Chapter 236
Yvonne made her way across the room towards the woman chatting animatedly beside Larson
Meanwhile, tucked away in a corner, Belinda supported Briony, who was struggling to stand. Having undergone surgery just the day before, Briony was drained of strength her complexion ashen.
“Mons, who is my father, really?”
The quests at the Pollack family soiree represented a blend of affluence and Influence. The dazzling array of luxurious gowns was enough to make Briony’s head spin! Above all, there was Larson in the spotlight, donning a bespoke suit – a privilege that money alone couldn’t buy
Vincent had once coveted a suit from that designer, only to be turned away after a humiliating wealth check. The brand had stuck in Briony’s memory following Vincent’s rant at home.
“Oh, Brony, just you wait and see, your father’s identity is bound to knock your socks offi
Her heart pounding, Briony wondered, could Larson be her father?
The Pollack family- a name synonymous with wealth. Vincent’s entire fortune wouldn’t come close to being a fraction of their wealth. Rumor had it that the Pollack children’s monthly allowances started in the millions.
If Larson was her biological father, a life of luxury awaited her And Milford, whom she once thought out of her league, along with all the men at the gala, could be within her reach.
Belinda held Briony steady. “We can’t afford to offend any guests here. Let’s wait for your father to come to us.
Briony nodded absent–mindedly, her gaze catching a familiar figure entering the room.
Her pupils dilated, voice quivering. “Mom, isn’t that Noella?
Belinda followed her daughter’s gaze.
The girl in a pale blue gown seemed like a woodland fairy, her skin radiant. The gown flowed in delicate layers, accented with subtle pattems, and trailed behind her as she entered, flanked by two men who released the hem of her dress to the floor.
Noella’s hands were encased in matching light gloves, linking arms with Palmer and Beckett as they made their entrance, instantly becoming the center of attention.
She was breathtaking, and Briony’s envy flared, especially considering the men beside Noella- one wearing a tie to match her dress, and the other in a suit of the same palette.
Briony clenched her teeth in frustration, “Mom, why does Noella get to flirt with two men at once? Don’t they know how messy her personal life is?
Belinda was unsure.
Hadn’t Noella visited the maternity ward at Fortress Hospital? Surely a sign of a tumultuous love life, uncertain of the father of her child! Briony’s eyes filled with resentment and bitterness, especially when Larson personally greeted them, chatting amicably with the man in the pale suit beside Noella–that made Briony’s jealousy peak.
Larson’s friendly demeanor indicated the man must be someone of significance.
Unable to stand it any longer, Briony tugged on Belinda’s arm, making her way towards Larson.
Larson smiled as he looked at Palmer, noticing his sharp suit and smiling in response. He remembered that Palmer didn’t like light–colored suits. Now, willing to wear light colors to match his fiancée’s outfit, it was clear that the idea of taking action against Ms. Schnabel suggested by Eamon was not a bad one.
The approach was a bit rushed, but Larson believed that if given the chance, Palmer’s expression would be even more interesting than it
was years ago.
Thinking of this, Larson’s expression became even more intriguing.
“Palmer, it’s been too long! And is this my future niece–in–law? She’s stunning – truly a Schnabel through and through. Mr. Schnabel, you’re quite the young achiever Us old–timers are probably on our way out!”
Palmer gave a forced smile. “Indeed, some more quickly than others.”
Noella nodded. “I’m glad you recognize me as a Schnabel. I was worried you might not.”
Beckett let out a chuckle. “Noella, mind your manners. Larson may be aging, but he’s not blind. Of course, he knows who you are.
After chastising his sister, Beckett offered Larson an apologetic look. “Sorry about that, Larson, Noella’s been a bit spoiled by us. She shouldn’t talk that way. The Pallack family wouldn’t forget a Schnabel, right? Noella, you should be more careful with your words. If no one recognizes a Schnabel daughter, it would break Grandfather and Father’s hearts.”
10:52
20ter 23
7 got it”
The siblings‘ banter was laden with hidden meanings, suggesting more to their words than met the ear.
Larson’s smile twitched at the edges: the Schnabels were more protective of their recently reclaimed daughter than he had anticipated.
“She’s just a girl,” he thought, “The Schnabels can’t be that concerned.”
“Mr. Schnabel,” Larson chuckled, “I have a daughter about your age. Perhaps you could meet her, and who knows, the Pollack and Schnabel families might build more connections”
Beckett returned the smile “That sounds promising, although I wonder which daughter you’re referring to.”
In the circles of high society, it was an open secret that Larson had a string of illegitimate children, with six known daughters and
rumors of more tucked away overseas. This was a stain on the Pollack family’s otherwise pristine reputation.
Larson felt awkward, and his wife shot him a sharp glare that could slice through the thick air of the ballroom.
“Oh, come now,” Larson said with a chuckle that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Everyone knows these stories are just tabloid fodder, I was talking about my one and only daughter. Don’t go believing every tall tale, Mr. Schnabell”
Yvonne muscled her way through the crowd, her heels clicking like a time bomb, and made a beeline for Larson.
“Daddy!” she cried sweetly.
Almost on cue, another voice chimed in. “Daddy. Briony missed you so much!”
Larson’s face twitched with the effort of maintaining his composure as he stared down two surprise daughters who had seemingly sprung from thin air.
The room turned into a whirlwind of confusion, with guests exchanging shocked whispers.
Hadn’t Larson just declared he had only one daughter?
Yvonne and Briony, meanwhile, caught sight of each other.
“Aren’t you that girl from the Lambert family? You think you have any right to call my father ‘Daddy? You shameless little wretch! And let’s not forget, you still owe me a cool five million!”
Indeed, Briony had once borrowed five million to bail out Vincent and Belinda, and she hadn’t paid back a cent.
Without warning. Yvonne’s hand flew, landing a slap on Briony’s cheek that echoed through the hall, followed by Briony’s piercing
scream.
“Trash like you shouldn’t be so eager to claim a father.” Yvonne spat. “He’s my dad. Open your eyes and get a good look!”