Chapter 198 Silhouettes In The Shadows
Chapter 198 Silhouettes In The Shadows
After Brie’s emotions had stabilized, they all sat chatting animatedly. Brie asked so many questions about her late parents and grandmother while her brothers, as well as her grandfather, responded eagerly.
Alex was at her side, his hand pressed against her back as a way of support. He didn’t interfere. He simply stayed quietly by her side. It was her moment.
It wasn’t until the house staff came to inform them that the guests had arrived that the little reunion party stopped. A few of the house staff came in, bowing slightly in front of Brie, asking her to follow them so they could prepare her.
Brie snifled, wiping her tears. “I’m perfectly fine,” she tried to say, but Sir Howard will have none of it.
“Nonsense. Tonight is not just about me. But also the welcoming ceremony of my granddaughter. You will be dressed as you deserve. Let them prepare you.”
Then, with a sudden burst of energy, he turned to his sons. “Go. Greet the guests. Make arrangements. My granddaughter is home, and she will get the grand welcome she deserves.”
Adam, Xander, and Caleb exchanged smiles, nodding before departing.
Brie hesitated, her gaze flickering to Alex. He gave her a reassuring nod, his smile gentle. “Go on. I’ll be here.”
Howard leaned toward Alex, his tone conspiratorial. “I have things to discuss with you, young man.”
Brie sat quietly while the women fussed over her with brushes and fabrics. They worked swiftly, transforming her into a vision of elegance. Her gown shimmered under the light, her hair was styled with precision, and her face glowed with subtle makeup.
When the doors to the grand hall opened, Brie stepped out, her arm tucked under Howard’s. The chandeliers blazed above, casting golden light across the vast room. Guests turned, their conversations halting, their eyes drawn to the striking young woman at Howard’s side.
Whispers rippled through the crowd. Who is she? Where did she come from? She looks divine…
Among the relatives present, shock spread like wildfire. They saw the resemblance instantly — the eyes, the features, the unmistakable echo of Adeline.
Howard’s voice rang out, strong and proud. “Distinguished guests, this is a wonderful day for me. On my eightieth birthday, I celebrate not only my years but the return of my granddaughter. After so long, she is back home.”
The announcement sent murmurs through the hall. The news spread quickly, carried by the rapid clicks of cameras, whispers, and astonished gasps. Brie’s name was announced to society; her identity unveiled. In a twinkle of an eye, she was transformed from that outstanding woman who had gone through life determined to the heiress of the prominent Sterling family.
She stood tall, though her heart raced, her hand steady in Howard’s arm. Alex watched from across the room, his gaze protective. She looked divine, and his heart swelled with pride. That was his woman. And soon-to-be his wife.
Across the room, a subtle message was exchanged between Alex and Howard, and he gave a short nod as a sign of respect. They had spoken at length when they were the only ones left in the study, and in the end, he had given him his blessings.
Meanwhile, across time zones, on the rooftop of Stratson Group, Sienna stood with Brad. Her phone was clutched tightly in her hand, her eyes blazing. She was wearing black tracksuit pants and a hoody. She thrust the screen toward him. “Have you seen this? Brie is some old money. She’s the Sterling long‑lost granddaughter.”
Brad had already seen the news. His expression was unreadable, his silence unnerving. He had been unable to tear his gaze off hers on the TV screen as the news filled the air. He was even now determined to have her. His obsession had gone wilder ever since she told him off the last time they met at the café. When pictures of her and Alex graced the screen, he had grown into a rage so hot that he got his hand injured in the process, but he didn’t care.
Sienna launched into a tirade, her voice sharp, while her words tumbled out in fury. “I thought you were desperate for Brie. How come you haven’t made a move? We’ve been on this for months now, and still nothing. She’s slipping further out of reach!”
His voice was low and deliberate. “Timing is everything.”
Sienna, furious, flung her hands in the air wildly. “You’ve been saying that for months now! I’m beginning to question my decision to join you here. You promised you could help me get what I want, and here we are!”
Brad turned his gaze on her, utterly cold. Sienna froze, her breath catching. Something in the way he looked at her — the chill in his eyes, the calm menace in his tone — frightened her. She swallowed hard, suddenly quiet. Something about Brad truly scared her.
“Just be ready when I call.” he looked away without casting her a second glance, leaving Sienna to slip away quietly, grateful to have the reprieve of leaving his side.