Veronica made her way to the hotel several days after attending the International Artificial Intelligence Conference. Tonight, after a long day of work, she was headed to Poppy's nephew's wedding celebration.
She stepped into the elevator and just as the doors began sliding shut, a deep voice called out, "Hold the door!"
Simultaneously, a hand shot through the narrowing gap, forcing the doors to retract.
Veronica's pulse quickened when she recognized who stood before her. Benjamin appeared equally surprised to see her occupying the elevator.
Despite their limited interactions—they'd crossed paths only a handful of tis, with their most recent encounter being nearly a quarter year ago—he clearly rembered her. He acknowledged her with a courteous nod.
Just then, Sophia materialized at the elevator entrance as well.
Her eyes widened briefly upon noticing Veronica. However, she quickly composed herself, entering the elevator as though Veronica were a complete stranger.
Benjamin reached toward the control panel but paused when he noticed the button for the 18th floor was already illuminated.
Considering Veronica sowhat of an acquaintance, he turned with a friendly smile, prepared to engage in casual conversation.
But Veronica, perceiving his intention, deliberately turned away, her expression hardening as she fixed her gaze elsewhere.
Benjamin's smile faltered. Reading her clear disinterest, he abandoned any attempt at conversation.
Instead, he wrapped his arm affectionately around Sophia's shoulders. She responded with a gentle smile, placing her hand lightly atop his.
Standing beside them, Veronica maintained her silence, observing their interaction from her peripheral vision.
The elevator soon arrived at the designated floor.
As the doors parted, a crescendo of animated conversations and laughter poured in from the gathering outside.
Veronica followed Benjamin and Sophia out into the lobby, which was teeming with elegantly dressed guests. The space buzzed with energy and celebration.
Isaac and Penny stood by the reception area, impeccably attired, welcoming each arrival with practiced grace. They were hosting a special celebration—Sophia's 70th birthday party.
The realization dawned on Veronica as she took in Sophia's sophisticated appearance. Of course—today marked her milestone birthday.
The mont Sophia stepped into view, soone exclaid warmly, "Look who's here—our guest of honor has arrived!"
Then, attention shifted to Veronica, who stood a few paces behind.
Her striking presence and natural elegance imdiately caught several admiring glances. One guest approached with a beaming smile, saying, "Madam Crystal, is this your granddaughter? No wonder she captured the heart of Porter's most promising young man!"
The guest continued, studying Veronica's features, "She's absolutely beautiful—there's even a resemblance to you in your younger years. What a blessing to have such a granddaughter!"
Veronica felt an imdiate urge to escape, but the densely packed crowd blocked her path to the exit.
Nearby stood the Mack family alongside Isaac. Their expressions registered surprise at seeing Veronica and Sophia arrive together.
For a fleeting mont, they wondered if Sophia had actually extended an invitation to Veronica for her birthday celebration.
The notion quickly dissolved as they realized Veronica must have mistakenly taken the elevator to this floor, when she was likely headed to the wedding reception in the adjacent venue.
The hotel had separate elevators for different events, but first-ti visitors often navigated incorrectly through the complex layout.
Similar mix-ups had occurred multiple tis already that evening.
When the guest comnted on Veronica's resemblance to a younger Sophia, Veronica's expression imdiately frosted over. She opened her mouth to respond, but Sophia interjected first.
"You're mistaken," Sophia stated coldly. "She's not my granddaughter. I don't know this person."
Just as those dismissive words hung in the air, Cullen and Niall erged from another elevator.
Soone in the crowd imdiately pointed toward them. "What are you all looking at? That's the real granddaughter over there!"
Every head turned toward Niall and Cullen.
They made a striking pair—both possessed exceptional good looks and carried themselves with undeniable confidence.
Recognizing their respective statuses, the guests quickly shifted their attention, offering effusive complints and admiring smiles.
"Now I see why she's studying under a renowned scientist—just look at that natural presence!" one guest remarked with obvious admiration. "Ordinary people simply can't compare."
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