INICIAR SESIÓNThe announcement sent a wave of disbelief through the ballroom.Whispers spread as the guests struggled to process the revelation. The woman they had known as Isla Marquez, long believed to be dead, was the true Aniela Delacroix, the missing heiress.Meanwhile, Hazel Elsdon, who had spent years claiming that identity, watched her carefully built position crumble before her eyes.The press, invited to cover the birthday celebration, had found a story far more significant than the event itself. Cameras turned toward Isla, and reporters began calling out questions.“Is she really the Delacroix heiress?”“Was Hazel Elsdon’s DNA report false?”Within minutes, the story began circulating online:Isla Marquez Returns as the Missing Delacroix Heiress.Hazel Elsdon’s Claim Challenged After Independent DNA Retest.Who Is the True Heiress to the Delacroix Fortune?Hazel stood rigidly beside the birthday table, her face burning with anger. Moments earlier, she had been the center of attention. No
The ballroom doors opened, and a woman stepped inside, her champagne-gold gown catching the light. Her hair fell neatly over her shoulders, and she remained composed under the many eyes fixed on her.Two men followed a short distance behind, keeping discreetly in the background and leaving her to face the room alone.Conversations faded as the guests turned toward the unexpected arrival. Several recognized her from old photographs and news reports. Others stared, uncertain whether she was the woman they remembered or someone who merely resembled her.Then someone near the entrance whispered, “Is that Isla Marquez?”The name spread through the ballroom. The woman everyone had believed dead was standing before them.Franklin sat motionless, his gaze fixed on Isla. Beside him, Rosalyn stared at her in disbelief.“Is that really her?” she whispered.Franklin did not answer.Across the room, Fabian paled. His grip tightened around his glass, but he forced himself to remain composed. He cou
Hazel had been awake since early morning, but by late afternoon, she was still dissatisfied.She sat before her dressing table as the makeup artist worked on her face and the hairstylist arranged her curls. Nearby, a maid prepared her gown and accessories.Everything had to be perfect.She had spent weeks overseeing every detail of tonight’s celebration, from the guest list to the ballroom flowers. Nothing could go wrong.“Where is my dress?” Hazel demanded, glancing at the clock. “I asked for it half an hour ago.”A maid hurried in with a garment bag. “I’m sorry, Miss Delacroix. It was being steamed, as you requested.”“Then why wasn’t it brought up sooner?”The maid lowered her eyes. “I’m sorry, miss.”Once the gown was uncovered, Hazel inspected it before turning to the mirror. “Where are my shoes? These aren’t the pair I selected.”“I thought these would match better.”“You thought?” Hazel turned sharply. “I gave you the exact pair days ago. Go and get them.”The maid hurried away
By the time Spook pulled into the lakeside estate, the night had grown quiet. Warm lights glowed through the windows of the place that had sheltered Isla during her recovery after the accident.Elias was waiting near the entrance. His face brightened when she stepped out of the car. “Isla. It’s good to have you back.”“Thank you, Elias.”Mara appeared behind him and embraced her. “You look well. How was Geneva? Did you enjoy living there?”“I did. It took some time to adjust, but I found my footing. Work kept me busy, and I met some good people.”“Then you can tell us more after you’ve rested,” Mara said with a smile. “You’ve had a long journey.”Their familiar warmth eased some of the tension Isla had carried since arriving. For a moment, she could almost forget the complicated reason she had returned.Dominic was waiting in the living room. He rose to greet her, then asked how she was feeling.“Tired, mostly.”“Understandable. You can settle in tonight. We don't have to discuss anyt
The lights of Astera shimmered beneath the aircraft as it began its descent.Isla sat by the window, watching the city emerge from the darkness. Beyond the familiar skyline lay the place where she had grown up, the country she had once called home, and the past she was finally ready to face.She had never imagined returning under these circumstances. She had left Astera as Isla Marquez, unaware of her true origins. Now she was coming back as Aniela Delacroix, the missing heiress everyone believed was dead.Yet the city below looked much as she remembered it.She pulled her cap lower over her forehead. Dressed in a plain shirt, jeans, and comfortable shoes, with ordinary glasses framing her face, she hoped to blend in among the arriving passengers. The disguise would make her less noticeable, but it wouldn't fool anyone who knew her well. She would have to remain cautious.In Astera, she was still a dead woman. Until her identity was formally revealed, no one could know she had returne
Word had spread through the Delacroix Holdings office that Isla would be taking an extended leave to return to Astera. Most assumed she had personal matters to attend to, unaware of the real reason for her departure.By late morning, Isla had organized her files and completed the handover notes. Austin stopped by her desk to review them.“Everything looks good,” he said. “You've covered all the outstanding work.”“Thank you. And thank you for everything you've taught me.”“You did the work, Isla. I only pointed you in the right direction.”After Austin finished reviewing the notes, Max, her supervisor, approached her desk.“Finished with the boss?” he asked with a smile. “Good. Could you go over the remaining details with me in my office?”Isla gathered the folder and followed him. Austin watched them leave. He had already informed Max of Isla's true identity, but they had agreed to keep it confidential until the arrangements in Astera were complete. For now, the rest of the office wo







