Chapter 52: Vera's Stunning Debut
As the golden child of the Pierce family, Bert always threw these over-the-top birthday bashes.
Vera never got an invite because the Garcias thought she was too rough around the edges and might cause a scene.
Meanwhile, Shirley always dressed to the nines, flaunting her style to outshine Vera and catch Bert's eye.
Back then, Vera had a crush on Bert, which sometimes left her heartbroken. With Victor and Laura constantly criticizing her, she even doubted if she was good enough for him.
Looking back now, she found it all pretty hilarious.
Six years in the slammer had cleared Vera's head, making her ditch any fake feelings and see things for what they really were.
"What's on your mind?" Arnold asked.
"Just thinking about the past," Vera replied.
Arnold felt a twinge of unease, thinking, 'The past? Is she thinking about Bert? Does she still have a thing for Bert?'
Arnold rubbed his forehead, usually so sure of himself, now feeling unsure and hesitant.
He called in the stylist who had been waiting outside forever, then stepped out himself.
An hour later, Vera was all dolled up, feeling like a whole new person.
Her makeup was on point, with an elegant updo that showed off her curves. She looked like a Greek goddess come to life, turning heads left and right.
Especially her eyes, they were downright mesmerizing.
Her navy blue evening gown trailed behind her, the plunging neckline showing off her figure.
At the sight of her, Arnold's heart skipped a beat uncontrollably.
He knew Vera was beautiful; and he had seen plenty of stunning women before. But today, Vera left him speechless, making him hesitate to take her out. Instead of letting Bert admire Vera's beauty, he felt a possessive urge to keep her all to himself.
Arnold clicked his tongue in frustration.
Vera, noticing his reaction, quickly checked herself, asking, "Is something off about my look?"
"No, you look stunning," Arnold complimented generously, causing Vera to blush.
Nervously fidgeting, Vera asked, "Is it too much?"
Arnold said, "You were already beautiful, these touches just enhance it."
Feeling a warmth inside her, remembering past criticisms, Vera thanked him, "I appreciate that."
Just then, Charles, dressed sharply in a suit, joined them. He already looked like a doll, with big, blinking eyes, long lashes, chubby cheeks, and cute brown curls.
Charles rushed over to hug Vera when he saw her. She was so beautiful; he wished she was his mom.
Vera said, "Let's head out."
In the banquet hall, despite the well-wishes from everyone, Bert couldn't find joy, his eyes fixed on the door.
He couldn't help but wonder, 'Would Vera show up? Would she come alone or with Arnold? It would be perfect if they arrived together! That way, I could easily set up a situation to make Arnold see Vera's flaws and dark past!'
Shirley, also stunning in her gown, stood by his side, reveling in the compliments about their perfect match, her vanity fully satisfied.
During this time, Shirley couldn't face the world confidently after Vera's previous outburst.
Luckily, today she was at the birthday bash as Bert's fiancée, and those who used to flatter her were back!
As long as that awful Vera stayed out of her life, everything would be smooth sailing.
Just as she was thinking this, Bert suddenly tensed, his eyes locked on the entrance.
She followed his gaze in confusion and also stood frozen.
Was that Vera?! Why did she look even more stunning than before? Almost enchanting, with Arnold towering beside her and Charles, equally charming, walking between them.
Their entrance immediately drew everyone's attention, with onlookers exclaiming, "Oh my god! Is that Vera? Have you seen how much more gorgeous she's become?"
"Her complexion has improved too."
"Well, being away from the Garcia family, it's no wonder she's glowing!"
Hearing the murmurs around them, the Garcia family's expressions turned sour.
They had finally managed to bury the past, but now, with Vera's arrival, it was all dredged up again!
Laura's face darkened, feeling like she was about to explode. The carefully crafted image of her as the "benevolent," "graceful," and "refined" Mrs. Garcia shattered in an instant.
The idea of those women gossiping about her made Laura want to lash out at Vera.
Meanwhile, Shirley had already been branded as the evil stepsister by public opinion.
Out of the three, Victor remained the most composed. While he cared about the Garcia family's image, he knew these matters didn't impact the core interests of Constance Corporation.
He pondered perhaps he shouldn't have hastily signed that darn parental rights release and agreement with Vera back then. After all, Vera was no longer the small-town girl who could be pushed around.
"That bitch! If she hadn't caused such a scene last time, she wouldn't have transformed like this!" Laura grumbled quietly, growing more and more irritated by Vera.
"Enough, she's your flesh and blood! I don't want to hear such talk again," Victor interjected.
Laura promptly fell silent, aware that she still relied on Victor to sustain her life as a wealthy wife.
Shirley clenched her teeth, her envy almost palpable in her eyes.
But she held her tongue, as her inferior status seemed deeply ingrained, and she had to navigate carefully to uphold this position and all its privileges.
At that moment, Bert's phone rang. He excused himself from the crowd to the balcony, conversing with the man on the other end in a flattering tone, "Mr. Pierce, I'm at the location you mentioned, what's the plan?"
"Don't draw attention, just show up and meet your well-raised daughter," Bert instructed.
"Got it, what about the payment?" Daniel Hill asked cautiously.
Bert scowled in annoyance, "Once it's done, a grand will be wired to your account."
Daniel said, "I prefer cash."
"Understood." Bert hung up, feeling a fleeting unease in his heart.