Damon tightened his grip around N''s waist before releasing her, gently smoothing her slightly tousled hair as he said in a low voice, "Let''s go."


    They got out of the car, and N slipped her arm through Damon''s as they walked in together.


    At the entrance, Gabriel and Jane weed guests, catching sight of Damon and N approaching from a distance.


    N wore a blue gradient strapless gown, her long hair cascading like a waterfall down her back. She resembled a mermaid gliding through the deep sea-a sight so stunning that it was hard to look away.


    Next to her, Damon stood tall and sharp-featured in a charcoal-gray suit, though his face was devoid of warmth. He radiated an unapproachable air.


    The two walked together like a perfect match, making everything around them feel like a mere backdrop.


    Unaware of N and Gabriel''s history, Jane greeted Damon and N warmly, "Mr. Sumner, Ms. Kinsey, wee to my grandfather''s birthday celebration.”


    Damon''s driver stepped forward to hand over their gift, which Jane''s maid quickly epted, passing it along to an attendant for recording.


    Since N had arrived, Gabriel''s gaze had not left her. His stare was unreserved and direct, as though he did not mind if Jane or Damon noticed.


    Damon''s face registered mild displeasure as he took a step forward, positioning himself in front of N to block Gabriel''s view.


    "Mr. Hackett, isn''t it a little inappropriate to stare at my girlfriend like that?" he asked.


    Gabriel pulled his gaze away, offering a gentle smile. "My apologies, Mr. Sumner. I didn''t mean anything by it. It''s just that your date bears a striking resemnce to my sister, who fell into the sea five years ago. If I recall correctly, you were pursuing her back then, weren''t you?"


    Damon simply smiled, not addressing the implication, and turned to Jane. "Ms. Wilkie, we''ll head inside."


    With a wlessly polite smile, Jane replied, "Please do. I hope you both enjoy the evening and forgive anyck of attention on my part."


    After Damon and N walked inside, Jane turned to Gabriel with a slight frown. “Gabriel, I never knew you had a sister.”


    "Stepsister," he replied coolly.


    Jane was about to ask more when another guest arrived, so she set her curiosity aside to greet them. The continuous stream of guests kept her busy, leaving her with no chance to inquire further.


    Meanwhile, Damon and N entered the garden, already bustling with prominent figures and elites from


    Saintornia.


    Although the Wilkies had only moved to Saintornia five years prior, theirpany had already gone public, earning them many connections. With the recent growth of the Wilkie Group, many were eager to curry favor with


    them.


    Naturally, the garden buzzed with a lively crowd.


    +25 Bonus


    Damon and N quickly drew attention with their entrance. It was umon for Damon to bring a date to events, let alone someone he seemed so close to.


    Soon, whispers of curiosity quickly spread.


    "Who''s that woman with Mr. Sumner? She''s stunning! But I don''t think I''ve seen her before."


    “She looks familiar... Oh, wait, isn''t she the spitting image of Damon''s niece-inw, who fell into the ocean five years ago?"


    "What? Are you thinking what I''m thinking? This feels like a scandal waiting to happen-an uncle and his niece- inw?"


    “But didn''t she die five years ago? This woman must be a stand-in he found to rece her!"


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    Cede is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a ir for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cede''s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.