CHAPTER 61: THE FINAL STAR OF THE SHOW

Sophia was completely stunned.

If Judy was her mother’s aunt... that made her great-aunt.

But her mother had never once mentioned such a person.

"Miss Morgan, what’s wrong?" Judy asked gently.

"You said you’re Aurora’s aunt," Sophia pressed, her voice low. "Do you have any proof of that?"

Judy caught the shift in her tone.

"My older sister—Aurora’s mother—she and I were separated when our parents divorced. She stayed with our mother, and I went with our father. Later, I studied abroad. When I learned she had a daughter, I visited in secret whenever I could. Aurora was still little but adored me. She gave me this bracelet, said it was her favorite. After that, I married and lived in City Y for many years... and eventually, we lost touch."

Sophia lowered her head, her voice quiet. "My grandmother thought my mother was a disgrace and kicked her out of the house. My uncle—Frank—stole everything the Turner family owned."

At first Judy didn’t react. Then realization dawned on her, freezing her in place. Her eyes widened. "You... you’re—!"

Sophia reached into her bag and pulled out a small velvet box. Inside lay a bracelet identical to Judy’s, though the beads were a different color.

"My mom left this to me," she said softly. "She told me it was something to remember her by. She said there were two of them—one she gave to the person she loved most. I thought she meant Andrew, that bastard. I never imagined..."

That it would be the woman in front of her.

"My dear grandniece!" Judy’s tears spilled as she pulled Sophia into her arms. "Let me see you. Let me look at you properly. You have no idea how much I loved your mother. I wished she were my own daughter!"

Sophia hadn’t expected to find blood family again. Her nose tingled, eyes stinging.

"I only heard she’d passed away," Judy murmured. "She was so young... what happened to her?"

Sophia told her it. By the end, both women’s eyes were glassy. Judy clenched her jaw, fury trembling through her frail frame.

"Child," she said, gripping Sophia’s hand tightly, "come back to the Clark family with me. From now on, you’ll be my granddaughter."

Sophia didn’t tell her the whole story—only enough. Her mother’s revenge was hers to take; she didn’t want anyone else caught in the crossfire.

"I can’t go back to the Clark family," she said quietly. "My uncle, Frank... he took all the Turner inheritance."

"Frank?" Judy’s eyes darkened. "Where is he?"

"City Y. With the Wright family."

...

That night, Sophia returned to Silver Lake Villa, the place she hadn’t stepped into for days. From the bottom drawer of her cabinet, she pulled out a thick envelope.

Judy was returning to City Y—and so would she.

The Wright family probably didn’t even remember her name.

This fashion show wasn’t just bringing together the top designers—it would also be filled with powerful business figures. One of her designs would be featured on stage.

Wright family. Frank.

She gave a cold laugh. How could you do something so cruel to your own sister?

...

Five days later, City Y — HX Fashion Hall

"Move, move, move! Are we ready yet? We go live in thirty minutes! Nothing can go wrong!"

"You—yes, you! Where’s the veil? The model’s look isn’t finished—touch up the makeup!"

Backstage was chaos, everyone scrambling as if trying to stretch time itself.

"Come here," a calm, deep male voice called from the entrance.

A man in a black suit stood there—tall, composed, sharply handsome.

The shouting manager instantly went quiet and hurried over. "Mr. Turner, what’s the matter?"

"Most of the guests have arrived," he said evenly. "Make sure everything runs smoothly. This show cannot afford a single mistake."

"Mr. Turner, don’t worry—we’ve got everything under control. Nothing will go wrong!"

Frank nodded but paused mid-step as something came to mind. He turned back and said, "Hilton Group’s Lucas will be here tonight. I must secure him—and land the Carter Family deal while I’m at it."

"Understood, Mr. Turner!"

Frank strode off toward the front of the venue. Most of the important guests had already arrived and taken their seats.

He greeted a few people politely, but his eyes kept scanning the room.

Where was Lucas?

"Frank!"

A slender woman in high heels came striding over, her voice sharp enough to cut glass. The stilettos added inches to her petite frame, giving her a fierce, commanding air.

"Mary, what’s wrong?"

Mary grabbed him by the ear before he could react.

"Ow, ow! Honey, that hurts—let go! There are people watching!"

"Look at you!" she hissed. "The venue’s a mess, my father’s furious, and we’ve been waiting forever without a single sight of Lucas!"

"He’ll be here soon, I promise! Don’t be mad—there are a lot of people around, darling, can you please not embarrass me?"

Mary’s temper was infamous. Even with all eyes on them, she didn’t hold back in the slightest.

Only when she noticed several guests staring did she finally release him with a glare.

"I’ll stay inside and keep an eye on things. You—get out."

"Yes, yes, got it."

...

Outside the venue.

Sophia arrived under her professional name—Luna.

As the designer behind the show’s grand finale piece, she drew immediate attention the moment she stepped out of the car. Cameras flashed, reporters swarmed forward.

Behind her, an elderly man leaning on a cane emerged—Eugene Wright.

"Miss Luna! Welcome, welcome!" he greeted warmly, extending his hand.

Sophia removed her sunglasses, offering a graceful smile. "Mr. Wright, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you."

"Ah, Miss Luna, you’re too kind. Please, come in."

Sophia walked toward the entrance—and just as she did, someone brushed past her shoulder.

Frank.

She froze mid-step. He didn’t even glance her way, walking straight ahead, utterly oblivious.

The corner of Sophia’s lips lifted ever so slightly.

So, we finally meet again, Wright family.

Harper leaned in and whispered, "He didn’t recognize you."

"If he had," Sophia said with a smirk, "it wouldn’t be nearly as fun. Come on, let’s go in."

As the youngest top-tier designer in the industry, Sophia—Luna—had earned her place among the elite. Inside, she quickly found her assigned VIP seat.

Harper, the Carter Family’s beloved heiress, sat not far away.

"Harper, stay here. I’m going to take a look around."

"Okay. Be careful."

Sophia strolled through the venue, scanning the crowd. Dozens of business moguls, designers, and celebrities filled the space.

Then she saw a familiar silhouette.

Her lips curved faintly—Olivia?

Olivia had slipped backstage toward the dressing rooms.

There was no sign of anyone from the Morgan family, just Olivia alone.

Sophia’s eyes narrowed. Something felt off. She turned, glanced around the hall once, then followed quietly.

Moments later, she emerged from backstage, the corners of her mouth curled into a mocking smile.

Not long after, Olivia came out too, glancing around nervously before slipping away in a hurry.

Outside the venue, a sleek Bentley rolled to a stop.

Eugene’s eyes lit up.

The man he’d been waiting for—had finally arrived.