Chapter 14
The North Shore heir’s birthday gala was breathtaking in its grandeur
The entire estate had been transformed into a medieval court, with crystal chandeliers casting brilliant light throughout Servers glided between. guests with champagne flutes while an orchestra performed elegant classical pieces.
Nearly everyone of consequence in North Shore had attended, all eager to glimpse the mysterious heir who rarely appeared in public.]
Dominic stood on the second–floor terrace, a cigarette held between his fingers, his gaze fixed intently on the estate entrance.
When Alexander appeared at the side door of the ballroom, looking disheveled from his rush, Dominic practically flew down the stairs
“You should prepare yourself,” Alexander warned, hesitating as he handed over the iPad.]
The security footage was slightly grainy but clear enough to show the garden at the charity gala three years ago-
In a corner of the garden, a girl in white carefully balanced on tiptos, returning a precarious bird’s nest to its perch among the branches
Sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating dappled patterns across her figure, making her appear as pure as an otherworldly spirit who had wandered into the mortal realm
Dominic found himself holding his breath.
In the final minute of the video, the girl finally turned around-
The sunlight cast a golden halo around her, wisps of hair dampened with perspiration clung to her fair cheeks. Unlike her current vibrant, commanding presence, back then she’d radiated a pristine innocence like crystal-clear spring water.
That face, with its striking features and the distinctive beauty mark at the corner of her eye, unmistakably belonged to… Ariana Reeves!]
CRASHI
His phone hit the floor with force
Dominic stared at the screen, feeling as though an invisible hand had seized his heart in a crushing grip]
It turned out… From the very beginning, he had fallen for the wrong one.
Meanwhile, at the estate entrance, Mia arrived on her father’s arm, surrounded by her entourage of friends.
“My God, this is extravagant one friend exclaimed dramatically. “As expected of the North Shore heir!”]
“Of course,” another friend simpered. “Why else would he bid limitlessly for Mia at the auction? Or send such lavish birthday gifts?”
Mia tilted her chin proudly, hasking in their adulation.
Frederick beamed with self–importance, surrounded by business magnates eager to curry favor
The Reeves family barely qualified as nouveau riche in North Shore’s social hierarchy–when had they ever received such treatment?]
He practically preened, heavily implying: “You’re not mistaken. The North Shore heir has indeed shown special interest in Mia recently. Perhaps today will bring a significant announcement
“Dominic Reed, North Shore heir, has arrived-“]
The butler’s resonant voice commanded the room’s attention. Every eye turned toward the grand staircase
Dominic descended in an impeccably tailored black tuxedo
The precision–eut fabric accentuated his broad shoulders and narrow waist, while the diamond pin at his collar caught the light with cold brilliance[]
His features were sharp as a blade, jawline tense, exuding the unmistakable authority of someone born to power. Each step seemed to reverberate through the guests‘ collective consciousness.
Mia’s eyes widened in utter disbelief as she gasped: “D… Dom? How can this be you…?“]
Her friends finally made the connection: “Dominic Reed… THE North Shore heir?! So Mia, your bodyguard was actually th
The shock on Mia’s face gradually transformed into wild elation.
So that explained everything!
The man who had loyally protected her all this time was actually the North Shore heir!
the heir himself?]
No wonder he had someone bid limitlessly for her at the auction, no wonder he had sent those
extravagant gifts!||
She trembled with excitement, already envisioning herself as the future Mrs. Reed, the toast of high society.
Frederick was equally delighted, hurriedly pulling his daughter forward: “Mr. Reed, to think you were… You could have informed us you were experiencing life as a bodyguard in our humble home. It’s entirely my fault for not providing better accommodations these past years. Please don’t hold it against us.”
Dominic gave them the barest glance, then gestured for the orchestra to stop
“Thank you all for attending.” his voice wasn’t loud, yet it commanded absolute silence. “Today, at my birthday celebration, I have an announcement to make.1
Mis’s heart raced her cheeks flushing with anticipation
“As many of you know, I’ve shown particular interest in the Reeves family’s younger daughter recently,” Dominic paused, a sardonic smile playing at his lipe. “The reason for this attention… was to select a suitable bride–for my great–uncle.“]
