Chapter 165

The Fairvale Grand Hotel-easily the finest in town.
Aurora stood in the shadows on the second floor, two bodyguards in dark suits flanking her like silent sentinels. From her vantage point, she was forced to watch the festivities unfolding below.
Mrs. Chambers leaned against the balcony railing, her voice brimming with delight and not-so-subtle pride. “Aurora, tonight you’ll finally witness what a real engagement looks like how grand, how romantic my son’s celebration is.”
“See for yourself just how much Daniel cares for Monica.”
Originally, Mrs. Chambers had meant to lock Aurora away. But she realized that if she truly wanted Aurora to give up, she’d have to let her see for herself how magnificent Daniel and Monica’s engagement was. So here she was, brought along as a reluctant spectator.
Aurora was supposed to witness just how much the Chambers family cherished Monica as their future daughter-in-law.
After all, when Aurora and Daniel married, there hadn’t even been a wedding reception.
Compared to tonight’s spectacle, Mrs. Chambers was certain this would break whatever was left of Aurora’s resolve.
Aurora said nothing. She simply watched from above, her gaze steady.
It didn’t take her long to spot Daniel. He cut a striking figure in a burgundy suit, handsome as ever. Monica stood at his side in a flowing blush-pink gown, clearly having gone to great lengths to look her best.
They mingled gracefully among the guests, hand in hand. Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs.net
Daniel wore a gentle, attentive smile.
Aurora thought to herself, “People can fake affection—that much is true.”
The master of ceremonies took the stage, microphone in hand. Mrs. Chambers adjusted her dress and swept away with an air of elegance.
After the opening remarks, Daniel and Monica stepped onto the stage. They were about to sign the engagement certificate-Monica’s idea. She loved rituals, needed that sense of ceremony to feel secure.
Just as they were poised to sign, the banquet hall doors burst open.
“Wait!”
Louis stood in the doorway, wielding a megaphone. His voice thundered over the music, drawing every eye in the room.
A chill ran down Monica’s spine. Her smile faltered, growing stiff. “Dan, let’s just sign,” she whispered.
Daniel set the pen down, his gaze turning icy as Louis strode purposefully toward them.
Louis stopped in front of them, glanced at the certificate, and tossed the megaphone aside. “Daniel, we need to talk.”
Daniel lifted his chin, a mocking smirk on his face. “If this is about your son’s
illness, you’ll have to wait. Maybe if I’m in a good mood in a few days, I’ll consider helping.”
Mrs. Chambers hurried over. “Louis, whatever it is, can’t it wait until the ceremony is over? Please, step down.”
But Louis kept his eyes fixed on Daniel. “Three minutes. Listen to what I have to say, and if you still want to go through with this, I won’t stop you.”
Daniel’s smile faded. The darkness in his eyes deepened as he fell silent, lost in thought.
“Dan, ignore him. Let’s just sign,” Monica pleaded, scribbling her name down in haste.
But Daniel didn’t pick up the pen.
He nodded at Louis. “Go ahead.”
Louis reached into his pocket and pulled out a sheet of paper. “Take a look at this.”
He handed Daniel a DNA test—a paternity report for Aurora and Payne.
“Aurora has nothing to do with Payne,” Louis explained, hoping the truth would finally sway Daniel.
Daniel skimmed the report, then slapped it back against Louis’s chest, his voice dripping with contempt. “You think a piece of paper like this will convince me you and Aurora are innocent?”
He curled his lip in a sneer, showing Louis no courtesy.
“For the sake of your son, she’d go this far? And you still claim there’s nothing between you two?”
“What, am I supposed to just accept being lied to?”
Louis frowned, realizing too late that Daniel didn’t believe the DNA test-in fact, he was convinced Aurora had orchestrated the whole thing.