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CHAPTER 16
The chatter in the room died down, and Laura’s voice cut through the silence.
Elara let out a laugh. “Laura, do you really think you’re in the same league as someone like Mr. Sinclair?”
David gave Laura a stern look. “Why are you even talking? Stop causing a scene.”
Murmurs rippled through the crowd. “What a delusion! She has no clue. Mr. Sinclair wouldn’t give her the time of day.”
“Probably fancies herself some high-society heiress.”
“C’mon, a little self-awareness wouldn’t hurt. It’s just impolite to speak up like that at an event like this.”
Emma and David wished they could disappear, while Olivia smirked to herself. ‘Keep digging, Laura. Flaunting when you’ve got nothing.”
Laura paid no mind to the snide remarks, idly swirling her drink. “Is it a crime to greet my own guests at my birthday party? If addressing them is uncouth, what about the earlier behavior of my father and Mr. Brown?”
Elara retorted, “Who do you think you are, comparing yourself to my husband? You think Mr. Sinclair was here because of you? Get real.”
With a casual shrug, Laura seemed to be at a loss for words, but then James Sinclair approached, stopping right in front of her and bowing. “My apologies for our delay, Ms. Godfrey.”
His formal greeting sent a jolt through the room, and for a full three seconds, there was utter silence-a silence that felt like a slap to those who had ridiculed Laura.
David stood there, agape. ‘How did my daughter manage to invite someone like James?”
Elara stammered, “No way, that’s just a fluke! It has to be!”
Some sharp-eyed guests started to connect the dots. “Did he just call her Ms. Godfrey?”
“Is Laura actually from the Godfrey family?”
“Come on, if she was, why would she have been with the Sharpes all this time?”
“Yeah, you don’t just become a Godfrey.”
“Exactly, she’s just an adopted orphan. No real ties to the Godfreys.”
As the room buzzed with conjecture, Olivia felt an odd sense of dread. She had a sinking feeling that Laura, the nobody she’d been undermining, was slipping away. It sent a shiver down her spine.
Elara’s heart raced at the mention of “Godfrey.” “Who did you just call Ms. Godfrey?” she demanded.
“Obviously, I’m referring to Laura Godfrey,” James Sinclair replied with a polite nod. “We’re here to clarify some things about Ms. Godfrey.”
The room exploded into an uproar, even more chaotic than before.
“Laura Godfrey?! I thought she was Laura Sharpel Isn’t she just an orphan? No way!”
“Did I hear that right? Laura is actually a Godfrey?”
“This has to be the biggest news of the year! The Sharpe family adopted an actual Godfrey?!”
Laura glanced toward Elara and spoke directly, “Mrs. Brown, did you hear that? I’m not just an orphan; my last name is Godfrey. By the way, I’m sure you’re familiar with my father’s name. It’s Alistair Godfrey. With a bright smile, she continued, “Allow me to reintroduce myself, everyone. I’m Laura Godfrey.”
In her past life, she had kept this secret until her death, all because the Sharpe family had warned her that if the Godfrey family discovered her existence, it would bring trouble.
She felt grateful to the Sharpe family for raising her, and so she never wanted to cause them any issues. As a result, no one knew that she was actually Laura Godfrey-the highly esteemed daughter of the Godfrey family.
At the mention of Alistair Godfrey, everyone’s expressions shifted dramatically as they turned to look at Laura.
Elara was particularly astonished. She couldn’t believe Laura was the daughter of that man. Alistair Godfrey was a legendary figure in Yelville, a prince charming in the hearts of many girls, including Elara herself. She had seen him from a distance once, his looks striking, almost celestial
The realization hit Elara hard: the girl she had always looked down upon was the daughter of such an extraordinary man. “No, that can’t be! If you’re really his daughter, why have you lived with the Sharpe family for so long?”
Laura remained calm and composed. “That’s my personal business. I owe you no explanation.”
At that moment, James pulled out a document. “Ms. Godfrey, according to the law, you’ve reached the age of eighteen, and Alistair Godfrey’s will is now in effect. Here’s the will that your father signed; please take a look.”
After reading through the will, Laura felt a wave of emotion. The one who loved her most in this world was her real father. Even though they had never met, before leaving this world, Alistair had ensured that she would be cared for and protected. It was a shame she had been so foolish in her past life, wasting her father’s hard work.
James walked over to Emma and David. “You both were entrusted with Laura’s care by Mr. Godfrey. Along with that, there was also a card worth 700 million dollars. Now that Laura has reached adulthood, as per the agreement, that card needs to be returned intact.”
The crowd gasped in shock when they heard 700 million dollars.
“Oh my God, if only I had a father that rich!”
“Forget it; there’s only one Alistair Godfrey. My mom still keeps a photo of him hidden in her room. That face makes all the young guys today look like kids.”
“Inever thought Laura was his daughter. Just a while ago, everyone thought she was just a poor orphan.”
“Mrs. Brown ridiculed Laura as if she were a chicken, unaware that she’s actually a golden phoenix. Talk about karma!”
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“And seriously, the Sharpe,family is weird. With the daughter of the Godfrey family, they should have been taking care of her in luxury. If she were my daughter, my mom would spoil her rotten, no way she’d ever let her be bullied.”
Hearing all the gossip, Emma clenched her teeth in anger. She huffed inside, That sly girl is clever, hiring a lawyer and making such a scene in front of all these people. If I try to deny it now, the Sharpe family would lose all face!
Though David felt uneasy, he hadn’t touched the card left by Alistair Godfrey. After all, owning twenty percent of the Godfrey family’s shares was far more valuable than 700 million. Facing the inquisitive eyes of the guests, he
turned to Emma. “Get the card.”
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