Chapter 104

104 Truths Unveiled The image of Maxwell and Emma together, gracing the grand staircase, sent waves of surprise rippling through the crowd. No one had guessed Emma was the Smirnoff family’s elusive youngest daughter.

The revelation reshaped everyone’s perception of her, especially of her past marriage to Alex. Now, it seemed Alex was the one who had reached for the stars.

Whispers and glances, some mocking, some curious, were directed at Alex, who stood silent amidst the murmurings. To him, Emma transformed into a radiant figure, eclipsing everyone else in the room.

Emma, feeling the intensity of Alex’s gaze, briefly met his eyes before quickly looking away. What was the point of his attentions now?

As Emma and Maxwell descended to join Wayne, the crowd’s buzz grew, curious about the true nature of their connection.

Wayne then announced, “Apologies for my father’s delay. He’s been tied up with business but asked my siblings to greet you first. Please be patient for a moment longer.” His words dropped like stones in a pond, sending ripples of shock and realization through the gathering.

The crowd was astonished to learn that Maxwell, a well–known figure in entertainment, was also a Smirnoff. It became evident that the Smirnoff family held Emma in high regard, unveiling Maxwell’s identity alongside hers.

Stark soon joined, apologizing for his tardiness. He explained, “Sorry for the wait. We’re here to celebrate my daughter’s birthday. As for my son Maxwell, you know him well. About the online story, we understand the confusion and will let it slide. But we expect the media to verify facts before publishing.

His words were a gentle warning, causing a collective sigh of relief among the media. Stark’s introduction of Emma was filled with pride. Rumors of her inheriting the Smirnoff Group now seemed a certain truth.

Emma, amidst the admiration, remained poised and gracious. Her presence commanded respect, and people instinctively lowered their own status in her company.

Alex stood in disbelief. Nathan nudged him, equally surprised. Before, they had felt superior to Emma, but now it was clear they were the outsiders.

“Did you know about this?” Nathan asked Alex, who was lost in thought.

Alex wondered if knowing Emma’s true identity from the start would have changed their relationship.

He realized his resentment of her status during their marriage had clouded his judgment. He felt superior, dismissing her worth, unaware of her true standing.

Nathan’s question lingered in the air. “You were married to her, and yet you knew nothing of her background? Was her approach to marriage really manipulative, as you believed?”

Alex’s realization of his past folly was a bitter pill to swallow. His arrogance had blinded him to Emma’s true worth. Now, seeing her esteemed position, he recognized his own foolishness.

The Smirnoff’s celebration was a revelation, not just of identities, but of misplaced judgments and lost opportunities.