The sound of apuse thundered through the air, each p echoing with a resonance that seemed to pierce the very soul.


    The intensity of the pping was directly proportional to the sourness spreading across Reba Morris''s face. As the rightful heiress to the Morris


    family''s vast estate, she found herself bested by an imposter, a counterfeit heiress who had not only usurped her ce but was also known far and


    wide as aplete and utter failure.


    How was she to hold her head high in Cloudcrest society after such a humiliating defeat?


    Not far from themotion, Sherman''s gaze cut through the crowd, zeroing in on a phrase that seemed to sum up the evening''s surprise, "Mastery


    lies in simplicity, and wisdom in humility.”


    The meaning was clear: it''s better to appear underwhelming than to unt one''s intellect; better to be modest than to radiate arrogance; better to


    seem approachable than aloof; better to retreat than to advance without caution.


    Sherman couldn''t help but chuckle softly to himself.


    Those words...


    Weren''t they the perfect description of Anthea herself?


    All these years, she had been hiding her brilliance behind a veil of ordinariness.


    "Anthea, you''re incredible!" Daniel approached her, admiration clear in his voice.


    Anthea''s response was light, "I haven''t practiced my calligraphy in a long time. I''m a bit rusty.”


    This was no false modesty.


    Back in her world, even the most revered figures in the calligraphy scene would have to tip their hats to her.


    This was her first time picking up a pen since arriving here.


    Daniel was stunned by her casual admission. If this was her being "rusty," what heights could she reach if she truly applied herself? Would the


    masters of the calligraphy world need to retire in her presence?


    "Anthea, you''re too modest,” Daniel continued, "By the way. did the dessert made by the Michelin-star chef tonight meet your expectations?”


    Anthea nodded, "It was quite delightful.”


    At this, Reba''s expression darkened further.


    What had Daniel just called Anthea?


    A prodigy?


    How could Anthea possibly deserve such a title?


    Daniel was supposed to see her, Reba, as his confidante. How could hevish such attention on Anthea instead?


    Shameless!


    Anthea was utterly shameless.


    Memories ofst year''s RealTimeFlow g shed through Reba''s mind. Back then, just like tonight, Anthea had stolen the spotlight that rightfully


    belonged to her.


    A nameless fear began to spread


    through Reba''s body, just as a


    sharply dressed gentleman >


    approacked, "My father is a great.”


    admire of calligraphy. I would {ove


    to purchase these pieces for-nim to


    stugly. Would you consider gelling


    them, Ms. Yeager?"


    The room went silent at his words.


    The man was not just any affluent guest.


    He was Jasper White, the eldest son


    of the prestigious White family,


    known for their deep roots in ~


    Cloudcrést''s history. Despite his


    youth~Jasper had made significant


    strides I n both business and politics,


    elevating the White family" status to


    the pinnacle of Cloudcrest society.


    Nobody had anticipated that Anthea''s calligraphy would catch the eye of someane like Jasper!


    As the saying goes, having connections makes everything easier.


    Many had hoped to forge a connection with Jasper during the evening, but none had found the opportunity. And yet, here was Anthea, unexpectedly


    winning his favor.


    Anthea smiled gently, "A gentleman helps others achieve their beauty. If you like them, you can have them.”


    "Thank you for your generosity, Ms.


    Yeager. ES Jasper White. Here''s ALY


    card. Should you ever need any


    assistance, please don''t hesitate to


    congact me," Jasper offered


    extending his card with both hands.


    "I''l take you up on that offer without being too modest, Mr. White.” Anthea epted the card, a smile ying on her lips.


    Witnessing this exchange, Reba felt a surge of bitterness. She watched as Anthea effortlessly charmed Jasper, her gaze filled with venom.


    Her fists clenched so tightly that her nails bit into her palms, yet she felt nothing


    If not for Anthea, she could have been the one in that spotlight.


    She could have been the one receiving praise!


    It was Anthea who had taken everything from her.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    No, she couldn''t let Anthea trample over her!


    She was meant to be the phoenix rising from the ashes, not Anthea


    Anthea was nothing but a stepping stone for her.


    Noticing Reba''s difort, Daniel asked with concern, "Reba, are you alright?"


    "I''m fine." Reba managed a strained smile, pretending as if nothing was amiss