Chapter 147
The silver Mercedes pulling up behind Harvey’s Maybach signaled that its passengers were also attending the Technology Creation and Sharing Summit’s welcome banquet.
The first person to step out was Benjamin, the heir of the Jones family.
Dressed in an all–white suit, he sported a slicked–back undercut, his dark hair neatly styled on top. His skin was smooth, his expression perpetually unimpressed, as if nothing in the world could bother him. Dark circles framed his half–lidded eyes, giving him a permanently sleep–deprived look. A black stud earring glinted in one ear, and at matching black ring pierced his lower lip.
The moment he stepped onto the red carpet, the media instantly recognized him.
“That’s Benjamin, the fake Jones heir! Even after the real daughter was found, the family still treats him like their
OWIL”
18 years ago, Benjamin had been in a serious car accident. When the doctors ran a blood test, the Jones family discovered something shocking–his blood type didn’t match either of his supposed parents.
A deeper investigation revealed the truth.
When Daphne had given birth, someone had switched her baby at the hospital.
The Jones family immediately launched a search for their lost child, turning to the national missing persons database. Fortunately, Elara had registered her DNA years ago, and the system identified a match.
The Jones family’s long–lost child wasn’t a son–it was a daughter.
That was how Elara had been reunited with them.
As for Benjamin’s biological parents, they were never found. But despite learning he wasn’t their blood, the Jones family never cast him aside. As the only male in the family, they still treated him as their son.
Benjamin clearly enjoyed the media attention, his lips curling into an amused smirk.
He turned, glancing toward the Mercedes.
The reporters followed his gaze, shifting their cameras toward the car.
Benjamin worked at Capitol Medical Center–why was he attending a tech summit with Harvey?
And more importantly, who else was in that car?
As they watched, a woman’s foot stepped onto the pavement, clad in a low–heeled leather pump.
Niamh hopped out, a lollipop in her mouth and one hand shoved into the pocket of her slacks. She looked effortlessly cool as she stepped forward.
Her long, dark hair flowed freely down her back, but it was clear the loose waves had been styled to perfection. The front strands were lifted in a voluminous, slightly retro fashion–reminiscent of the bold, confident women
from ‘80s movies.
She wore a light blue men’s dress shirt with a gray striped be loosely draped around her neck. In one hand, she casually slung her suit jacket over her shoulder.
The moment she appeared, camera flashes exploded around her.
She squinted against the glare.
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“Wait… Who is that? She looks familiar.”
A reporter quickly supplied the answer.
“That’s Niamh, the second daughter of the Jones family.”
Another journalist’s eyes widened. “What? She’s a woman thought that was just a long–haired guy!”
“That’s Niamh? The one they call ‘the realest dude in Capitol?”
Niamh caught snippets of the conversation and grinned, clearly pleased with the recognition.
She knew exactly why Harvey had brought her to this event.
A while back, a playful video of her messing around with the heir of the Quinn family had gone viral. Though Harvey had handled the situation quickly, it had still left a dent in her reputation.
Attending this summit was his way of giving her a public rebrand. And she wasn’t about to waste the opportunity
Niamh was sure of qne thing–by the end of the night, she’d have a whole network of powerful CEOs.
With her suit jacket slung over her shoulder, she strutted toward Harvey.
Watching her approach, Ethel scoffed. “Absolutely disgraceful! She doesn’t even look like a proper woman or a proper man!”
Harvey’s voice dropped as he reminded her, “Mom, she’s Dawn’s best friend.”
Ethel pursed her lips in distaste but didn’t argue. She simply turned and walked off toward the entrance, making it clear she had no interest in associating with Niamh.
Harvey, Benjamin, and Niamh continued toward the hotel, stopping at the banquet hall’s entrance to present their invitations.
Just as Harvey handed his invitation over, Benjamin suddenly spoke.
“Wait… Is that Elara?”
Harvey and Niamh turned at the same time, following his gaze.
A woman in a sleek, black, strapless gown was approaching with graceful steps.
Harvey had spent seven years married to her–yet in that moment, even he barely recognized her. The sheer elegance of her presence made his breath hitch
Her hair was pulled into a classic updo, a cascade of raven strands framing her delicate features. Around her neck gleamed a rare Heavenly Pearl necklace, its luster impossibly smooth under the chandelier lights.
Her dress featured a sophisticated V–shaped detail at the waist–an unmistakable hallmark of Valeni haute
couture.
Niamh’s brows shot up. That couldn’t be right.
Valeni’s custom gowns weren’t something one could simply buy with money.
And she had never seen this design before.
There was no way Elara was wearing an authentic Valeni gown
It had to be a knockoff, a high–end rental at best.
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Chapter 147
Realizing this, a snug smirk spread across Niamh’s face,
“Elara, what are you doing here?” she asked loudly, drawing attention from the surrounding guests.
Elara smiled, unfazed. “Why wouldn’t I be here?”
Harvey’s voice cut in, firm and unwavering
“I’m not letting you in.”
He was resolute, his stance absolute.
Niamh grinned, her eyes curving in amusement.
“Elara, maybe try asking one of the staff? Beg a little–they might let you in.”
Harvey turned to Elara, his bone final.
“I already gave you a chance. The invitation was right in front of you, and you threw it away. And now? If you think you can just change your mind and ask me for help? I’ll tell you right now–even if you got down on your knees and begged me, my answer would still be no.”
I’ll tell you right now–even if you got down on your knees and begged me, my answer would still be no.”
Then she turned back to the staff and said, “I don’t know these people. You should probably double–check their IDs. No telling what kind of weirdos might be trying to sneak in.”
