Laura’s Victory Second Chance

Chapter 21

The room hushed as Laura cracked open the box. Whispers circulated: a piece of jewelry, perhaps, or keys to a rare car, or even a deed to a mansion. But the box was petite, hinting at a modest surprise.

Transported back, Laura had changed a few things and was as clueless as anyone about Easton’s grand gesture. He’d written off a necklace worth millions as too common, and a gown worth billions hadn’t caught his eye. After the night’s string of astonishing gifts, what could Easton possibly offer that would outshine them all?

A cluster of socialites encircled Olivia. “Any guesses what’s inside?” one inquired, barely containing her excitement.

With a strained smile, Olivia replied, “Haven’t a clue, probably just some jewelry.” But her heart was a whirlpool of envy. She’d aimed to outshine Laura at her own celebration, yet found herself overshadowed.

The love and gifts from her parents, once a source of pride, now seemed laughable compared to the necklace Laura had received, and the mystery about to be revealed.

Olivia had a sinking feeling that the box’s contents were far from ordinary, but she was at a loss for what it could be, and if she was honest, a bit terrified.

As Laura lifted the lid, her face went blank with shock. The necklace inside was no ordinary piece; it was an heirloom, its round ivory pendant hanging starkly against the black chain, captivating the onlookers.

“Is that… the royal family’s heirloom?” someone gasped.

“It is! I’ve seen it on the news, worn by royalty!”

“Wow, what a treasure,” another whispered.

“That man really loves Laura. This necklace is priceless.”

“I’m telling you, if a guy did something like this for me, I’d marry him on the spot,” a woman sighed.

Laura finally grasped the weight of Cedric’s earlier words. Easton wasn’t fishing for a quick response; he was seeking a commitment for a lifetime. Cedric, his face a mask of seriousness, added, “This is a token of love from my boss. I hope you don’t let him down.”

He didn’t fully understand Easton’s intentions. Sure, Laura was beautiful, but Easton couldn’t even see her. He mused, ‘What if she was just playing along, when her heart really belonged to Robert? Everyone knew about her crush.’ Despite worrying that Easton could get hurt, Cedric dared not defy his orders.

As Laura’s finger traced the pendant, she was filled with emotion. “I won’t let him down,” she whispered, a promise. She might not be in love with Easton yet, but she was ready to get to know him, to let love grow.

Robert’s face fell as the truth hit him. There in his hand, clenched so tightly a diamond ring bit into his palm, drawing blood. He’d been outdone- outdone by a royal heirloom. His mind raced, ‘Laura vowed never to let Easton down, but what about me?‘

Cedric eyed Laura, searching for any hint of insincerity. Finding none, he relaxed. “Eighteen gifts delivered. Happy eighteenth, Ms. Laura Godfrey.” The crowd, who had assumed Robert was behind the gifts, now realized Laura had a mysterious benefactor. They wondered, ‘But who could it be? Who in Yelville has the pull to gather so many masters and spend so freely on Laura?‘

A guest ventured a guess, “Only the four rich heirs of Yelville could manage this.” The Ryan, Godfrey, Farrell, and August families were the city’s elite, but no one knew of Laura’s connections to them.

Elara was the most embarrassed. She’d boasted about a dress from Meredith Vaughn, only to learn the gifts weren’t from Robert. The ladies didn’t miss a beat, “Mrs. Brown, after all your bragging, it wasn’t your son who sent the gifts.”

“Well, if it wasn’t Robert, what were you so proud of, Mrs. Brown? I thought you had Meredith Vaughn in your pocket,” another chimed in. Elara’s brow furrowed. “That’s not how it was. You were the one pushing me to Meredith Vaughn, not the other way around.”

“Mrs. Brown, you didn’t correct us when we said your son was behind the gifts. If you had, I wouldn’t have asked. Now you’re blaming me?” the lady, retorted with a smirk.

“See, it’s better to be down–to–earth. Why get involved in something that doesn’t concern you? It’s almost funny,” another laughed.

Elara, known for her fierce and arrogant demeanor, found herself speechless, her anger towards Laura growing. It was all because of Laura that the Brown family was in this predicament. Elara was torn–she wanted Robert and Laura to reconcile, but she also resented Laura for stealing the spotlight and embarrassing her son.

Olivia’s jealousy was palpable as she picked at her outfit’s sequins. After all her efforts to win Robert, Laura had attracted a richer, more influential

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Chapter 21

man. The envious whispers around her were like daggers.

She’d expected Laura to appear disheveled, but Laura shone brightly, foiling all of Olivia’s plans.

David and Emma shared a look. “Did you know about this?” David asked.

“Never heard a word. No wonder she’s been acting strange lately–it must have something to do with this man!”

“He spends so much for a coming–of–age ceremony. This man must be from a prominent family,” David murmured, his mind racing with new schemes. To them, the Four Families were legendary, far better than the Brown family.

Emma looked uneasy. The lawyer had gone to verify their account, and the thought of what might happen when he returned with news of her spending Laura’s money sent a shiver down her spine.

Noticing her pallor, David asked, “You alright?”

“I’m good,” Emma replied, sipping her drink to hide her anxiety.

Laura clutched the box, a thrill pulsing through her. This was the most precious gift she’d ever received. She scanned the room for a secluded spot to secure it, but Robert blocked her path.

The music in the hall softened, taking on a romantic hue.

“What’s going on?” Laura asked, her heart pounding as she met Robert’s intense gaze. She wondered if he was about to make another scene.

To her astonishment, Robert dropped to one knee with a resounding thud.