to be Star''s wee dinner? Why is everyone talking about Aurora?"


    Wendy chimed in, "Yeah, why is the crowd all gathered around her?"


    Lauretta''s expression was calm, as if she''d seen this a hundred times before. "We''re in the right ce. Wherever Aurora goes, this is just how things are."


    Tonight was Ste''s formal


    introduction to the Williams family, and invitations had been sent far and wide. Both the Williamses and Ste herself had the privilege of inviting friends. The Chapmans, as one of the top old-money families, were naturally on the guest list. Wendy and Katrina, whose family backgrounds weren''t quite as illustrious, had asked Ste for invitations so they could support


    her.


    Katrina''s face was clouded with concern. "But isn''t Star supposed to be the center of attention tonight? It almost feels like Aurora''s stealing the spotlight on purpose."


    Lauretta nced over at Aurora. "Actually, she isn''t. If Aurora wanted topete with Star, she wouldn''t have dressed so simply, and the atmosphere wouldn''t be this peaceful."


    Wendy looked at the admiring crowd. "But doesn''t this count as stealing the show anyway?"


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!