The True Heiress's Return

Chapter 148

To stop Xanthe from endless chattering, Shakira reluctantly bought her a strawberry cake in the end. The cream was smooth and the strawberries were sweet, and only then did Xanthe shift her attention. To be honest. Shakira never imagined she would be shopping and chatting with Xanthe one day. After all, not long ago, she was in a fierce confrontation with her to defend Yvette. Fate was funny thing Before they parted, Xanthe offered to pick her up on the day of the summit. Shakira thought for a moment. "Let's get in touch once we're at the venue."

Xanthe paused for a second, then suddenly realized something and tapped her head, understanding. "Right, I totally forgot, Mr. Lopez is also coming. He'd definitely be bringing you. I was foolishly offering to take you along as if I could compete with Mr. Lopez's influence."

Then she looked at Shakira with a touched expression. "Shakira, you're so kind. You even troubled Mr. Lopez just to give me support

Shakira was speechless.

The shopping couldn't be continued.

The diplomatic summit for celebration was extremely grand. Early in the morning, all the major TV stations and major live streaming platforms had started broadcasting its progress.

Shakira chose a classic Chanel black and white outfit, with a scarf around her long, fair neck, looking both professional and elegant. As she went downstairs, she noticed the living room TV was already broadcasting the news live.

On the screen, as the main venue for the diplomatic summit, the theater downtown was set up with national flags inside and outside.

The main road had been closed off the night before for security reasons, allowing only official invitees to stay at the state guest house, while other business personnel had to go through multiple security checks to enter the venue.

Suddenly, the scene changed and the cars lined up for security checks moved aside to make way. Several sedans slowly stopped in front of the theater.

The live broadcast host excitedly announced, "The convoys of the National Seniors are coming toward our main venue and they are Matthew, Ethan, Yael, and Barret.

"These four National Seniors devoted themselves to the public sectors of our country during the reform era. They have been trailblazers and founders in medicine, agriculture, martial arts, and aviation, making significant contributions to the fast and thriving development of the basic public infrastructure of our country."

With the host's enthusiastic introduction, the convoys slowly came to a stop. Student representatives came forward to present flowers. They, dressed in traditional suits, entered the venue surrounded by the crowd

At the back, Ethan noticed a young student with a crooked hat. He gently reached out and straightened it. The child happily said. "Thank you."

At this moment, a courageous journalist stepped forward to ask, Ethan, this is the first time you and the other seniors have appeared at an international conference since retiring. What made you decide to return to the public eye?"

Etfian turned around, with his face enlarged by the camera, radiating kindness and warmth. "We come back when the country needs us" After a pause, he laughed. "Of course, after being away for so long, I really started to miss our delicious

food back home."

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Chapter 148

With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, he leaned towards the camera and added with a grin. "Once you've tasted it, you can't stop.thinking about it every day

Shakira watched intently, and upon seeing this scene, she couldn't help but burst into laughter and thought. These old guys had a sweet tooth. "What's so funny?" asked Walter.

A deep voice came from behind her unexpectedly, catching her off guard. Walter had somehow snuck up behind her. Shakira hadn't noticed and instinctively turned around, accidentally kicking the wheelchair with her left foot, causing her to lose her balance and fall forward.

The world spun around her as she suddenly felt a tight grip aroun her waist. When she regained her senses, she found herself sitting on Walter's lap.

Today, he wore a perfectly tailored white suit, adorned with a sapphire star-and-moon brooch. With his naturally striking features, he looked like a prince from a fantasy world, leaving Shakira momentarily mesmerized.

Noticing her staring blankly at him, Walter slightly curved his lips and asked in a soft tone, "Do I look nice?"

Shakira nodded absentmindedly, unable to stop herself from responding. "Yes, very good-looking."

The amusement in his eyes deepened, with sparkles dancing within Suddenly, he composed himself, adopting a more formal tone. "I was asking if the brooch looks cute. Why have you been staring at my face instead?" Shakira snapped back to reality, terribly embarrassed, and immediately jumped off his lap. Her ears must have turned bright red as the sides were burning hot.

Ridiculous. She thought, 'How can I stare at that face every day and still get lost in thoughts?"

Shakira bit her lip defensively. "I was talking about the brooch. It looks pretty

Big Devil furrowed his brows and said in a threatening tone, "Are you saying I don't look nice?"

Shakira was speechless.

After receiving a flurry of flattery from Shakira, Big Devil got into the car in the end, satisfied, headed to the venue.

After entering, Walter and his group, led by the hostess, reached the business seats. Walter was placed in the middle of the front row. As soon as Shakira got there, she looked up to see Sean winking at her from the far right of the row, and.... Sitting in the second row were Cody, Rebecca, and Finn.

Benji, Kyle, Calton, and Gavin were already seated. Seeing them arrive, they waved in greeting. Cody and Rebecca were taken aback when they saw Shakira and their previously lively smiles faded as they stared intently at her. Finn frowned and softly called out, "Dad, Mom."

Cody spoke in a deep voice and quietly gripped Rebecca's hand Mind the occasion."

"What right does she have to be in a place like this and sit in the front row?"

-Cody could sense Walter's cold and sharp stare sweeping over hin, making his heart sink even more. "She must have coaxed.

Mr. Lopez with sweet words to bring her here. What else could die rely on if not men?"

www

Rebecca bit her lower lip as she watched Shakira barely settle into her seat before craning her neck to look around, showing no signs of manners or upbringing, "She looks like she has never been out in the world. It's utterly embarrassing." With eyes filled with hatred, she shot a look at Shakira and then turned her head away as if another second would dirty her

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Chapter 148

eyes.

Shakira paid no attention to the family of three. After sitting down with Walter, her eyes subconsciously roamed around.

Matthew and his group were in a separate VIP section next door and seemed to have noticed her early on. Seeing her look over, Yael even made a funny face at her.

Shakira made a funny face in return, widening her eyes and scrunching her nose. She then continued her search.

Enrique was in the fourth row near the back, while Xanthe wasn't next to him. After contemplating for a moment, S informed Walter and stood up to ask for directions to the backstage and looked for it.

Shakira

Upon entering the busy backstage, Shakira looked around and heard a voice that was unmistakably familiar before she spotted Xanthe. Thank you, Ms. Franklin, for the opportunity. I promise not to disappoint you with today's piano solo." "You're the younger sister of Felix; there's no need to be formal over such minor matters," said Ms. Franklin

Shakira quickly turned her head to see Yvette, wearing a sparkling silver backless gown and a smile, entering a private lounge with a gorgeous w