Chapter 21

Night fell as the lights of The Grand Hyatt flickered to life one by one.

The banquet hall on the first floor had been completely restored, showing no trace of the earlier chaos.

Guests gathered in small clusters, their gazes repeatedly drifting toward the second floor.

"That girl in the tracksuit..."

"It must be Evelyn Laurent, the seventh daughter of the Langley family."

"The Sullivans didn't even throw her out..."

Whispers spread through the crowd. Everyone remembered the agile girl in black from earlier—and The Grand Hyatt's unusual tolerance.

Just last month, the young master of the Montgomery family had been blacklisted by the Sullivans for merely breaking a glass here.

On the raised platform, Richard Langley adjusted his bowtie. Behind him stood his six distinguished sons, while the Sullivan father and son stood to the side.

"Thank you all for joining us tonight," Richard's voice echoed through the hall. "Today marks my daughter's homecoming."

He paused, scanning the room.

"We trust you'll keep this matter confidential. In return, the Langleys and Sullivans will open select partnership opportunities."

The moment he finished speaking, the banquet hall plunged into darkness.

A single spotlight illuminated the grand staircase on the second floor.

Victoria Langley descended gracefully with Evelyn on her arm. She wore an onyx mermaid gown, its subtle embroidery shimmering in the light.

But all eyes were glued to the young woman beside her.

Evelyn's white evening gown cascaded like liquid starlight, countless diamonds catching the light with every step.

Her chin lifted slightly, porcelain skin glowing like pearls under the spotlight. Those phoenix eyes—identical to Victoria's—swept coolly across the room.

"My God..."

"Is that really the same girl who..."

Gasps rippled through the crowd as mother and daughter descended. The diamond fringe at Evelyn's waist swayed gently, accentuating her slender silhouette.

The spotlight followed her like a loyal attendant.

When she reached the center of the platform, the hall fell utterly silent. Guests held their breaths, as if fearing they might disturb this suddenly materialized princess.

Evelyn stood bathed in light, diamonds refracting brilliance across her gown. The corners of her lips lifted in a faint smile.

In that moment, everyone understood—the seventh daughter of the Langleys had returned.