Unwelcome Guest

The Adler family was famous not only within the country but all over the world.

Their business started with Ernest Adler, a skilled software engineer eager to explore the intricacies of the fast-growing tech world. He created a small start-up with two of his university friends.

The trio wrote a program designed to enhance the security of passcode locks, which were becoming increasingly popular and rapidly replacing traditional locks.

The program quickly became in high demand. After multiple adjustments and updates, it evolved into a comprehensive smart home security system used by every major development company and dominated the international market.

Over time, Ernest's company grew into a large conglomerate called "Diamond Group," encompassing a family of businesses. Their shares were coveted by many wealthy individuals, and receiving Diamond Group's investments or financial support guaranteed instant popularity and success.

Unfortunately, the Adler family's success came at a price.

Soon after the birth of his son Evan, Ernest's wife, Marianne, died of cancer, leaving him alone to raise their child. He didn't remarry, as his grief prevented him from focusing on anything other than his son and the company.

Evan was a smart kid who quickly became a valuable helper to his dad. He began working for the main company at only fourteen years old and helped the business reach new heights with his skills and business acumen.

He, too, had a price to pay for his achievements.

Not long after Evan and his wife, Maggie, had their second son, Stellan, they died in a plane crash while returning from a business trip on their private jet. The tragedy shook the business world, but it affected Ernest the most.

Once again, he lost beloved members of his family. Once again, he was left alone to act as a capable parent to the young Adler brothers.

And their tragedies were still not over.

●●●

"We have sent the invitations to the entire family, but we only received one response. One of my assistants is handling the guests, so I'm still not sure who is going to attend the benefit."

Tatiana took a moment to recall the last time she reviewed the guest list. No, she had made no mistake; all they had indicated was that only one "Mr. Adler" would attend. There were no first names.

Holly glanced at something on her phone and answered in a somewhat careless tone, "Hmm... I don't think it will be Grandpa Adler. It's hunting season now, and he is known to hunt a lot. His older grandson is in the hospital somewhere in Europe and is too sick to fly, so this leaves us with only one possible candidate... the infamous Stellan Adler, the youngest heir to the Diamond Group!"

Stellan Adler indeed had a controversial reputation. He was famous for being just as talented as his father while also infamous for his scandalous social life. In short, Stellan was known as a womanizer who was said to sleep around a lot.

The bad rumors about him, however, never prevented women of all ages from swooning over him. Stellan was one of the most handsome bachelors and was desired by many.

"This makes me very excited!" Holly exclaimed. "The youngest heir of Diamond Group is making his first official public appearance at our benefit. I can't wait to see his gorgeous face in person!"

Her dreamy remark made Tatiana laugh. While she, too, was curious to see him in person, she was barely interested in his looks.

Suddenly, Holly fell silent, and her excited expression was replaced by a deep frown as she fixed her eyes on something behind Tatiana.

Concerned about such a drastic change in her expression, Tatiana turned around and saw the source of her friend's distress.

It was Emilia.

"What the hell is she doing here?" Holly's cold voice echoed in Tatiana's head. She narrowed her eyes, silently sharing her friend's irritation.

She took a closer look at that woman. Although Emilia was now dressed in famous brands, her appearance lacked any real fashion sense. It seemed as though she simply wanted to drape herself in expensive clothes to show the world that "she" could afford them.

Emilia finally noticed the two women looking at her. She stretched her mouth into a wide smile and waved her freshly manicured hand at them.

"Tatiana!"

Without invitation or hesitation, she briskly walked to their table. Holly's frown deepened as she groaned, "Oh God, she even has the nerve to come to us?!"

As Emilia approached their table, it became clear she had just returned from a trip to a beauty salon and a department store. The number of glossy shopping bags hanging from her left arm was overwhelming.

"Oh, Tatiana, I had no idea you liked this restaurant!"

Tatiana arched her eyebrows upon hearing Emilia call her by her first name. Emilia continued, "Gilbert recommended this restaurant because the chef here is someone he knows. He said I could just pop in any time and get the best service if I mention his name! Having connections is amazing. Can I join you two for brunch? Running around that department store was so exhausting!"

"No." Tatiana's answer was firm and cold. She looked at her friend, and Holly supported her rejection with a nod. "In case you failed to notice, we are two best friends having a nice brunch together while sharing a pleasant and stimulating conversation. I don't think you can contribute to this."

Emilia's lips curled down, clearly offended by Holly's harsh words. She remained quiet, and Tatiana finally noticed it—Emilia was on the verge of tears.

'This is becoming scary. Such a quick change of expressions requires some good acting. Who is she trying to fool here?'

Holly's eyes traveled over the shopping bags on Emilia's arm. Most of the items were either from skincare or makeup stores, with only one glossy black shopping bag from a famous brand's boutique. Holly scoffed.

"It looks like there was still one brand you didn't manage to put on when you left the department store."

Emilia ignored her sarcasm and smiled. "Oh, this? It's a dress for the upcoming benefit."

The women's eyes widened in shock, both of them couldn't believe what they had just heard.

"The benefit?"

Emilia's grin widened as she nodded. "Yes, Gilbert invited me too. It's a pity I can't join you for brunch, but I'll make sure to join you for evening drinks there."

Her voice sounded sweet and kind, but with each word that left her mouth, Tatiana felt as if she were being splashed with ice-cold water.

This woman was slowly making her way into every single aspect of Tatiana's life.