Chapter 9 It Really Is Her
The clear, cool moonlight bathed Amelia in a soft, silvery glow.
Amelia's thick, golden hair was loosely pinned up, with just a couple of delicate curls framing her face. The simple hairstyle, paired with slightly exaggerated rhinestone tassel earrings, made her already petite face look even smaller.
She looked up and revealed a deep blue silk mermaid gown. Two French straps rested on her rounded shoulders, highlighting her graceful neck and exquisite collarbones.
The dress's fine, flowing fabric accentuated her stunning figure. The backless design of the dress revealed Amelia's flawless back, with two thin rhinestone straps crisscrossing down to her waist, culminating in a large, intricate bow that shimmered like pieces of the Milky Way with every movement.
"Oh my God, Rachel, where did Kevin find this girl?" Kelly was dumbfounded. "She's absolutely gorgeous!"
"It's not just her looks. Isn't she wearing the Deep Sea Mermaid gown designed by Ms. Simmons before she retired? Didn't Mr. Bennett buy that dress for eight million dollars? How is she wearing it?"
"Mr. Bennett must have lent it to her. Can't you tell? Her makeup and styling today are clearly Mr. Bennett's work."
"Who is this high-society woman?" Grace's mouth fell open. "She's so beautiful and elegant, and she seems close to Mr. Bennett. How have we never heard of her? Did she just return from abroad?"
The guests at the party were all visibly impressed, and Kelly and her friends continued to speculate.
Rachel, however, was struggling to stay composed, mumbling in disbelief, "This can't be..."
Quentin was also stunned but quickly noticed Rachel's pale face. He hurriedly supported her, concerned, "Rachel, are you okay?"
Rachel bit her lip, struggling to speak, "I'm fine."
"Good," Quentin said, but he couldn't help glancing back at Amelia beside Kevin. "Who is this girl with Kevin? I've never seen her before."
As he spoke, Amelia and Kevin exchanged a few words before Amelia walked over to them.
"Sis," Amelia greeted with a gentle smile. "I ran into Kevin near Mr. Bennett's place, so we came together."
Her tone was warm and polite. "You and Mom arrived early. I hope I'm not late?"
Mom?
Everyone around was stunned.
"Are you... the Amelia from the countryside?" Kelly stammered, completely shocked.
"Are you Rachel's friends?" Amelia extended her hand politely. "Hi, I'm Amelia. Nice to meet you."
It was as if time had frozen. The previously chatty, high-society women were now speechless, staring at the elegant Amelia.
But the most shocked person was Quentin.
"You... you're Amelia?" Quentin was utterly astonished, his eyes and voice filled with disbelief.
"Is something wrong?" Amelia pretended not to recognize Quentin. "May I ask who you are?"
Quentin couldn't believe it. Amelia was nothing like he had imagined—slim, graceful, with delicate features, far from the dark and unattractive image he had in mind.
This was the fiancée Vaughn had arranged for him?
Meeting Amelia's clear, slightly puzzled gaze, Quentin found himself at a loss for words, holding his breath.
Seeing Quentin's fixed gaze on Amelia, Rachel's shoulders trembled with anger, but she forced a smile.
"Amelia, where did you get that dress? I remember Mom picked out a different one for you."
"What's wrong?" Amelia glanced down at her dress. "After you left, Mr. Bennett helped me choose this dress and did my makeup and styling."
"Mr. Bennett?" Grace couldn't help but ask. "You don't know Mr. Bennett?"
Amelia shook her head honestly. "No, I don't."
"Then why did he help you with your makeup?" Grace took a deep breath. "And Mr. Bennett treasures Ms. Simmons' designs. Why would he lend her dress to a stranger?"
"Mr. Bennett said he felt a connection with me when he saw me and offered to help when he heard I was attending a party tonight."
"And Rachel, don't worry. Mr. Bennett didn't charge me. He just asked me to return the dress after the party."
Such luck?
Getting a free makeover and styling from Ellison, and wearing a unique gown designed by the mysterious Rosie for free—why hadn't they experienced such fortune?
But with this explanation, the group felt somewhat relieved.
"No wonder you look so stunning," Kelly scoffed. "Mr. Bennett has a knack for transforming the ordinary into extraordinary. Even an ugly girl can become a beauty in his hands."
"But you grew up in the countryside, so your skin must be terrible," Kelly said condescendingly, glancing at Amelia. "Yet, your makeup looks flawless. Mr. Bennett is truly impressive."
In Kelly's world, aristocrats like them valued lineage above all.
A country girl like Amelia, an illegitimate child, didn't deserve to stand among them.
Amelia had stolen the spotlight upon her arrival, garnering admiration from many. Kelly, unaware of Amelia's background, had joined the praise, which now irritated her.
She intended to mock Amelia, but Amelia innocently replied, "No."
Kelly frowned. "No what?"
"I mean," Amelia said simply, rubbing her face, "Mr. Bennett only did my eyebrows and lipstick. He didn't use foundation, so there wouldn't be any issues like you mentioned."
"What?" Kelly's eyes widened again.
Seriously? This flawless, smooth face belonged to a country girl with no makeup?
They spent thousands on skincare and regular treatments at expensive salons, yet couldn't achieve such results.
Kelly was at a loss for words, her face reddening with frustration.
Rachel had been ignored since Amelia's arrival. Many guests were still sneaking glances at Amelia and whispering among themselves.
For years, Rachel had always been the center of attention at such events. Now, she was merely a backdrop to Amelia.
Rachel's freshly manicured nails dug into her palms.
"Quentin, the opening performance is about to start. Can you help me get ready?" Rachel asked softly, holding Quentin's hand.
"Sure."
Quentin had been dating Rachel for nearly six months and was always doting on her.
Though Amelia had impressed him, he still believed Rachel was superior.
After all, Rachel was the legitimate daughter of the Martinez family, beautiful, talented, and accomplished. How could Amelia, a country-raised illegitimate child, compare?
Seeing Quentin agree, Rachel smiled, but as she turned away, her expression darkened.
No matter how beautiful Ellison made her, Rachel had been meticulously trained by the Martinez family, excelling in various arts, and had achieved the highest level in piano by age twelve.
What could Amelia do? Whistle? She probably had never seen a real piano.
Once Rachel performed, all eyes would return to her. She would show Amelia that their differences went far beyond a dress.
Meanwhile.
Michael, seated in a wheelchair in a corner of the venue, focused on Amelia, his eyes narrowing slightly.
It was her.
The girl who had kissed him on the street yesterday—Amelia, the Martinez family's newly arrived illegitimate daughter.