?Chapter 284:


    Inside the hall, everything gleamed. The men wore sharp suits tailored to perfection, and the women dazzled in designer gowns and glittering gemstones, turning the room into a living portrait of excess and elegance.


    Yet, even among all that mour, Elliana stood apart. While the rest unted statement dresses and shimmering makeup, she wore something intentionally muted—modest colors, soft lines, and makeup that downyed rather than enhanced, her beauty still concealed behind her disguise. Despite being the force behind the Rosabel, not a single element on her outfit bore the brand’s signature. She didn’t even wear the smallest piece of jewelry. Because today wasn’t about her. The spotlight was meant for Hailee, and she had no intention of casting a shadow over it.


    Even without the sh and mour, her identity as Rosa needed no introduction. The crowd recognized her instantly, and not a single soul dared make light of her unattractive look. On the contrary, those she passed offered respectful nods and warm greetings.


    To each one, Elliana returned the gesture with aposed smile and a courteous dip of her head.


    As she moved deeper into the hall, her gaze caught on Ruben, who was mid-conversation with Bonnie Craig—Trinity’s elegant, silver-haired grandmother.


    At first, Ruben had been adamantly opposed to attending. At his age, he valued quiet evenings far more than loud, glittering events filled with forced pleasantries. But Diane, still recovering at the hillside vi, had insisted and made it clear that representing their family at this event mattered, and he hadn’t been able to refuse her.


    Stopping for a moment, Elliana let herself breathe, collecting her thoughts. Then, with quiet purpose, she began walking toward Ruben.


    Elliana hadn’t made it far across the room when she spotted Trinity holding court like a seasoned queen. A circle of finely dressed socialites clung to her every word,ughing far too loudly at nothing in particr.


    Being raised by the Evans family since childhood had ced Trinity at the top of the socialdder. No one in this crowd dared challenge her authority.


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    Once upon a time, Paige had paraded around, pretending she was Ublento’s reigning socialite. Her fans even dubbed her the city’s “it girl.” But next to Trinity, Paige’s reputation looked flimsy at best.


    Tonight, Trinity looked like she had stepped straight out of a luxury magazine—her gown was one-of-a-kind couture, her jewelry dazzling and unmistakably expensive. She stood tall, effortlessly outshining most women in the room. All around her, the socialites glimmered in gold and silver, their diamonds catching the chandelier lights like frost on crystal.


    Even so, there was something different about Trinity tonight. The edge she once carried had dulled.


    Back when Rosa was her go-tobel, she had been unstoppable. Every outfit turned heads. Every event, she was the center of attention. That obsession with Rosa had turned her into an icon—mostly because no one else in their circle could afford the brand. She had soaked in their envy like sunlight.


    But that was before Trinity learned the face behind Rosa’s empire was none other than Elliana. After that bombshell, Trinity had quietly purged her closet of Rosa’s collection—every gown, every essory.


    Sure, Trinity’s outfit tonight still carried a luxury tag, but itcked Rosa’s prestige. She could feel the shift. It wasn’t just in her wardrobe—it was in how people looked at her.


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