“It’s about time. Let’s get ready to head down,” Scott said as he walked over, Yvonne at his side, her makeup immacte.


    “Dad! Mom!” Ileana called out, lifting the hem of her dress as she hurried over, her voice bubbling with excitement.


    A rare, genuine smile flickered across Yvonne’s face as she smoothed Ileana’s hair, her lips curving into a picture–perfect smile.


    “All that running around–what if you trip and fall?”


    Ileana stuck out her tongue yfully and slipped her arm through Yvonne’s, the two of them looking every bit the close–knit family.


    “Mr. Tate, Mrs. Tate.”


    “Thank you for everything. We’ve set out some pastries for you in the next room.” Most of the stylists invited tonight had connections in the industry; the organizers always made sure the staff were taken care of, if only to avoid any gossip.


    “Thank you, Mr. Tate. Your family looks so happy together.”


    “Yes, Miss Tate takes after her mother–so sweet and charming.” With a few more words of praise, the staff knew their work was done for the day.


    Yvonne’s smile stayed in ce, and she gave a small nod, apparently pleased with thepliment. But if you looked closely, her eyes betrayed nothing but polite formality.


    “It’s almost time,” Scott’s assistant murmured in his ear.


    Scott nodded. “Let’s go. The reception is about to begin.”


    Ileana straightened her posture unconsciously, her smile unwavering as she lifted her chin ever so slightly. With Scott and Yvonne each holding one of her hands, the three of them descended the grand staircase together, all eyes in the room fixed on


    them.


    The attention made Ileana feel almost triumphant. She nced down at the crowd, feeling every bit a regal queen surveying her court.


    In a quiet corner, Ste and Penny stood together. Penny’s face was unreadable, while Ste seemed to be scanning the room, as if searching for someone.


    “Can’t stand still, can you?” Penny whispered.


    <b>14:43 </b>


    “Standing here with you reminds me–Isn’t the little princess your <b>cousin</b><b>?</b><b>” </b><b>Ste </b>teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes.


    “Looking for scraps and tossing away the feast,” Penny replied, her words heavy with meaning.


    Ste’s lips curved upward despite herself. “That’s for sure. No one can hold a candle to my Lessie.”


    At that, Penny–usually soposed–couldn’t quite keep her expression in check. Ste, for her part, only winked flirtatiously at Penny.


    Their exchange went unnoticed; everyone else was focused on the stage.


    “Thank you all for making time to attend this special asion,” Scott began, his voice ringing out across the hall. “After seventeen years apart, our daughter has finallye home…”


    Yvonne held Ileana’s arm, the two of them looking inseparable.


    “No doubt she’s their real daughter–she really does resemble them.”


    “They seem close. But what about the other girl? Seventeen years of raising her, and now they just cast her aside. How much love could there really have been?”


    “Well, blood is blood.”


    “No pointparing someone who was swapped in–they just can’t measure up. She’s not even half as elegant.”


    “Elegance is just a matter of money, isn’t it? She had seventeen years of living as


    the heiress.”


    “Still, it’s heartless. Seventeen years, and just like that, she’s out.”


    Whispers rippled through the crowd as Scott’s speech drew to a close.


    “Ileana, would you like to say something?” Scott turned to her, beckoning with a gentle smile, his eyes full of encouragement.


    Yvonne squeezed Ileana’s hand and led her forward, while Scott stepped aside. The two parents stood protectively on either side of her.


    Ileana took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She nced at Yvonne, then at Scott–both their gazes radiating warmth and reassurance.