Chapter 45 The Star–Cloaked Return
Claudia’s chest tightened with doubt. What if she wasn’t ready? What if she failed? To drag her aunt’s name, to damage the Splendid legacy–that was a weight she wasn’t sure she could bear.
Jade caught the hesitation. She had been gone for years, but she had never once seen Claudia so unsure. The fire, the boldness, the dazzling confidence she remembered had dimmed.
What had the Moore family done to grind her down like this?
It hurt to see. Still, Jade smiled and said sharply, “What’s this? The daring young genius who once stunned the art world is afraid now? The chance is right in front of you and you’re shrinking back? Do you doubt yourself–or do judgment?”
you doubt my
Her gaze locked on Claudia, steady and fierce. “Don’t forget, you’ve had seven years of experience. And you’re not alone anymore. I’ll be your foundation. What is there to fear?”
The words struck her heart like a bell.
She wasn’t alone. Not anymore.
Claudia’s throat burned. She drew a deep breath, forcing a smile. “Alright. Once I finish the resignation process in a few days, I’ll come to Splendid.”
Jade’s eyes softened, her smile deepening. “Good. Then no delay. Tomorrow night there’s a music gala–new year’s season. The art and elite circles will be there. You’ll come with me.”
“Alright.”
There was no time for a new gown. But with Jade’s resources, that hardly mattered.
From Splendid’s unreleased collection, Jade pulled a unique piece: a black strapless gown, sleek and noble, paired with a voluminous sheer wrap shimmered faintly like starlight as it curled around Claudia’s arm.
that
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Chapter 45 The Star Cloaked Return
Hair styled, makeup done, they were sent by private car to the gala.
The hall was grand, opulent–an annual year–end feast where only the most powerful families were invited.
The Moore family had always qualified. Yet Claudia had never once been here.
Alan had kept her hidden, sidelined, never acknowledging her as his wife. At the rare events they did attend together, she had been treated as nothing more than a nameless companion, politely ignored.
Tonight was her first true entrance into this world.
The seating showed the hierarchy: lesser houses filled the ground floor, the most powerful occupied the upper balcony, overlooking the stage.
Claudia followed her aunt up the stairs.
Halfway up, she froze. Alan was at the landing above, speaking with Timothy.
Timothy saw her first–his eyes flickered, stunned for a moment, then hardened with loathing. Yet, remembering the last brutal beating from his brother, he held his tongue this time.
Alan noticed the change in Timothy’s expression and turned. His gaze Claudia. Surprise flickered in his eyes.
She wasn’t supposed to be here.
landed on
Then he saw Jade. His brow creased as understanding dawned. He had thought Claudia’s bond with her aunt was broken years ago.
So they had reconciled?
Suppressing the irritation/curling in his chest, Alan stepped down to greet Jade- she was a formidable elder, after all.
But Jade swept him a single–cold glance and brushed past without a word.
Claudia followed, her face just as indifferent.
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Chapter 45 The Star Cloaked Return
“Claudia…”
Alan’s voice was low as he reached out, but she moved aside. His fingers brushed only the starry wrap draped across her arm, the fabric sliding from his grasp like silk and air.
He stood there, watching her walk away.
Only then did he notice what was different.
Claudia, in that black strapless gown, her skin pale as porcelain with a flush of life beneath, the shimmer of stars coiling from arm to waist–she seemed to glow, a vision beyond reach.
