The Despised Luna's Comeback

Chapter 496 The Show Begins

Rosaline's POV: I sat on the sofa, sipping water occasionally, and glanced at the clock on the wall. 6:40 p.m. Twenty minutes to go. Just enough time to drive to the Argent Hotel. It's time to go. Caden's POV: Eclipse Pack Group. "Mr. Holbrook, are you really not going over now?" Sitting at my desk, I typed away on the keyboard, appearing fully engrossed in my work. Beta's questioning voice reached my ears. I raised my wrist and glanced at my watch, tapping my fingers lightly on the desk. "It's still too early. I'll head over when Rosaline arrives—just in time." "Understood." After working a little longer, I turned off the webpage on my screen once Beta left and gazed out at the dim streetlights outside the window. The show was about to begin. Heidi's POV: 6:55 p.m. The host finally finished the introductory speech, stepped aside, and gestured for me to take the stage. I smiled charmingly and slowly walked up, waving to the guests. "Good evening, everyone. I'm Heidi Tessford. I'm honored that you could join Caden and me at our engagement ceremony. I know many of you are Caden's business partners and may not be familiar with me yet, but I'm sure he will be pleased to see you all here. "This ceremony was planned in a rush, so please forgive any shortcomings in hospitality. Caden is still handling some matters at the company but will be here soon. I ask for your patience." Although I spoke with confidence, deep down, I was uncertain. Eclipse Pack had been overwhelmed with work lately. But I believed in Caden. He wouldn't leave me alone here. "Ms. Tessford, today is your engagement ceremony with Mr. Holbrook. Aren't you upset that he hasn't arrived as planned?" A reporter, clearly eager for drama, threw out the question. The guests all turned their attention to me. I was momentarily stunned but quickly recovered. Smiling gracefully, I shook my head and replied, "Caden has his own business to manage. He works hard for our future, and as his fiancée, how could I be unreasonable and make a fuss?" The reporter, momentarily speechless, nodded awkwardly and withdrew the microphone. 7:00 p.m., time for the engagement ceremony to begin. I stood alone on the stage, glancing occasionally to ask the people waiting nearby if Caden had arrived or when he'd be here. Every time, the answer was the same, no, not yet. I called him a dozen times, but he didn't pick up. Anxiety gnawed at me, and my hands clenched tightly together. The guests below began whispering among themselves. "Ms. Tessford, should we proceed with the ceremony?" The host, sensing something was wrong, approached me cautiously. I was irritated but forced myself to remain composed. "Let's wait a little longer." But before I could panic, someone in the crowd spoke up. "When is Mr. Holbrook arriving?" "Exactly! This is a huge event, and he's not even here. Does he really want to get married?" The murmurs grew louder, and my nerves stretched thin. But I knew I couldn't show weakness. I quickly composed myself and announced, "Caden just called me. There was an urgent issue at the company, but he'll be here shortly. Please be patient." The restlessness in the room gradually subsided. I finally exhaled in relief, only to hear high heels clicking against the marble floor at the entrance. My head snapped up instinctively, and my heart clenched at the sight of Rosaline standing at the doorway. A wave of panic washed over me as I stared at this unexpected intruder. Tension, hatred, and shock surged through me all at once. Why was Rosaline here? The crowd also turned to look. Some wore puzzled expressions, while others smirked in anticipation of the spectacle. The air in the room shifted as people exchanged knowing glances. Rosaline walked in with a calm, commanding presence that instantly silenced the room. Her composed demeanor sent an inexplicable unease coursing through me. "Rosaline, what are you doing here?" I demanded loudly. She said nothing, her eyes locked onto mine. I swallowed hard, my gaze darting around the room. A flicker of panic crossed my face, but then I spotted the pack guards stationed at the sides of the stage. Relief flooded me, and I straightened my posture. "Guards! What are you waiting for? Throw this woman out!"

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