Chapter 64: ENGAGEMENT PARTY 2
The room buzzed with excitement as Alanis and Claudia prepared to announce their engagement. Guests leaned forward in anticipation, champagne glasses in hand, while the Blackwoods stood proudly at the forefront.
Everyone praised the couple, they looked so wonderful together. Alanis, the heir to the Hamilton’s empire, and Claudia Blackwood, the golden child of the Blackwood family.
Claudia, radiant in her gown, could already envision the applause, the congratulations, and the headlines about her perfect union. Her father’s approving nod from the side only amplified her confidence.
This is what Frank wanted, to deviate the people’s attention from whatever the media portrayed him to be and focus on his daughter’s marriage. Since there was no Harlow to use anymore, he would use Claudia’s marriage as a distraction.
"Our daughter looks so beautiful Frank," Elisa said and he nodded. Claudia was indeed very beautiful with bright green eyes just like Harlow’s. She looked so happy, the happiest she’s seen in years.
"I’m sure Claudia would make the best bride," Garth said. Left for Garth, she would never want her son to be married to any of the Blackwood’s girls, but they needed their money. They needed the money to start their family business again. Alanis was doing good, but Claudia’s inheritance will go a long way.
"I want to use this medium to thank everyone for honoring our invitation. We..."
The grand double doors at the end of the hall creaked open, drawing all eyes. A cold gust swept into the room, extinguishing the warm energy. Murmurs rippled through the crowd as the heavy doors swung wide, revealing a shocking sight.
A young woman, dressed in a striking green gown, staggered into view. Her once-pristine attire was now dirt-streaked and crumpled, her hair disheveled and her face pale yet defiant.
Harlow.
She fell forward, catching herself on her hands. She tried to stand but fell back on the floor. The murmurs continued in the hall, Claudia, Elisa, Frank, and Garth all frowned at the scene before them.