Forbidden: The Billionaire’s Secret Sister Chapter 04
The moment I stepped into the Napa Valley Country Club, I was hit by an overwhelming sense of luxury. French floor–to–ceiling windows let the noon sunlight spill across the polished marble floors, every inch silently declaring the expense of this place.
Çeleste was already seated in a corner booth, delicate porcelain tea sets arranged before her. She wore a cream–colored Chanel suit, her pearl necklace catching the warm light. Seeing me approach, she flashed a perfect social smile.
Sera, darling, you came.” She rose gracefully. “You look well. Work keeping you busy?”
“It’s alright.” I sat down, accepting the menu from the waiter. The prices made me wince internally–one salad cost half a day’s wages for me.
I’ve already ordered their signature lobster salad for you. I hope you’ll like it.” Celeste settled back down, moving with the grace of a noblewoman from a classical painting. “We haven’t had a chance to chat alone in so long.”
‘Chat alone? When have we ever chatted?‘ I rolled my eyes internally while maintaining a calm exterior.
“Indeed.”
“Phoenix told me yesterday that you two have been getting along wonderfully lately.” Her tone sounded caring, but there was something unreadable in her eyes. “I’m happy for him, truly. He’s been alone for too many years.”
The waiter brought the exquisite lobster salad. Celeste cut her food elegantly, continuing, “Though to be honest, I’m a bit concerned.”
“Concerned about what?”
She set down her fork, looking into my eyes. “Darling, I know Phoenix treats you well, but you understand there are certain boundaries that cannot be crossed.
The Blackwood family has its own traditions and responsibilities.”
“Are you suggesting I leave?”
I‘m trying to help you avoid greater pain.” Her tone became even more gentle, as if she truly had my best interests at heart. “Sera, you’re a smart girl. You know what families like ours represent, the expectations and pressures from the outside world. Phoenix will eventually inherit the business. He needs a companion who can help him establish himself in social circles.”
I set down my fork, “You don’t think I can do that?”
“This isn’t about ability–it’s about background.” She sighed, as if genuinely troubled. “Social circles are cruel, Sera. They devour anyone who doesn’t belong. don’t want to see you get hurt.”
I fought the urge to flip the table. “I understand what you’re saying.”
As we left the booth and walked toward the club’s main hall, she suddenly pulled out a gold–embossed invitation from her purse. “You must first comprehend your own position before you can truly grasp that truth.”
“Tonight at eight, Blackwood Manor.” She handed met the invitation. “I want you to see with your own eyes the world Phoenix truly belongs to. That is, if you have the courage.”
accepted the invitation, feeling its weight. The gold lettering gleamed under the lights. This was both a challenge and a trap.
“I’ll be there.”
At eight o’clock that evening, I stood at the entrance of Blackwood Manor, my heart a mix of emotions.
The doorman took my coat. I wore a black cocktail dress I’d found at a thrift shop, knowing I was out of place here, but I kept my spine straight.
The ballroom was brilliantly lit, crystal chandeliers casting soft light throughout. The room was filled with impeccably dressed men and women holding champagne glasses, conversing elegantly. The moment I entered, I felt countless evaluating gazes upon me.
Phoenix was chatting with several businessmen and was clearly taken aback when he saw me enter. Celeste immediately approached
“Everyone, let me introduce,” her voice was crisp and pleasant, “this is Sera, Phoenix’s friend.”
The people around us nodded politely, but I could feel the scrutiny and questioning in their eyes. People were whispering, and though their voices were low, I caught a few words: “the nanny’s daughter,” inappropriate,” “what is Phoenix thinking.”
picked up a champagne glass, trying to appear composed. But fate clearly wasn’t finished with me.
A woman around sixty, wearing a purple silk gown an ostentatious diamond necklace, walked toward me.
From her bearing and the way others treated her, I could tell she held significant status in this circle.
You must be that Sera?” Her tone sounded friendly, but her eyes were cold. “I’ve heard about you, dear,”
Pleasure to meet you.” I replied politely.
$he suddenly stepped forward, as if accidentally bumping my arm. The wine glass in my hand tilted, spilling champagne onto the expensive Persian carpet
“Oh, what a shame, red wine spilled on the carpet.“. Her voice rose several decibels, drawing attention from those around us. “Though it’s not surprising- nanny’s daughter can never learn aristocratic grace The entire conversation area suddenly fell silent. Everyone was looking at me, waiting for my reaction. ‘Do these people really think they’re better than me?‘
I set down the empty wine glass and looked directly into the lady’s eyes. “At least I live by my own hands, nather than surviving on my ancestors‘ inheritance.”
Her face turned red instantly. “You little bitch, how dare you-”
‘Mrs. Eleanor, your words are quite inappropriate.”
A deep male voice suddenly interrupted. I turned to see a man around thirty approaching. He had dark hair and features similar to Phoenix’s, but his eyes were gentler. From how others treated him, he clearly held considerable position in this family.
Augustine!” Mrs. Eleanor’s tone immediately became respectful. “I was just-”
I know what you were trying to say, but publicly Humiliating a guest like this is inappropriate.” Augustine’s tone was calm but brooked no argument. Then he turned to me. “I apologize my family can be disappointing at times. Would you mind stepping outside for some air? It might be better out there.”
I looked at this unexpected ally in surprise.
I nodded in agreement.
We walked toward the terrace as Mrs. Eleanor’s indignant voice and others‘ whispers followed behind us.