Amara pulled Elias into the garden, her melodic laughter filling the air. Her emerald-green eyes sparkled with mischief, and her cascading ginger-red curls danced in the moonlight. She leaned against the cool stone wall, struggling to contain her amusement.
Elias stood in front of her, arms crossed, his lips curving into a helpless smile. "Little Amara, it's not wise to play tricks on your fourth brother like that. You don't know how dangerous he can be."
Amara tilted her head, her fearless gaze meeting his. "Dangerous? Is he really as scary as you make him sound? I don't believe it!"
Elias sighed, stepping closer. His large hand gently tapped her nose, the gesture both affectionate and stern. "Your fourth brother is someone who doesn't let go of grudges. He's ruthless when it comes to dealing with people who cross him—even family. You should be careful."
Amara's playful expression shifted to one of mock terror. She placed a hand over her chest, feigning fear. "Oh no! What should I do? I've only just met him—he won't hold a grudge against his new little sister, will he?"
Elias couldn't help but chuckle. "Now you're scared? You were so bold just a moment ago." He pinched her cheek lightly. "Don't worry. This time, he'll spare you because of Diana and me. But don't provoke him again, alright?"
Amara grinned, her mischievous nature returning. "Fine, fine. I'll be on my best behavior."
Elias's phone buzzed, drawing his attention. He glanced at the screen, his expression hardening slightly. "Stay out of trouble," he muttered before walking back into the house.
Left alone in the garden, Amara wandered toward a bush of golden roses. Their vibrant petals shimmered like sunlight against the night's darkness. She reached out to pluck one, only to gasp as a thorn pricked her finger. "Hiss…" She withdrew her hand, inspecting the tiny droplet of blood forming on her pale skin.
Her gaze lingered on the rose. Beautiful but dangerous… Is that what Sulivan Blackwell is like?
Her musings were interrupted by a maid's soft voice. "Miss Amara, the eldest young master has asked me to escort you to Mr. and Mrs. Blackwell."
Amara followed the maid into the grand banquet hall, her breath catching as she stepped inside. The opulence of the Blackwell estate was overwhelming—gleaming chandeliers, marble floors, and gold-accented walls gave the space a regal aura.
The crowd of elites—business magnates, socialites, and influential figures—turned their attention to her as she entered. Conversations hushed, and all eyes focused on her.
"Who is she? I've never seen her before…"
"She's stunning! She looks like a goddess!"
"Her beauty is ethereal. But doesn't she resemble Diana Blackwell?"
"Mrs. Blackwell? Impossible… Yet the resemblance is uncanny."
"What is the Blackwell family trying to announce tonight?"
Amara's heart raced as the murmurs reached her ears. She was used to being unnoticed, but tonight was different. Her flawless milky skin seemed to glow under the lights, and her emerald-green eyes gleamed with a depth that captivated everyone who looked at her. The long, soft curls of her ginger-red hair framed her face perfectly, completing the picture of otherworldly beauty.
"Hey, baby!" Diana's cheerful voice broke through the tension. She and Henry approached, each giving Amara a warm hug.
When they pulled back to look at her, their expressions were filled with pride and astonishment. Diana's eyes glistened as she whispered, "You're breathtaking."
Henry guided Amara to the round staircase at the center of the hall. As they ascended, he addressed the crowd with a proud smile. "Good evening, everyone. Thank you for joining us tonight for this special occasion. My wife and I are delighted to introduce our daughter, Amara Celeste Hale."
The hall erupted into applause, but it was the awestruck gazes that truly overwhelmed Amara. The same girls who had gossiped about her earlier now looked at her with shock and envy, their faces pale with embarrassment.
As Diana and Henry led her around the room to meet influential guests, Amara maintained a polite smile. However, deep inside, she was growing restless. She hadn't anticipated such a grand introduction. While the event elevated her status, it also complicated her plans.
Why does it feel like they're painting a target on my back? she thought, suppressing a sigh.
Just as her patience was wearing thin, Elias approached with his signature charm. His tailored black suit fit him like a glove, and under the chandelier's glow, he looked every bit the charismatic heir.
"Sorry to interrupt, Father, Diana," he said smoothly, his warm brown eyes twinkling. "We brothers have been waiting to dance with Amara. May I steal her away?"
Before Diana and Henry could respond, Amara had already placed her hand in his. The crowd watched in admiration as Elias gently pulled her close, and lowered his head to smile at her.
Amara's heart skipped a beat.