?Chapter 260:


    One by one, Eloise took the extravagant gifts, unable to hold back her own tears. For her, this night was a miracle—real warmth and belonging after a lifetime without either.


    Guests leaned closer, captivated by Vanessa’s words, and began murmuring in awe.


    “Eloise would have been spoiled her whole life if she’d never gone missing.”


    “Who could’ve guessed Eloise would walk away with more shares than Elliott?”


    “Their grandfather still holds the majority, so nobody really knows how the final split will look.”


    “Just that twenty percent means Eloise never has to worry about her future. She’s set for life.”


    “Whoever ends up marrying her will see their entire family’s fortunes rise—those shares alone would change everything.”


    “Small families shouldn’t dream too big. For someone like Eloise, only another powerhouse family could ever be a suitable match.”


    Tucked in the middle of the crowd, Katie caught every hushed conversation and tightened her fists, trying to keep her frustration at bay. Each gift Vanessa unveiled stoked the fires of envy burning inside her. Never in her wildest dreams did she think an unattractive, mute girl was actually the gem of the Hubbard family.


    A yearning crept over Katie. If only she could stand in Eloise’s ce and soak up all that affection. Jealousy flickered in her eyes, and she started plotting how to connect with Eloise. Having offended Eloise before, she needed a chance to set things right and do whatever it took to be friends with her.


    Apuse rippled through the room, and Katie had no choice but to p along, even if every beat of her hands betrayed her envy. Some people were born lucky, and it seemed Eloise had drawn the winning lot from birth.


    Speeches wrapped up, and the celebration flowed on, with guests splitting off into small, animated groups.


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    Excusing herself, Eloise paused for a quick touch-up and then started searching for Christina, eager to reconnect. However, before she could spot Christina, someone blocked her path.


    Katie positioned herself right in front of Eloise, a seemingly apologetic look painting her face. “I was wrong before, and I didn’t mean those harsh words. Could you forgive me?”


    Katie bowed deeply, her face full of calcted sincerity, offering a heartfelt apology. “I’m really sorry, Eloise.”


    A jolt of surprise ran through Eloise. She stumbled backward, torn between lending a hand and simply freezing in ce, her uncertainty pinning her feet to the spot.


    Once Katie straightened up, Eloise hastily waved her hands, nervously signaling that she had already forgiven Katie.


    “So, you’ve forgiven me?” Katie’s face lit up.


    Eloise gave a small nod. She kept ncing around, her mind busy scanning faces, intent on finding Christina among the crowd.


    “You’re such a gem, Miss Hubbard. There’s so much goodness in you. People are bound to admire you,” Katie gushed, brimming with enthusiasm.


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