Chapter 31

Chapter 31:

The following morning, Madisyn and her family arrived at the Hyde Grand Hotel. The atmosphere buzzed with elegance. Madisyn was ushered into a private lounge, where a makeup artist awaited her with a kit that resembled a painter’s palette.

Everything felt overly ceremonial, as if this banquet was more than just a simple celebration. Perched on a plush chair, Madisyn quietly observed the transformation in the mirror. The makeup artist worked with efficient strokes, and soon, Madisyn’s reflection revealed a poised, radiant woman. Declining assistance from the staff, she slipped into her chosen dress.

When she emerged, the makeup artist couldn’t hide her awe. “Miss, you’re a vision! I’ve beautified many, but you—you’re exceptional.”

Madisyn offered a modest smile before a rhythmic knock interrupted the serene moment.

“Come in,” she called.

The door creaked open to reveal a familiar face. “Andrew?”

Andrew paused at the threshold, his eyes lingering on her as if mesmerized by her appearance.

“Andrew?” Madisyn repeated, her voice filled with surprise.

Regaining his composure, he smiled gently. “You look exceptionally beautiful today.”

Madisyn grinned. “Really? You do have great taste.”

Andrew’s eyes sparkled, softened by her playful demeanor. “Everything ready?”

“Almost,” she said, just as the strap of her dress slipped slightly off her shoulder.

A minor commotion erupted as the staff rushed to fix the problem. The dress coordinator examined it with a frown. “The strap isn’t properly secured.”

“I can ask Dad to bring me a different dress,” Madisyn suggested.

Before she could act, Andrew interjected, “I have a gown that might suit you. Would you like to try it?”

Surprised, Madisyn nodded. Moments later, the gown arrived, and it captivated everyone in the room. A champagne-colored masterpiece, embedded with crystals, it shimmered in the light like a star-studded sky.

Madisyn’s breath caught in her throat. It was the dress she had designed.

How did her creation end up here?

She turned to Andrew, her eyes full of questions.

Was he the one who had placed the order?

Andrew met her gaze, his eyes warm. “Do you like it?”

“I love it,” Madisyn admitted, a sense of pride swelling in her chest.

“Then let’s see how it looks on you,” Andrew said, excusing himself as the attendants helped her into the dress.

The transformation was stunning. As she stood, the gown seemed to magnify her elegance, giving her a regal air that commanded the room. Gasps of admiration echoed softly around her.

The makeup artist clasped her hands together in awe. “You look absolutely stunning, miss. It’s as if this gown was made just for you.”

Madisyn smiled inwardly. It was made for her—by her own hands. Wearing her own design felt surreal, especially considering the staggering cost behind it: a multi-million-dollar design fee and even more in production costs. But there she was, draped in her own creation, and it felt right.

Andrew’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “Are you ready?”

“All set,” she replied.

The door swung open to reveal Andrew, whose delight was unmistakable as his eyes rested on her.

“You look breathtaking,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.

Madisyn laughed softly. “It truly is incredible. But where did you get this dress?”

“I bought it from a designer,” Andrew answered casually, avoiding the fact that the designer was none other than her alias, Sierra.

Madisyn’s eyes sparkled with amusement.

Noticing her expression, Andrew asked, “What’s so amusing?”

“Nothing,” she replied.

As they prepared to leave, Elaine entered the room, her eyes lighting up as she saw her daughter. “Oh my, darling, you look absolutely beautiful—as expected of my daughter!”

Madisyn chuckled, “I owe it all to your excellent genes, Mom.”

“You always know how to sweet-talk,” Elaine said fondly. Then her eyes fell on the dress. “Where did this gorgeous gown come from?”

“Andrew arranged for a designer to create it,” Madisyn explained with a knowing smile.

Elaine marveled at the dress. “It’s fabulous! Andrew, you have to introduce me to this designer.”

Andrew hesitated before nodding with a smile.

Madisyn observed the exchange, her amusement growing as she wondered how Andrew would manage to explain introducing her to herself.

As the banquet began, they made their way to the grand hall, which was filled with aristocrats and elites in their finest attire. The grandeur of the event reflected the stature of the Johns family.

In the midst of the gathered elite, Kristine stood out, dressed in a stunning white Chanel gown, its delicate crystal detailing elevating her already refined beauty. Her friends flocked around her, showering her with compliments.

“Kristine, that dress is exquisite! You look amazing.”

“I’m so envious! That gown must have cost a fortune. It looks even better in person.”

Kristine, basking in the attention, managed a composed smile. “Thank you.”

“Was it a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Johns?” someone asked, eyeing her with admiration. “It seems your position in the family remains secure, even with that woman back.”

Kristine stiffened but responded firmly, “Don’t say that. My sister is sensitive. Speak freely here, but be careful around her. If she overhears, she might make a scene in front of Mom and Dad.”

The group fell silent, shocked by the implications.

“So, it’s true?” one whispered. “The real Miss Johns is from the countryside?”

As the whispers swirled around the room, Kristine’s smug expression deepened. She was determined to keep Madisyn in the shadows, no matter the cost.

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