Chapter 226: Party on the High Seas
The yacht glided smoothly over the crystalline waters, a dazzling beacon of luxury against the setting sun.
The Fay family had spared no expense for the grand celebration, their opulent yacht transformed into an extravagant floating venue.
The deck shimmered with soft golden lighting that highlighted the lush floral arrangements and glass accents. A string quartet played melodious tunes, their music carrying across the gentle waves.
A lavish spread of delicacies was arranged on polished tables, offering everything from exotic seafood to intricately designed desserts.
The guests had arrived dressed to impress, each hoping to leave a mark on this glittering social event. The women sparkled in their designer gowns, adorned with exquisite jewelry that caught the light with every movement.
High heels clicked against the wooden deck as they laughed and sipped champagne, their eyes scanning the crowd for eligible bachelors. The men, not to be outdone, donned sharp suits and tailored tuxedos, each carrying an air of sophistication and wealth.
Yet, amidst the sea of glittering opulence, Cole and Lina Fay stood apart. The twins, the stars of the evening, had chosen simplicity over extravagance.
Cole wore a sleek black shirt with a minimalist blazer, exuding effortless charm. Lina opted for an elegant yet understated silk dress in a soft champagne hue, her natural beauty enhanced by the subtle sheen of the fabric. Neither wore excessive jewelry or accessories, yet they radiated an undeniable presence that captivated the room.
When they stepped onto the deck, a hush fell over the crowd. Conversations paused mid-sentence, and all eyes turned toward the birthday celebrants.
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Cole's calm, confident demeanor and Lina's warm smile were magnetic, drawing attention effortlessly. It wasn't the clothes or the accessories—it was their aura, a blend of poise, grace, and power, that outshone every glittering jewel and designer ensemble at the party.
The women couldn't help but steal glances at Cole, his commanding presence making him the epitome of an unattainable dream.
Lina, meanwhile, moved through the crowd with the elegance of royalty, her every gesture leaving an impression of genuine charm. Even in a gathering of the elite, the twins made it clear who truly owned the spotlight.
The party carried on with laughter, music, and clinking glasses, but the atmosphere remained anchored around the Fay twins.
Their understated brilliance was a stark contrast to the flamboyant displays around them, proving that true elegance wasn't in what one wore but in who one was.
The yacht's main deck was alive with the hum of conversation and laughter, a social battlefield where alliances were formed and rivalries simmered beneath polished smiles.
Lina Fay, poised and elegant in her understated silk dress, navigated the crowd with practiced grace. Beside her stood Daniel, his simple attire doing little to hide his handsome features and quiet charisma.
Despite his good looks, Daniel's presence was a paradox. He was magnetic yet unapproachable, the shadow of rumors about his origins—being the illegitimate son of a rich figure—creating an invisible barrier. Women who might have flocked to him hesitated, their curiosity stifled by whispers.
Daniel, for his part, remained indifferent. His expression was calm and unreadable as he stood like a sentinel beside Lina, discouraging any man from daring to approach her.
When introduced, he offered only polite nods and a measured smile, his demeanor polite but distant, making him an enigma in the midst of the party's chaos.
Meanwhile, Sophie Rosette was determined to make her presence known. She had dressed to impress in a sleek, form-fitting gown, her every step calculated to draw attention.
At the first opportunity, she approached Cole, her mother Sophia trailing behind with an encouraging smile.
"Happy birthday, Cole," Sophie greeted, her dazzling smile lighting up her face.
Beside her, Sophia chimed in, her tone warm and strategic. "Sophie has been looking forward to this evening."
Not far away, Sullivan Rosette, ever the opportunist, hovered, waiting for his chance to discuss business with the young Fay.
"I've received your invitation, by the way," Sophie said sweetly, trying to capture Cole's attention.
Cole, however, seemed unimpressed, his expression unreadable as he nodded slightly.
"Cole," Sophia interjected with a sly smile, "do you have a dance partner? Isn't that why you personally invited Sophie to your birthday? So she could be your partner?"
Sophie flushed at her mother's boldness. "Mother, stop it! You're embarrassing me in front of Cole." She stole a shy glance at Cole, hoping to gauge his reaction.
Sophia pressed on, undeterred. "But it's true! You two would make a wonderful pair. Sophie is an excellent dancer."
Cole raised an eyebrow, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. "I wasn't aware her leg was already healed for her to be dancing tonight."
The mother-daughter pair froze, their earlier laughter dying in their throats. Sophie's confidence wavered as she stammered, "Uh . . . the doctor said it wasn't that serious, so it's healed now."
"Hmm . . ." Cole's eyes turned to slit. "You fell down the stairs and broke your leg—that's what you said in the news. And now, a week later, you're perfectly fine?"
Sophia and Sophie exchanged nervous glances, their practiced composure faltering. The incident had caused Eve to sue them, and their official statement—blaming the fall on a clumsy maid—had barely managed to quell the rumors.
Even now, whispers persisted, with many suspecting that Sophie had fabricated the injury entirely, seeing that her leg seemed fine and she could walk without a wheelchair or a cane.
Sophia cleared her throat, attempting to redirect the conversation. "Anyway, enough of such trivial matters, Cole. The important thing is that Sophie is healed and very much available tonight to dance with you. Don't you think the Rosette and Fay families would make a strong match?"
Cole's lips curved into a faint smile. "You're right," he said, his agreement making both women beam with glee.
"Then—" Sophie began, extending her hand, but Cole interrupted her smoothly.
"Excuse me," he said, his tone anything but polite. "I need to escort the Rosette I'm going to marry."
Sophie and Sophia's smiles faltered, confusion clouding their faces. Their attention shifted to the sudden commotion at the entrance.
It was none other than Eve Rosette, herself.