Karen stepped down first before circling around to help Emily out of the car.
The camera flashes erupted instantly, a blinding frenzy of light from every direction. Tonight, every lens sought to capture a picture of the Quinn family’s new heiress.
Although Emily had been spotted at Quinn family events before, tonight was different. She wouldn’t be appearing as the distant relative of an influential family, but as the heiress —the woman who would carry forward the legacy of one of the country’s influential families.
"She is here," someone called from the crowd, and in an instant, all the cameras shifted toward her, shutters clicking rapidly to immortalize her first appearance.
Emily’s chest swelled with satisfaction. The buzz in the air, the murmurs of curiosity, the sharp scent of perfume and ambition —it all felt intoxicating.
For years, she had watched other socialites bask in this spotlight. But tonight, the attention was hers. No one else’s but hers.
And she couldn’t help but be excited for more of it.
How could she not be? She had always desired this. And finally ... finally, she was going to have it.
"Are you ready?" Karen asked softly.
Emily lifted her chin, a confident smile tugging at her lips. She nodded and stepped out of the car, letting the light catch the shimmer of her gown as she began to walk toward the banquet hall.
With every step, she made sure to meet cameras, her smile poised but not too practised —could be called the blend of warmth and calculated charm.
"We will need to pause at the front for a brief word with the reporters before heading inside," Karen murmured as they neared the press line.
Emily gave a small nod, slowing her steps until they came to a stop.
The first question almost came immediately.
"Ms Brown, you are looking stunning in that red gown. If I am not mistaken, this is a limited-edition piece from YLX Couture. Did you personally choose to wear this brand?"
Emily glanced down at her dress with a touch of pride. "Oh, YLX is just one of the brands I enjoy. It’s not my absolute favourite, but ... well, Mom liked this piece. I couldn’t bring myself to refuse."
Even though she said it like that, people knew the story. After the incident at Sky Luxe Mall, all the major best brands have blocked her out. There were only a few from which she could choose.
However, they all refrained from making her feel awkward. Hence, they didn’t mention it openly. The separate section would be kept reserved for this discussion.
"Mom? Are you referring to Mrs. Quinn or your birth mother?" another reporter pressed, taking the chance.
Emily’s smile tightened almost imperceptibly. "Of course, Mrs. Quinn. I am no longer associated with my birth parents. The day Aunt Catrin chose to adopt me, I became her daughter in every sense. She loves me so much. She is my mother now."
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