Chapter 261
"Just as expected. The Rolands made such a grand spectacle today to announce this."
"No wonder... Wait, if Evelyn is the real heiress, then Isabella's status becomes rather questionable."
"Could this be some switched-at-birth scenario? Is Isabella not even a Roland by blood?"
The first man who spoke nodded emphatically.
"Pretty much."
Rising on his toes, he peered over the sea of guests until he spotted Isabella clinging to Sophia Roland's arm. He scoffed. "That impostor still dares to cling to Mrs. Roland, acting more affectionate than the real daughter."
"After learning the truth, she didn't even bother searching for her biological parents. Just shamelessly stayed with the Rolands—clearly after their wealth and influence."
Someone nearby added with a knowing smirk, "Her motives are transparent to anyone with eyes."
Whispers rippled through the crowd, mostly marveling at Evelyn's beauty, occasionally laced with scornful remarks about Isabella.
Isabella bit her lower lip until it nearly bled, nails digging crescent moons into her palms. Forcing a smile, she turned to Sophia. "Mother, you go ahead. I need to freshen up."
Sophia waved dismissively. "Don't take too long."
The rapid click of heels against marble echoed as Isabella fled. Bursting into the restroom, she locked the door and collapsed against the sink, shoulders shaking violently.
Her reflection showed smeared makeup, tears carving tracks through her foundation. With a sudden snarl, she wiped her face and slammed a fist into the mirror.
"Bitches! Every last one of them!"
No one cared about her feelings. The entire room orbited around that suddenly-appeared true heiress. Why?
Cosmetics and perfume bottles crashed to the floor, glass shards scattering like fallen stars. Only when the restroom resembled a warzone did Isabella stop, chest heaving.
Staring at her disheveled reflection, she let out a hysterical laugh. "The Rolands owe me. And I'll make them pay a hundredfold!"
Back in the ballroom, Edward Roland guided Evelyn through introductions with key guests. After the rounds of pleasantries, Olivia Valdemar smoothly approached.
"Uncle, Auntie, you must be exhausted from your travels. Why not retire to the inner lounge?" She linked arms with Evelyn. "I'd love to catch up with Evelyn. My brother's been a changed man since their last encounter—quite the transformation."
Olivia gave a meaningful wink. "They say men only change for the women they love. Sebastian's feelings couldn't be clearer. If Evelyn reciprocates, they'd be a match made in heaven."
Before Evelyn could respond, Alexander Roland bristled.
"Match made in heaven? My sister would never settle for him!"
He didn't care whose daughter Olivia was. Anyone daring to pair Evelyn with Sebastian Valdemar triggered his protective instincts, demanding an immediate rebuttal.