?Chapter 1251:


    “She has that kind of maism. You can’t ignore her no matter where she goes.”


    In the second row, Ss clenched his fists beneath the tablecloth. Interruption after interruption had stripped him of the spotlight, again and again. Though a practiced smile remained on his lips, a darker edge flickered in his eyes.


    He drew in a slow breath, forcing himself to reset, when a bright, melodic voice suddenly rang out across the hall. “Maia, guess who’s here!”


    The guests stirred, instinctively parting as a vision in silver stiletto heels strode confidently into the room. Brielle—the Queen of Pop—glided forward, her mermaid gown catching the light with every step.


    Her smile was gracious and regal, but when her eyes met Maia’s, unmistakable warmth lit her expression.


    “Long time no see,” Brielle said, her voice softening. “You look breathtaking tonight.”


    Maia returned the smile, poised as ever. “Thank you. You’re radiant yourself.”


    With effortless elegance, Brielle took the empty seat behind Pattie, settling beside Hurst. Soon, the two women leaned closer, chatting lightly about recent events, theirughter bright and unrestrained, drawing curious ears in their direction.


    Around the hall, gasps and murmurs rose like a swelling tide.


    “Oh my days, that’s Brielle!”


    “Sitting near Maia is like standing at the heart of the sun. Every star gets pulled in.”


    “Honestly, Maia is unreal. Even my parents are fans.”


    Ss’s smile finally faltered. He was no longer merely overlooked—he had be invisible, eclipsed by Maia and the growing constetion forming around her.


    Thest seat near her was behind Chris. Pride and patience slipped through his fingers.


    Even if it fueled gossip, he could no longer endure remaining in the shadows.


    Ss moved decisively toward the seat beside Hurst, but before he could im it, three clear voices rang out in unison.


    “Dad!”


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    The crowd shifted once more as three youthful figures burst into the aisle, brimming with vitality and color.


    Mnie, Ethan, and Marisa—radiant with youthful energy—captured every gaze the instant they appeared, stealing the hall’s attention entirely.


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    Mnie appeared in a blush-pink gown that fluttered gently around her knees, the fabric moving like a whisper of wind. As she hurried forward, she clutched Ethan’s hand, while Marisa kept a firm grip on his other.


    The trio swept past Ss in a blur of color andughter, forcing him to step back and drop into his seat to avoid being caught in their rush.


    “Dad! I knew I’d find you here,” Mnie’s voice rang out, bright with delight. Before she had even finished speaking, she was already seated snugly beside Hurst.


    Ethan and Marisa followed her lead, sliding into the seats next to her with easy familiarity.


    In mere seconds, Maia found herself surrounded by loyal allies, forming an unspoken shield around her.


    To her right sat Chris. Pattie and Rnd upied her left. Behind her stood the calm, steady presence of Hurst.


    Beside Hurst sat Brielle, and just beyond them, Mnie, Ethan, and Marisapleted the circle.


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