Chapter 14 The Appearance

• The intent of today’s event was to celebrate the Xander’s family reunion with their long-lost daughter. Everyone turned to the entrance in great anticipation. The spotlight focused on the revolving stairway and the media rushed forward, hoping to get a good spot for the photo taking.
• Music started playing and fresh flower petals were strewn on the floor. A woman dressed in a white long dress stepped into the light, drawing loud applause. Her outfit was dusted with diamonds, sparkling like stars across the celestial sphere of her dress.
• The woman had an enchanting smile, and her almond-shaped eyes were bright and clear. She was Alice Miller.
• Paxton was shocked to discover her identity. He had not expected that his saviour the other day turned out to be the Xander family’s long-lost daughter. Her grandfather was the General of the Army, while her father was the Lieutenant General. She was a descendant of the military family.
• Ryleigh was also surprised at the revelation. She thought to herself, no wonder I didn’t see Alice in school recently. She also recalled that the director of the orphanage, Rosie Lamford, had recently asked them to surrender a strand of hair and fingernails for genetic testing. Unexpectedly, Alice had managed to reunite with her family.
• The middle-aged lady who followed Alice down the stairs was her mother, Noelle Quadros. Owing to his unique identity, her father, Samuel Xander, had never appeared in public events.
• Ryleigh could not help but to steal glances at Noelle. The woman looked enchanting and elegant. Her every move exuded the aura of a noble family. Ryleigh mindlessly stepped forward, as though drawn to Noelle’s charisma.
• Alice slowly made her way down the stairs. When she walked past Ryleigh, her lips curved in a haughty smile. After all, Alice had never imagined she could enjoy immense wealth and high status in her lifetime. She had transformed from a lowly orphan that no one would bother to take a second look, to an almighty princess-like socialite.
• Alice thought to herself, from now on, I belong to the upper echelons of society. I will get my hands on anything that I want. Ryleigh would have never thought that I’m able to enjoy all these riches just because of a simple switch. Alice turned to look at Paxton longingly and flashed her sweetest smile. He will be mine too, she vowed secretly.
• The crowd began to grow as they tried to catch a glimpse of the newly-found daughter of the Xander family. In the midst of all the commotion, someone pushed Ryleigh and caused her to accidentally drop her bag on the floor. Just as she was about to bend and pick her bag up, the crowd shoved her to the back.
• Noelle happened to pass by and witnessed the episode. Hence, she reached out to pick the bag up and battled her way through the crowd to return it to Ryleigh. Noelle flashed a warm smile at Ryleigh, without a hint of arrogance. Ryleigh felt warmth cascading through her body when their eyes met. It was as though Noelle was emanating motherly vibes.
• Ryleigh was never jealous of anyone or anything in her life. Yet, she felt a tinge of sadness at this moment. Ryleigh had never seen her parents before. She envied Alice for having such a caring mother.
• “Thank you,” Ryleigh said gratefully. However, her gratitude was not received as she was pushed far away into the crowd. She could only give her blessing to Noelle and Alice silently in her heart.
• Noelle proudly introduced her long-lost daughter to everyone in the room. A brilliant smile plastered on their face as they celebrated the joyous moment.
• When the event was coming to an end, Yuliana, Sophia, Noelle and Alice sat on the sofa and chatted leisurely. They were family friends and naturally had a closer relationship. Sophia wrapped her arms around Alice and they started conversing. Alice causally shared that she had saved Paxton earlier. She was surprised to learn that they both knew Ryleigh and that Sophia loathed the woman. Hence, she made a mental note that she could make use of Sophia in the future.
• Alice then turned her attention to Yuliana and sang her praises. The latter was beaming with joy as she said merrily, “Congratulations for reuniting with your daughter, Noelle. She’s such an obedient and talented sweetheart. She’s so kind. Everyone must love her!”
• Yuliana and Sophia were surprised to see Paxton had brought Ryleigh to the dinner party. They were worried that Paxton would announce that he was married.