Laura’s Victory Second Chance

Throughout the event, Laura remained silent until David presented the gifts he’d chosen for his daughters. With at flourish, he brought out two boxes and took Olivia’s hand.

“Your mom said you had your eye on a jewelry set, but it was sold out. So, I got you something else special. I hope it’s to your liking.” David said, his eyes tw**ng.

Olivia opened her box to reveal a striking blue gemstone necklace, as bright as a summer sky, the gems glinting against the velvet. It wasn’t as grand as the necklace Laura wore, but it was still a stunner.

“Thank you, Dad!’ Olivia gushed, her smile wide.

“We love you, sweetheart, Emma added, her gaze soft.

A collective “aww” went through the crowd. “That’s the ‘Angel’s Kiss’ necklace, right? It’s a limited edition. Mr. Sharpe really spoils his daughter.”

“Can you blame him? She’s his own flesh and blood. A few million is nothing to him,” someone else chimed in.

“If Olivia got a gift like that, I bet Laura’s is something else! a guest speculated.

Emma then presented another box to Laura, this one containing a pair of sapphire earrings. They were dainty, made from the leftovers, not even close to the size of the gems on Olivia’s necklace. The difference in value was clear to everyone present

“Laura, you’ll always be our dear daughter. Your dad and I love you. Happy birthday!” Emma said, opening her arms for a hug.

Laura put up a hand to stop her. “Hold on.”

Emma’s face turned red. “What’s the matter? Don’t you like it? The blue will look lovely on you.”

The words were smooth, meant to flatter and elevate the earrings’ worth. Emma had always known how to use a few well-chosen words to soothe Laura, to make her compliant. It seemed absurd now, how easily Laura had been swayed.

With a languid smile, Laura said, “Sure, who doesn’t love sapphires? But don’t you think it’s a bit one-sided? We’re both your daughters, yet Olivia’s gift is worth ten times more. Is this how you show your love for me? So cheaply?”Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

“Of course, she’s not their biological child; the gifts show the difference,” one person whispered.

“Maybe the Sharpes just didn’t realize. Maybe Laura’s overreacting,” another suggested

“Laura was an orphan; the Sharpes adopting her was generous enough. Now she’s complaining about her gift? That’s just greedy,” a third voice added.

“You can’t say that, They’re both their daughters. Laura has her pride, someone defended.

43%

“If you ask me. Laura’s just ungrateful. The Sharpes have taken care of her for years, and she’s still complaining She sl She should know her place,” another guest opined.

Olivia seized the moment to play the gracious sister. “Laura, do you like the necklace? You can have mine! I’m not as beautiful as you-only you can truly show off its value.”

The crowd was taken aback. “Is Olivia an angel? Would she really give up such a gift?”

“If it were me, I’d slap Laura. Always wanting more-does she have no shame?” someone muttered.

At that moment, Olivia felt a thrill. It was so casy to turn everyone against Laura.

Elara chimed in, “She’s so envious of what others have, but she should know her limits! Even with a gemstone necklace, Laura’s still a nobody.”

“Mom, please,” Robert interjected, his brow furrowing at the harsh words.

Elara continued, undeterred, I’m just calling it as it is. Look at Olivia-she’s bright and kind. I can’t fathom why you’d even glance at Laura. She’s ungrateful and demanding. If not for the Sharpes, she’d be out on the streets. She should be grateful for her place.”

Laura, cool as a cucumber, responded, “Mrs. Brown, it’s wise not to speak in haste; words can boomerang

“Oh, the orphan’s got claws!” Elara sneered, but was cut short by a deep male voice, “And who are you to judge her?” All eyes turned to the entrance where a group of men in black suits, briefcases in hand, had just arrived. Leading them was James Sinclair, a renowned lawyer with a reputation for winning high-profile cases, a legend in his field.

This top-tier attorney rarely made appearances at social events, making his presence a surprise. Everyone wanted to network with such a hotshot. David, as the host, approached with a drink, eager to greet him. “Mr. Sinclair,

welcome-

James barely acknowledged David, striding past him. His team moved with precision, leaving David slightly taken aback.

A socialite whispered to Elara, “I thought the Sharpes invited him, but it looks like he’s here for the Browns.” Elara assumed James had come for her husband, Christopher. A sly smile spread across her face. “Of course! My husband has a good rapport with Mr. Sinclair.” She nudged Christopher. “Honey, go over and toast Mr. Sinclair.” Christopher, about to clarify his relationship with James, didn’t want to embarrass Elara in front of everyone. So. under the watchful eyes of the guests, he reluctantly raised his glass.

Christopher was left speechless as James by**d him with a simple, “Excuse me.”

Elara, watching her husband stand frozen in embarrassment, felt a pang of humiliation.

The socialite tried to hide her amusement. “Wow, your husband and Mr. Sinclair are really ‘close,’ aren’t they?”

Elara’s face tightened, frustration seething beneath the surface, but she managed a smile. “Maybe Mr. Sinclair just got the wrong venue. Who could have invited someone so aloof?”

“True, James Sinclair is known for his coldness and stubbornness. It might take the heads of the four major families to get his attention, the socialite added.

3.43%

Π

Laura, taking in the scene, lazily swirled her drink, the silver rim catching the light. The cold glint mirrored the darkness in her eyes as a knowing smile played on her lips. In a clear, deliberate tone, she said, “You finally made

it.”