Chapter 56 Chapter 56

Chapter 56 Chapter 56
The hall gradually emptied as reporters began to disperse, energized by the spectacle Averie had just delivered to the world. The success of her launch was undeniable because orders didn’t stop pouring in, influencers were tagging her work online, and the industry elites whispered among themselves about how she might be the next national fashion phenomenon.

But Averie could barely absorb any of it as her gaze kept drifting back to Darian and Carmine, standing gracefully beside him as she belonged in his world.

Sabrina’s sudden appearance with her parents only made Averie’s confusion double. She had intentionally sent two invitations across to her family but her stepsister just had to tag along and become an eyesore.

Esther leaned closer and whispered, “Why does she look so smug? I don’t like this.”

In fact, Averie didn’t like it either but she forced a smile as Sabrina approached, her glittering gown dragging softly behind her. Sabrina’s parents greeted Darian with exaggerated respect—the kind that wasn’t in their nature. 

Sabrina stepped forward with her usual mocking sweetness.
“Congratulations, dear sister,” she said, emphasizing the word “sister” with an insulting tenderness. “You did very… surprisingly well.”

Averie returned the smile, her tone neutral. “Thanks.”

Before Sabrina could add more venom, Darian stepped in.
“We should get going,” he announced. “Grandfather is expecting everyone. He said dinner will start the moment we arrive.”

Averie nodded, trying to calm the storm brewing in her chest. She told Esther goodbye and assured her she would update her later. 

And as she turned, her foster parents rushed to her with proud smiles and tight hugs, praising every detail of the show. Averie tried to feel the warmth of their continuous praises but her heart weighed heavily with everything.

“Oh! Your parents are invited as well,” he told her.

“Oh my dear, we already talked to Mr.Graham for a joint celebration. We hoped it would bring the family closer together” Mr.Quinn said.

Meanwhile – At the Graham Mansion

News had already spread at home about the success of Averie’s launch. The old man, seated in his grand leather chair smiled happily as he sipped a cup of his herbal tea.

He had always admired capable women, especially ones who carried themselves with quiet dignity. Seeing Averie rising so quickly with Darian unlike the previous women in his life who never tried to be different than to rely on the family money; it gladdens his heart. He wouldn’t have any regret leaving him alone when he’s about to build his family.

His peace, however, was soon disrupted by Lauren who burst into the sitting room with her usual theatrical energy.

“Father! Have you heard about Tyler?” she boasted. “He turned that hopeless branch into a fountain of miracles! Collaborators love him!”

The old man raised an eyebrow. “Hmm. Is that so?”

Lauren continued without breathing, listing numbers and improvements in her son’s favor. She delivered the details with exaggeration, hoping it would wipe away the stain Tyler had left on the family reputation.

Finally, the old man nodded.
“Very well. His accounts will be restored. Invite him home for dinner tonight. We are celebrating the young daughter-in-law”

Lauren nearly squealed in excitement but frowned at the mention of Averie. She was annoyed to find out their plan had failed but she made sure to tie every loose end to protect herself and Carmine.
She immediately dialed Tyler’s number.

When he picked up, his mother informed him of the dinner but he didn’t share her enthusiasm.

“Dinner?” he repeated with a scoff. “I’ve got bigger things to handle tonight.” his tone was prideful.

Lauren’s face stiffened. “Tyler! This is your chance! If you behave well, your grandfather may change his mind about the will…”

But he cut in sharply.
“Why would he? He never cared about me. Only Darian. Maybe I’m not even a real Graham.”

“Tyler!” Lauren whispered harshly, her heart pounding. “Don’t say such things!”

But he wasn’t done; “A man contacted me today,” he said. “He claims to know something about me. His name is…”

The moment he mentioned it, Lauren’s throat dried. Sweat beaded across her forehead.

Of course, she recognized that name.

“How do you know him?” Tyler demanded. “What does he mean by ‘the truth’?”

Lauren swallowed hard, her breath trembling “Stay away from scammers,” she warned. “I have no idea who he is.” She lied despite knowing perfectly well who that man was. It was the same ex-convict who held a secret over her head like a blade.

“Whatever shady business you’re up to or involved in, keep my reputation out of it” Tyler hung up, uninterested.

Lauren paced anxiously, her mind spiraling. It wasn’t long ago that the man contacted her for money. She wondered how he was able to track down Tyler and tell him ridiculous stories. Panicking, she knew she needed to meet that man again. Before anyone else learned the truth.

Her panic deepened when her phone vibrated again, this time from an unknown number.

She answered with trembling fingers.

“Madam Graham,” a deep voice rumbled, far too amused. “I’m close by and I think I should drop by…”

Lauren nearly dropped the phone. She slipped outside immediately, sneaking toward the front gate to avoid being overheard. She spotted the man lurking, scanning the premises with greedy eyes.

She recognized him and before he could cause a scene, she grabbed his arm and dragged him behind the hedges.

“What are you doing here?” she hissed. “Are you insane? It’s not even up to a week yet!”

“I came for… a follow-up,” he smirked. “Things are expensive now that I’m out of prison. Maybe it’s because I was gone for too long, I don’t know how to manage money anymore.” he flashed Lauren his rotten teeth. “You promised I would be taken care of.” he added, his mocking smile faded.

Lauren clenched her fists “You were paid already.”

“And now,” he leaned in darkly, “I need more.”

She transferred the money on the spot, just to make him leave. But as he walked away, he called over his shoulder:

“Don’t make me visit again before you reach out next time”

Lauren’s legs nearly gave out when the man was completely out of sight.

THE RIDE HOME>>
Carmine sat in the back with a polished smile, while Darian drove with the same unreadable expression he’d worn all day.

At one point, Averie leaned forward a little.
“You were amazing today,” she said softly. “Thank you… for being there. Even when things were busy.”

Darian didn’t respond immediately but eventually he murmured, “It was your day. You deserved support.”

His tone wasn’t cold, but it wasn’t warm either.

Carmine glanced at Averie through the mirror, but her expression was impossible to read.

When they arrived, the mansion glowed with lights. The family was already gathered for the celebration. Her family, the Quinns car arrived as well.