บททั้งหมดของ Shadows of a lost heiress : บทที่ 11 - บทที่ 20

Anabel held Anaïs, her composure masking a tornado of anxiety, the air was filled with the calm buzz of urgency.The restroom, which had some minutes ago been a battlefield of words and cold glares, was now reduced to a tranquil atmosphere amidst the chaos. Anabel moved quickly, calling for the attention of an attendant. She spoke in a low tone laced with authority."Find Cael Moraine," she instructed. "Tell him it’s urgent but keep it discreet. This isn’t something we want making headlines."With a nod, the attendant moved away quickly, leaving Anabel to focus on Anaïs, who was gradually regaining consciousness. Her beautiful features were contoured by confusion as her eyelashes fluttered open, her breath shallow."Take it easy," Anabel said gently, helping Anaïs sit up. "You gave me such a scare."Anaïs managed a faint smile, though her strength was clearly drained. "I’m sorry... I don’t know what happened."“You don't have to apologize, let's just get you home first,” Anabel replied

Within the hour, the internet had a new obsession. The narrative, so fragile it had begun to shift.A leaked surveillance video from the award ceremony’s restroom surfaced on multiple platforms, showing an entirely different version of events from what Sheryl had claimed.The footage was clear. Anaïs had only stood her ground, her face looking tensed with discomfort. Never once was she seen moving a muscle in attack.Instead, Sheryl had been the aggressor, her body language hostile, her lips and facial expression moved in a manner that dripped with condescension. Then, there it was, Sheryl’s so-called "fall". It was nothing but an exaggerated performance. There was no forceful shove, no aggression from Anaïs. In fact, Sheryl had glanced around, apparently aware of the cameras, and she had dramatically stumbled onto the floor.The internet exploded."Wait… so she LIED?!""I knew something felt off. This was all an act!""This can be career-ending.""I can't believe my beloved Sheryl

The world went blurry in an instant as Anaïs hit the pavement, knocking the air out of her lungs. A sickening loud thud followed—flesh against metal. Gasps erupted around her.Anaïs turned to see Alex sprawled on the ground, blood seeping from his shoulder. The car that had nearly run her down sped off, disappearing into the distance.Her heart pounded. She would have been the one lying there, she thought as her hand instinctively flew to her stomach. The baby.She turned again to the driver."Alex!" She called out as she scrambled toward him.The driver groaned in pain, his face twisted in pain. "Miss Anaïs… are you all right?""Don't speak," she said, her hands trembling.Quickly, a nurse and a few security personnel rushed out, getting into action."Get him inside, now!" one of the hospital staff ordered.All Anaïs could do was watch as Alex was being carried onto a stretcher. A nurse also came towards her. “Miss, are you all right?”.She balled her hands into fists. This was no

Anaïs’s hand hovered over the contract for a moment, her heart was beating fast. This was it. What she had always desired.She called her nerves and pressed the pen to the paper, signing her name in elegant strokes.A wave of exhilaration and excitement coursed through her as she set the pen down.Henry Osborn smiled warmly.“Congratulations, Miss Anaïs. Welcome to Twilight Globals.”Lucy, her new assistant, clapped her hands excitedly. “We’re so happy to have you! And speaking of exciting news…” She slid a folder across the office desk.Anaïs picked it up, her gaze pointed as she flipped through the pages.“Contained in there is information for your first official gig,” Henry said leaning back in his chair, watching her reaction. “A high-end editorial shoot with Élla Mays Vogue magazine. They requested you specifically.”Anaïs gasped.Élla Mays Vogue. One of the biggest fashion magazines in the industry.Anaïs's hands trembled slightly as she closed the folder. For her, this wasn't

Anaïs exhaled sharply as she exited the hospital stepping into the cool of the morning. She rubbed her palms to keep warm as the cool morning breeze brushed past her.It was about that time of the year.Her schedule for the day had been planned by her assistant. Lucy had been meticulous and detailed about each planned event. She had just visited her father at the hospital. He looked rather lively and energetic. Although still skinny from the tole of the sickness, he was beginning to regain his color. Anaïs replayed the details of the visit in her head.“You are finally achieving what you always desired my dear. I am very proud of you”. Her father had said.“...but never forget where you came from, never forget your values…” he had advised.With a lingering sadness and a spark of defiant hope, she clutched her bag as she made her way to the sleek company car.She hadn't bothered asking him about the last statement he made the first time she visited, the night Cael had rescued her fro