Chapter 433:
Despite having reconnected with her real family for a while, the feeling of being a cherished daughter was overwhelming, and she hadnât yet adjusted to Skylaâs affection.
It was true what they saidâthe scars of a rough childhood are slow to fade.
Just then, Brenton and Kareem stepped in from the garden, their expressions serene, a stark departure from the frustration they had shown earlier in the SUV. Turning to catch her brothersâ knowing glances, Harlee felt a twinge of hesitation. She still hadnât worked up the courage to tell them about her relationship with Rhys. Perhaps it was best to let things unfold naturally.
Brenton and Kareem had no intention of letting other family members know about Harleeâs relationship with Rhys, convinced that with their sway and tactics, Rhys would never join the Sanderson family.
As dusk fell, the annual Spheredale gala commenced, a highlight on Mogluyliaâs social calendar.
Esteemed as the pinnacle of luxury fashion, the event drew a glittering crowd of celebrities, models, and high-profile socialites.
Even before the doors swung open, paparazzi had clustered outside, cameras primed for a sensational snapshot.
Online, excitement buzzed through livestream chats, where thousands of fans eagerly awaited the start of the gala. Three months earlier, Harlee, the director of Janessa Studio, had turned down the invitation. Yet, at Skylaâs urging, she found herself stepping into the bustling venue.
Among the attendees, only Skyla, Linda, and Spheredale knew Harlee was the director of Janessa Studio.
As for those who had learned of her role during the Sanderson family banquet, Harlee had confirmed with Skyla the demographics of tonightâs event.
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High society typically shunned such affairs, and Harlee was hoping to blend in without drawing too much attention.
Skylaâs attendance was motivated by her friendship with Spheredale, and her longing to see Clint, who had returned from a six-month film shoot in the mountains. Regrettably, Harlee hadnât accounted for Spheredaleâs penchant for gossip. Midway through the event, a slip of the tongue during the live stream broadcasted Harleeâs identity as the director of Janessa Studio to the world.
To blend in, Harlee chose a plain black gown from her collection. When the makeup artist arrived, she opted for nothing more than a simple foundation, aiming for understatement in a night of excess.
Skyla felt Harleeâs style was too modest and pressed her to wear the glamorous jewelry from the recent photoshoot.
âMom, Spheredale is a gown brand,â Harlee argued, her voice laced with frustration.
âIf I wear jewelry, itâll just overshadow the dresses.â
However, Skyla stood her ground.
âItâs either the jewelry or that over-the-top gown Spheredale crafted,â she declared firmly.
Faced with a difficult choice, Harlee begrudgingly chose the jewelry, dreading the idea of parading around in the gown that boasted a massive floral adornment on its bodice.
As the clock struck six in the evening, the gala venue came alive.
Celebrities paraded down the red carpet, drawing the eyes of everyone present. The influence of Spheredale was unmistakable. The eventâs guest list could easily rival that of a grand awards ceremony, featuring all the renowned models from Mogluylia.
Even the Morgan family, renowned for their archaeological contributions, was present to lend their support. In the designated photography section, cameras were ready, capturing the moment with bursts of flashes.
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