Esther appeared stunning from every angle-her photos emerged as masterpieces, no matter the perspective.
Representing the Quills, Marcus thrust Esther into the public eye.
âThank you all for making time for Estherâs birthday bash amidst your busy schedules. Esther, everything before today was just the beginning. From this day forth, the world will revolve around you, like the sun, moon, and starsâ¦â
With Marcusâ influence, even a simple âWelcome, Esther!â would earn a resounding applause.
Esther gracefully withstood everyoneâs scrutiny.
Certain families even considered arranging marriages between their distinguished heirs and Esther.
Her previous marriage to Bradley didnât matter to those seeking political advantages; they aimed to leverage the Quillsâ support through Esther.
After some pleasantries, Sadie urged Esther to take photos and playfully insisted on uploading them to social media.
âMommy, you look so beautiful today!â
Estherâs joy was contagious, and Felix was impeccably dressed to match the occasion.
In his sharp suit, he exuded charm. His warm personality won over many guests, especially wealthy women who yearned for grandchildren from their married sons.
âYou look incredibly handsome today too!â
Flattered by Estherâs praise, Felix beamed and declared, âMommy, Iâll be by your side-â
Before Felix could finish his sentence, several young girls surrounded him, eager to play.
âNope, Iâm a manly man, and Iâm sticking with my mommy,â Felix firmly declared.
The adorable girls then turned their charming gazes toward Esther. She reluctantly agreed and left Felix under Sadieâs watch.
âMommy, I can take care of myself. I donât need Aunt Sadie.â
However, Sadie still assumed responsibility for Felix.
Watching Sadie take charge among the children, Esther couldnât help but smile warmly. She cherished the Quillsâ welcoming and friendly atmosphere, which didnât judge her past in prison.
Because of this, Esther politely handled the situation to avoid tarnishing the Quillsâ reputation when her aunt attempted to arrange introductions.
Finally, during a brief moment of relaxation, Esther sipped orange juice when an attractive server approached her. âMs. Quill, your son is in trouble!â
Concerned, Esther asked, âWhat happened?â
The server replied, âHe was pushed into the pool. Please come with meâ¦.â
âOf course.â
Esther didnât even have time to inform her aunt. Taking advantage of the commotion, she quietly went to the hotelâs back garden The garden appeared deserted, sending a sense of foreboding through Esther.
âIs my son really in trouble?â
The server smiled and gestured toward a room, whispering, âYes, heâs in that room.â
Esther trusted the server and ascended the steps, gently pushing the door open and stepping inside.
âFelixâ¦
âFeli-â
Suddenly, a cold hand covered Estherâs mouth from behind, while another hand gripped her waist tightly, like heated iron.
This abrupt turn of events terrified her. She turned her head, tears of despair filling her eyes as she saw the face of the person responsible.