?Chapter 18:


    Dani’s face scrunched up, feeling a mix of emotions. “Demi… What’s going on here?”


    Demi’s hand flew to her ne, yanking it off to reveal the initials.


    Her face was a whirlwind of emotions.


    She fought the urge to confront Ellie right then and there.


    Ellie had deliberately marked the jewelry to embarrass her publicly, a cunning move. That vile woman!


    Ellie touched her neck, silently taunting, “See? You’re not wearing anything either!”


    Demi, seething, wanted to destroy the ne in front of everyone but hesitated. Instead, she shoved it angrily into her purse.


    Ellie’s smile widened.


    The ne, a symbol of Demi’s greed and folly, wasn’t even hers, yet she unted it.


    Ellie’s presence at the banquet wasn’t about confronting Demi. She spent her time mingling with fashion industry professionals, engaging in light-hearted conversations and sharing her innovative ideas, which only served to polish her professional image.


    As the banquet continued, Ellie stepped outside for a breather.


    Returning to the hall, she was greeted by the final notes of “My Own True Love” echoing from the violin.


    Then, a voice she recognized took over the stage.


    “It’s been a rough journey for my daughter, but now, she’s my pride and joy. When you see our Demi, I hope you’ll treat her with kindness.”


    Peering through the crowd, Ellie spotted Houston, Litzy, and Demi onstage, basking in the spotlight.


    The crowd’s view of Demi shifted instantly, buzzing with admiration for her beauty and talent. The incident of Demi wearing borrowed jewelry and lying about it seemed forgotten, reced by praises and congrattions.


    Demi had orchestrated this moment with Houston and Litzy, seeking to overshadow her earlier embarrassment. Together, they reveled in the warm reception.


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    Ellie watched, finding it all quite ironic.


    Demi, who had earlier caught sight of Ellie, now wore a smug smile.


    A voice then pierced the celebratory air, “Isn’t Mr. Gordon’s other daughter equally noteworthy? I heard that she’s not only beautiful but also a talented violinist. She was even praised by a famous musician!”


    A hush fell over the hall momentarily.


    The whispers about the Gordon family having ‘another’ daughter had been a hot topic in elite circles. Not widely known in fashion and entertainment, the rumor had nheless made its rounds.


    Demi’s expression soured, a look of distress crossing her face as she turned to Houston and Litzy. “Dad, Mom…” she whispered, her voiceced with dismay.


    The praises beingvished on Ellie felt like a p in the face to Demi.


    For the Gordons, the idea of an adopted daughter outshining their biological one was more than just a personal insult; it struck at their family’s prestige.


    Houston, keen to defend Demi, adjusted his tone. “Demi is a prodigy. She never had the luxury of formal training. As for Ellie, well, her musical abilities have waned over time, nowhere near Demi’s level.”


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