Chapter 57 Chapter 57

Chapter 57 Chapter 57
The Graham mansion glowed like a scene out of a royal gala this particular night. Soft amber lights cascaded down the chandeliers, illuminating the massive dining hall with a warm, regal glow. The polished wooden floors reflected the delicate shimmer like a pool of honey.

The maids worked swiftly yet gracefully, all moving in well-choreographed patterns. As one arranged gold-trimmed plates, another placed polished silverware with perfect symmetry. Others carried trays of warm bread, fragrant roasted duck, glazed salmon, filet mignon, colorful vegetable medleys, and bowls arranged with the precision of a work of art.

Crystal wine glasses lined the table making everything scream of wealth, legacy, and perfection.

Sabrina stood at the entrance, her lips pressed into a thin line as she watched the maids finalize the luxurious setup. Her nails dug into her palm, hidden behind her clutch. This could have been hers.

If only she had succeeded in getting Darian just as planned, if she hadn’t lost to Averie, she would be the sole owner of everything her sister was getting tonight.

Bitterness clawed its way up her throat as she gazed at the long table, at the sight of Averie being treated like the lady of the mansion. The way she moved with familiarity and celebrated Grace among the workers.

“That darn Averie. Always Averie Quinn” she rolled her eyes.
Then her phone vibrated; it was a message from Doctor Levie.

“I’m outside. I brought her.”

A slow, malicious smile curved Sabrina’s lips.

“Perfect. Now let’s see how long the little princess holds up” With that, she slid her phone back into her purse just as the family gathered around the table.
Darian guided his grandfather to the head of the table, and Carmine also took a seat nearby while Lauren continued giving orders in her usual, yet stern, manner.

Averie settled in a seat quietly the moment her mother-in-law took over, her eyes occasionally drifting toward the door, hoping Darian might look her way. But he was unreadable, and plain.

Sabrina’s parents exchanged nervous glances, sensing her unusual excitement.

Just as the final wine bottle was uncorked and everyone lifted their utensils, Sabrina cleared her throat dramatically.

“I actually brought a special guest tonight,” she announced with a coy smile. “I thought it would be… meaningful if she dined with us.”

Her mother stiffened instantly “Who are you talking about?” she asked in a whisper.

Her father shot her a sharp, warning look because she had told them nothing before leaving the house.

Carmine leaned forward with a smirk, already sensing drama. Likewise, Lauren who frowned at the sight.

“Oh really?” The old man laughed, “And who else have you invited?” he asked with raised brows, waiting.

Then, soft wheels rolled on the polished floor, into the large sitting room. All heads turned towards the sound.

A man dressed in white, pushed in a wheelchair. Sitting in it was a fragile-looking woman, body slightly slumped, her face fully covered with a long white veil. When Averie saw the woman with Levie, her face went white like a ghost.

The atmosphere shifted from warmth to electric discomfort.

Averie’s heart plummeted as her fingers tightened around her napkin. A sudden chill prickled up her spine.

“WHY DIDN’T YOU INVITE HER, AVERIE?”

Sabrina stepped closer to the veiled woman and turned to the table with false innocence.

“This lovely guest…” she began, voice dripping with sweetness, “is Averie’s guest. Her poor sick mother, actually.”

Silence exploded through the room.

Darian’s brows shot up in alarm and his grandfather stiffened.

Averie swallowed painfully, unable to speak.

Sabrina looked right at her, tilting her head mockingly “Why didn’t you bring her to your big success today?” she asked. “Are you embarrassed by your sick mother?” she said tauntingly, making Averie squeeze her hand tight.

Their parents looked mortified, shocked that Sabrina could plan such a thing behind their backs.
Mrs.Quinn pinched Sabrina under the table, whispering urgently, “Stop this, Sabrina.”

But Sabrina jerked her arm away with a glare.

Carmine on the other hand crossed her legs and smirked openly, enjoying every bit of the chaos.

After examining the situation, Lauren spoke sharply;
“Averie dear, this is very disappointing. Why would you hide something so important? Your mother deserved to be there.”

Averie tried to breathe but her chest constricted.

The old man cleared his throat.
“Averie… why didn’t you inform me about your mother? You know I value transparency.”

The old man looked at her, expecting answers but before she could speak, Sabrine started again.

“Does Mr.Darian even know? Your husband? How can you hide something so important from him? Isn’t your spouse supposed to be the closest person to you?”

A more suffocating silence fell on the room as everyone turned to Darian. Fiona felt like disappearing.

Darian’s jaw tightened. His nails dug into his palm under the table.
He hated what Sabrina was doing but he also hated the thought of Averie hiding things from him. Now he had to hear it from someone else.

Still, he refused to let his wife be humiliated by outsiders. Also, he didn’t want to disappoint his grandfather who has high hopes for him and Averie.

He inhaled, ready to intervene but he never got the chance because then, Averie rose from her chair slowly. With a calm yet cold demeanor.

She walked around the table to where Sabrina’s seated. She stopped right in front of her and their eyes met.

Sabrina smirked triumphantly, her shoulders high.

But what she wasn’t expecting was a thunderous slap roughing down her face.

The sound cracked through the hall like thunder. Everyone gasped.

Sabrina staggered backward, hand flying to her cheek.

“You…!” she hissed.

Averie Quinn stepped closer, voice steady and sharp as a blade.

“Behave yourself, Sabrina. Bringing this up at a family dinner? That’s stupid and pathetic even. Are you not tired of getting slapped?”

Sabrina’s father shot up, face dark.
“Averie! How dare you slap your sister in front of…”

But Averie turned to him boldly. “That woman is not my mother.”

The room shook with heavy confusion. Sabrina’s face twisted in fury.
“Let’s see about that!” she hissed, stomping toward the wheelchair.

She grabbed the veil and yanked it off the woman only to reveal the fake mother she had intentionally shown Averie at the hospital to trick her.

Her stomach dropped and her head snapped toward the doctor instantly.

“What is the meaning of this?! Where is the real one I told you to bring?!” she asked the doctor who stepped forward, trembling slightly but instead of explaining, he held up a document.

A test result of a DNA test.

His voice cracked, “I… I have proof.” He swallowed. “Proof that will settle everything.”