NovelBookDo You Still Remember This Place? Jean's expression was cold and still, like the deep, unmoving waters at the bottom of a frozen lake.
She didn't move an inch; her gaze seemed glued to that figure in the distance.
In a single moment, everything clicked into place. So that's what this was.
Right then, the unexpected guest who had captured everyone's attention was none other than Sarah.
Her outfit was plain and modest, completely out of place amid the lavish crowd in the grand hall.
And yet, her bare face, untouched by makeup, was stunning-radiant under the golden light, as if glowing on its own.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtStep by step, Sarah finally stopped right in front of Sienna.
There was only a single step between them.
She stared straight into Sienna's eyes, her expression calm, but a storm churned beneath the surface of her gaze.
Jean watched the scene unfold; the initial shock had passed, and her emotions settled into a steady calm. Was Tyler's painting of the real and false phoenix part of Sarah's design, too? Had this entire painting been meant for tonight? "You..." Sienna parted her lips, but only managed a single word-she couldn't even form a complete sentence. Because the girl standing before him looked so familiar. Like Matheo. Like myself. Like my children. Was this a coincidence or something else? Dominic and the others noticed it immediately as well.
Their sharp, watchful eyes, full of scrutiny, landed squarely on Sarah's face.
Sarah bit her lip. Her gaze remained calm as she looked at Sienna, finally speaking first.
"I'm from Blackpond Village, in Vale City. Do you remember that place?" Vale City, Blackpond Village? It sounded familiar. Sienna blinked, her thoughts spinning at lightning spe She fell silent, thinking hard. And finally, somewhere deep in her memory, the connection surfaced.
More than ten years ago, she had been to Vale City. She had been to Blackpond Village...
Back then, she was still hopelessly in love with Matheo, her entire world revolved around him.
The only reason she had gone there was for him.
That year, Matheo had taken over a number of Ginger family business projects from her, and he had made the decision to build a resort in Vale City, outside of Blairford.
It was supposed to be Matheo's project from beginning to end.
At the time, Sienna had been pregnant with Jean, already near her due date. Even if she had wanted to help, she wasn't in any condition to do so.
But she trusted Matheo completely.
She never expected that what should've been a simple resort project would turn into a mess.
Matheo's methods were too aggressive; he angered the nearby villagers and was even driven out and openly opposed.
Faced with their fierce resistance, Matheo didn't try to de-escalate-he doubled down with even more m forceful tactics. Tensions escalated quickly, leading to physical altercations that nearly made national headlines.
Confronted with such a volatile situation, Sienna understood, if this wasn't resolved properly, the Ginger family's reputation would be dragged through the mud.
The Ginger family was powerful enough that they didn't have to care what a few villagers thought, they a alan't dn't have to worry about public opinion. But to Sienna, allowing the family to be branded as bullies-especially when they had been in the wrong- was unacceptable.
If she turned a blind eye, she'd never forgive herself.
The most direct and effective way to calm the villagers and restore the family's image was for Sienna to step in personally.
As the highest-ranking representative of the Ginger family, her going to Vale City herself would show the greatest sincerity.
Sienna didn't hesitate.
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