The morning sun spilled through the tall glass windows of the Evangelia mansion, filling the living room with a golden warmth that didn’t quite match the cold tension brewing between mother and daughter.Mrs. Evangelia sat gracefully on the couch, her posture perfect, her lips painted in a shade of crimson that matched the silk scarf draped elegantly over her shoulders. She held a delicate porcelain teacup in one hand and a folded invitation in the other.Sofia entered the room quietly, still dressed in her night robe, her hair falling loosely over her shoulders. Her mother’s voice broke the silence.“Good morning, my dear,” Mrs. Evangelia said smoothly. “I have news that might interest you.”Sofia raised an eyebrow, cautious. “What is it this time?”Mrs. Evangelia smiled faintly and placed the invitation on the table. “The Astors — yes, those Astors — are attending a charity gala tomorrow night. It’s a high-profile event hosted by the Metropolitan Women’s League. And guess who’s on t

Chapter 104The day of the gala announcement was drawing near — and the entire city buzzed with whispers.Konstanio Group was finally naming its next heir.When Andrea told Gracie he wanted her by his side that night, she almost thought he was joking.“Me?” she asked, eyes wide.“Yes, you,” he said simply, his voice low, certain. “Mother wants to make the announcement at the gala. And I want you there with me.”Gracie’s heart fluttered, a mix of fear and excitement. “Are you sure that’s a good idea? You know how people talk…”“I don’t care what they say,” he replied, stepping closer. “You’ve been there through everything. If I’m going to step into that spotlight, I want you beside me.”Something in his tone silenced her doubts. After a moment, she nodded. “Then I’ll go.”---That afternoon, Andrea insisted they go shopping for something perfect.“Tonight, I want everyone to see who you are,” he said, smiling faintly as they entered La Maison Élise, one of the most exclusive designer b

The ballroom fell into an uneasy silence as Andrea walked onto the stage, the spotlight settling over him like a crown he had never asked for. Hundreds of eyes turned toward him — some curious, some hostile, others waiting for the scandal to unfold further. Gracie stood at the edge of the stage, her heart pounding, watching him gather himself before facing the world.Andrea adjusted the microphone, his jaw tight but his expression composed. He scanned the hall slowly… until his eyes landed on Laura, standing in the second row, her face drained of color.“Good evening,” he began, his voice calm, rich, carrying naturally through the room. “My name is Andrea… Andrea Konstanio.”A wave of gasps rippled through the audience like a shockwave. Even the chandeliers seemed to tremble.Laura staggered backward, gripping her clutch so tightly her knuckles turned white. A suffocating panic rushed through her — the same Andrea she had mocked, insulted, and thrown out of stores… is the Konstanio he

The gala hall was still buzzing from Andrea’s announcement, the room alive with whispers and flashing cameras. Yet in one corner, a more intimate storm was brewing.Sofia stepped closer to Andrea and Gracie, her eyes red and glistening, tears slipping down her cheeks despite her desperate attempts to hold herself together. The glittering lights of the chandeliers caught her tears, making them shimmer like shards of glass.“Andrea…” Her voice trembled, thick with emotion. “You… you don’t have to throw away the years we spent together. All those years… gone just like that?” She shook her head, her hands trembling as she reached out, but didn’t touch him.Andrea’s jaw tightened, the crowd around them fading into a blur. He could feel the tension in her voice, the raw anguish, but he stayed silent, his eyes fixed firmly on her, unreadable.Sofia took a shuddering breath, trying to steady herself. “I… I agreed to choose Nikolai over you. I thought I had to… because my friend made me promis

The limousine ride back from the gala was quiet at first—too quiet. The only sound was Gracie’s racing heartbeat, echoing in her ears along with the words Andrea had spoken before the entire world.“Gracie is the woman I love now.”She kept replaying it, over and over, unable to believe that the man the world had mocked, hidden, and mistreated… was now holding her hand with such certainty.When they reached the mansion, Andrea gently pulled her into the living room and closed the door behind them. His expression softened as he faced her.“Gracie,” he began, taking both her hands, “I meant every word I said tonight.”Her breath caught. “Andrea… do you really mean it? Everything? About… wanting a future with me?”He stepped closer, eyes warm and steady. “Yes. Every single part of it. I would like to marry you, Gracie. And I want to make it official soon.”Gracie’s heart jolted in her chest, her lips parting in shock. “Marry… me?”Andrea nodded without hesitation. “You are the woman who