Chapter 293: Lurking danger among the guests.

Words : 1123 Updated : Oct 7th, 2025

Chapter 293: Lurking danger among the guests. Paule turned, his eyes following her finger pointing to the grand staircase. Anne was descending slowly, her arm entwined with Augustine’s. She wore an off-shoulder dress in soft pista green. She looked like she had stepped out of a fairytale. "She is stunning," Patricia whispered, with awe in her voice. "Don’t you think?" Bottom of Form Paule was transfixed, unable to tear his eyes away. It was hard to believe this was the same girl he had once taken in—the frightened, starving, dirt-covered child who had been pushed around and silenced. That timid version of Anne was gone. Now, she moved like royalty. Anne looked poised, elegant, and untouchable. Her smile lit up the room, and her eyes sparkled with a confidence he had never seen in her before. She didn’t just look pretty. She was elegant, gorgeous, like moonlight dancing on a still lake. The way she smiled, the way she looked around, and the way she took every step down that staircase was filled with quiet power and grace. ’Is that really the Anne I know?’ Paule asked himself. He remembered the little girl who used to call him Papa, her face lighting up whenever he handed her a lollipop or cotton candy. But now, seeing her like this, adorned in diamonds, wrapped in a luxurious gown, he suddenly felt small, almost afraid to approach her. Anne looked like she belonged in a different world. And for the first time, Paule wasn’t sure if she would still have room in it for someone like him. His hand slipped into his coat pocket on instinct, fingers tightening around the jewelry box he had brought for her. Would she accept his modest gift? "Anne, my darling," Margaret approached with a proud look on her face. "You look absolutely stunning." She reached out and gently traced her fingers down Anne’s cheek. "Thanks, Mom," Anne replied, her face lighting up with a grin. "Come." Margaret held her hand and guided her toward the podium, where Oliver and Nathan were already waiting. "It’s time to introduce you to everyone." She turned to Oliver. "Over to you," she said, before stepping aside. Anne took her place at the center, her heart pounding. All eyes were on her, some curious, some expectant. She felt the pressure of it all pressing down, but before panic could take hold, Augustine moved beside her, fingers lacing with hers. "Relax," he whispered. "I’ve got you." Anne looked up at him, her nerves easing at the sight of his reassuring smile. She mouthed, "Thank you," and he responded with a soft smile. Bottom of Form Oliver stepped forward and stood beside Anne as he faced the crowd. "Thank you all for being here tonight," he began. "We have gathered you here to share something incredibly important to us, something joyful." He paused for a moment to glance at Anne and then looked back at the hall full of guests. "Many years ago, our daughter was taken from us. For so long, we searched, hoping, praying, but we never found her. Until now." He turned slightly, motioning toward Anne. "She is back. This is Anne, the true daughter of the Granet family. And tonight, we welcome her home." The room burst into applause, a wave of warmth and celebration washing over the moment. Anne’s eyes shimmered. She smiled through the emotion, her heart full. Her family stood close. For the first time, she truly felt seen, wanted, and welcomed. As the applause died down, the room quieted, all eyes still fixed on the stage. Oliver held out a folder toward Anne, his expression solemn, but his heart was full of emotions. "I’ve already arranged the transfer of half the Granet family’s assets," he said. "These are the official documents. I want you to sign them." Anne blinked, surprised. She hadn’t expected this. "Dad... I don’t need any of this." Oliver took her hand and put the file into her palm. "It’s not about need. This is your birthright. Sign it. Take what has always been yours." He gently pressed the pen into her hand. "Don’t think twice," Nathan added from behind her. "Sign it." Anne turned to glance at him, then back at Oliver. Her hands trembled slightly, but she gave a small nod. With one graceful stroke, she signed her name. Applause thundered through the hall again, louder than before, as guests started cheering and congratulating her. Hidden among the guests, Megan seethed. Rage simmered beneath her as she watched Anne take the spotlight, cheered and embraced by the very people Megan had once believed were her family. Half of the Granet fortune, which was once hers, had just been snatched from her and handed to Anne. That was outrageous. She was a Granet too. But she had been kicked out of the family. Her father, once part of this powerful family, had been disowned and thrown into prison a long time ago. The Granets had buried him like a stain on their name. It had taken years of careful manipulation and planning for her father to claw his way back into their world. They thought they had won. They were so close. But everything had fallen apart just because of Anne. Megan’s jaw clenched, her grip tightening around the edge of the tray she held. ’This is injustice,’ she thought bitterly. ’But I won’t let it stand. I’ll make them pay. I’ll make her pay. Anne, the beloved daughter of this family, will fall. And through her, I’ll avenge my father.’ Upon the stage, the celebration continued as the family took turns offering gifts to Anne. This time, it was Nathan who stepped forward. He held a sleek file in his hands and extended it to her. "What’s this?" Anne asked, curious, as she accepted the file. "Thirty percent of my company," Nathan said. "It’s yours now. And I’m appointing you as the general manager of our city branch." Anne’s eyes widened. "Wait—what? You are giving me the GM position?" she exclaimed with disbelief. "Nathan, that’s a huge responsibility. Are you sure?" Nathan placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You won’t be doing it alone. There is a team behind you. And more importantly, I believe in you. I know you can handle it." Anne looked down, overwhelmed, then glanced up at Augustine as if searching for reassurance. He offered her a warm smile. "Go for it," he mouthed. She let out a soft laugh, still stunned. "I don’t know if I deserve all this... but thank you. Thank you for trusting me. I promise I won’t let you down." Nathan gave a firm nod, smiling. "I know you won’t."

Chapter 293: Lurking danger among the guests.

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