Chapter 9

Standing on the stage, Tatiana met the curious and scrutinizing gazes of the crowd without flinching.

She gently lifted a smile and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you all."

The eyes of the crowd never left Tatiana.

With her calm demeanor and graceful movements, she resembled a true princess,sparking even more curiosity about her.

After all, everyone knew that when Isabelle passed away, the news of the Gold family's eldest daughter’s death spread throughout the circle.

Not long after, Dominic married Camille and recognized her daughter, Anna, as the new lady of the family.

Now, with the real eldest daughter suddenly back, Stefan's obvious favoritism towards Tatiana raised questions about Anna and Camille's positions.

Camille stood below the stage, watching as Tatiana shone brightly, her teeth clenched in frustration.

Feeling the weight of the crowd's probing eyes, she tugged at Dominic's sleeve and whispered, "With how much your father is favouring Tatiana now, there's no way he'll agree to let her donate bone marrow to Anna.

What will she do then...?"

Before she could finish her sentence, Dominic already understood.Worry filled his heart as he glanced at Anna, whose face was as pale as paper.

He cleared his throat and slowly walked over to Stefan's side, ready to publicly pressure Tatiana.

Suddenly, a woman's startled voice came from the entrance—

"It's Maxim Konstantine! He is here!”

Everyone gasped at the words and quickly turned to look. A young man walked in through the door.

He was strikingly handsome, with sharp, deep-set features, dressed in a deep blue suit.

With each step he took, he exuded an intimidating aura that made everyone present hold their breath, fearing that any misstep might provoke the man before them.

His simple attire was captivating in its own right.

Truly terrifying.

Maxim Konstantine...

Tatiana watched him, her brows furrowing slightly before relaxing. She hadn’t expected to see him again today…

As soon as Maxim entered, he spotted Tatiana. Perhaps it was her particularly glamorous outfit today, or maybe it was the way everyone was gathered around her, but he recognized her instantly amidst the crowd.

She wore a red dress, her skin pale as snow, speaking softly and warmly, a stark contrast to the person he had known before.

It seemed that every time he saw her, she presented a completely new side of herself.

Interesting.

Maxim slightly curled his lips, captivating the surrounding socialites with his charm.

Stefan was equally surprised. Although he had sent an invitation to the Konstantine family, he hadn’t expected Maxim to show up in person.

Just then, a figure suddenly stepped infront of Maxim—it was Anna.

Anna looked at the incredibly handsome man before her, a blush creeping onto her cheeks as she shyly asked, "Maxim, what are you doing here... Are you looking for me?"

Even though she asked, Anna was already convinced that Maxim had come to find her, after all, she was his fiancée.

However, to her surprise, Maxim didn’t even glance at her. He simply walked past her and approached Stefan, his tone carrying a hint of respect. "Grandfather, my father asked me to send his regards. He’s not feeling well and won’t be coming today."

"Health is the most important thing," Stefan replied, pleased with his politeness. He turned to introduce his granddaughter. "This is Tatiana—"

Maxim cut him off, his gaze fixed on Tatiana, a smirk playing on his lips.

"We know each other."

Stefan looked puzzled. "Oh? You two have met before?"

Tatiana's expression stiffened slightly as she stared at Maxim, unsure of what he was about to say.

"I've come here today for your granddaughter," Maxim said with a slight smile, looking at Tatiana's stiff expression.

"Since our wedding is approaching, I specifically came to deliver the betrothal gifts."

As soon as he finished speaking, a collective gasp echoed through the room.

A wedding? Betrothal gifts?

Wasn't he supposed to be marrying Anna? Was he serious about the chaos at the engagement party last time?

Anna, who had been ignored by Maxim and was already feeling heartbroken, felt a fresh wave of pain wash over her.

Seeing the both of them standing together—one in red and the other in blue—looking like a perfect couple, she couldn't hold back her anger.

She stepped forward, placing herself between them, her eyes filled with sorrow as she looked at Julian. "Maxim, I'm your fiancée! Are you really planning to marry her and abandon me?!"

Her face was pale, evoking sympathy from those around her.

But Maxim merely glanced at her, a cold smile creeping onto his lips. "Abandon you? You’re nothing to me.”

At those words, some people couldn't help but burst into laughter.

What a huge embarrassment!

Anna's face turned even darker at the sound of the laughter. Meanwhile, Camille, witnessing her daughter’s humiliation, felt equally uncomfortable.

Camille quickly stepped forward, forcing a smile as she pulled her aside, whispering something to her.

Stefan watched the scene unfold, his eyes narrowing. After a moment of contemplation, his expression turned serious.

He spoke up, "Maxim, are you sure you want to marry Tatiana?"

Maxim replied with equal seriousness, "Yes."

He didn't know what secrets Tatiana was hiding, but this was the first time hefelt such curiosity about a woman. He had to keep her close to explore further.

Stefan then turned to Tatiana and gently asked, "Tatiana, do you want to? Do you want to marry him?"

The question left everyone stunned.

After all, the Konstantine family was the most powerful family in the country, and Maxim was its head. Countless people lined up hoping to marry him.

When they heard that Anna was set to marry him, many were filled with envy and resentment.

Now, with her true identity exposed, it was Tatiana's turn for this incredible opportunity. It was shocking that Stefan would even ask if she was willing.

It was clear that he truly loved his granddaughter.

Tatiana was taken aback by his unexpected question. She felt a rush of warmth as she met his affectionate gaze.

Turning to look at Maxim in front of her, she noticed his dark, glimmering eyes, which held a hint of something unusual. After a moment of contemplation, she finally nodded.