Chapter 260
The crystal chandelier in the banquet hall flickered abruptly.
The elite business crowd fell silent mid-conversation, their gazes drawn to the entrance. A champagne flute tilted in someone's hand, nearly spilling its contents.
"Is that..."
"My God, twelve limited-edition Rolls-Royces!"
Gasps rippled through the crowd. A middle-aged man in gold-rimmed glasses squinted, then grabbed his companion's arm excitedly. "Look! The Roland family crest!"
In a corner, several suited men exchanged knowing glances.
"The Rolands never make a spectacle. Why today...?"
"I heard," a slick-haired man murmured, "they've recovered their long-lost biological daughter."
Before he finished speaking, the fleet of cars parked in perfect unison.
As the doors opened, the banquet hall plunged into stunned silence. Every eye locked onto the figure emerging from the extended Phantom.
Evelyn Roland stepped out in a champagne haute couture gown, her diamond necklace scattering light like shattered stars. She lifted her gaze slightly, the teardrop mole at her eye corner accentuating her porcelain skin.
A sharp inhale cut through the quiet.
Olivia Valdemar rushed forward, nearly tripping over her own hem. "Evelyn! You've stolen every word from my tongue tonight!"
Evelyn's lips curved into a faint smile, her earlobes tinged pink.
Edward Roland approached with his two sons, immediately surrounded by fawning business associates.
"Mr. Roland, you haven't aged a day!"
"Your sons are exceptional young men!"
Amid the pleasantries, Edward turned and extended a hand. "Come."
The chairman of Li Corporation feigned surprise. "And this young lady is...?"
"Allow me," Edward announced, voice ringing clear. "This is my treasured daughter, Evelyn Roland."
The air turned to ice.
Evelyn executed a flawless curtsy, her lashes casting delicate shadows. Muffled gasps and camera shutters erupted around her.
"So the rumors were true..."
"No wonder the Rolands made such an entrance..."
Whispers spread like wildfire through the crowd. Evelyn lowered her eyes, fingers absently tracing the pearl clasp of her clutch.
This storm had only just begun.