Home / Romance / Shadows of a lost heiress / Chapter 9: Beneath the surface

Share

Chapter 9: Beneath the surface

Author: Gifted_handz
last update Last Updated: 2025-01-14 04:21:16

The splendor of the grand hall was a spectacle unto itself, with its gilded walls and towering pillars that stretched toward a ceiling of majestic crystal chandeliers. An excited symphony of chatter, laughter, and the click of heels filled the space. The award ceremony was in full swing.

Yet, the true show had begun when Cael Moraine walked through the double doors, his commanding presence cutting through the noise like a sharp sword.

But it wasn’t just his impeccable and perfect tailoring or magnetic presence that had stirred spectators.

It had been the woman on his arm.

Her elegant beauty.

She had held herself with a nervous elegance, her wide eyes betraying her uncertainty in the glamorous world she had been thrust into.

The effect had been instant. Whispers spread like wildfire, and camera flashes create a strobe effect around the pair.

The fact that Cael would appear in public with a lady was already news enough to fill the front cover of media papers.

The occasion had started s
Locked Chapter
Continue Reading on GoodNovel
Scan code to download App

Related chapters

  • Shadows of a lost heiress    Chapter 10 : Shadows of glamour

    "Are you still clinging to your little act of deceit?," Sheryl asked as she leaned against the counter, her red dress making her look like a predator eyeing its prey.Anaïs turned, her jaw tightening. Just when she thought she could have some quiet to herself."What are you talking about, Sheryl?"Sheryl smirked. "Oh, don’t play innocent. You might have everyone out there fooled with your act of innocence, but I can see right through you. You’re just another gold digger trying to claw your way into a world you don’t belong."Anaïs had simply had enough of Sheryl. It was obvious Sheryl really had a thing for her. Certainly not goodwill, hate, envy maybe, but not goodwill. Probably she even feels threatened. "Why does it seem like you feel threatened by me," Anaïs said, her voice steady."Threatened? by who? You?” Sheryl laughed hysterically. "You now think you are that important? I just don’t like gold diggers like you."Anaïs gave a faint smile, maintaining her cool "You don’t know a

    Last Updated : 2025-01-15
  • Shadows of a lost heiress    Chapter 11: Good news, bad news

    Anabel held Anaïs, her composure masking a tornado of anxiety, the air was filled with the calm buzz of urgency.The restroom, which had some minutes ago been a battlefield of words and cold glares, was now reduced to a tranquil atmosphere amidst the chaos. Anabel moved quickly, calling for the attention of an attendant. She spoke in a low tone laced with authority."Find Cael Moraine," she instructed. "Tell him it’s urgent but keep it discreet. This isn’t something we want making headlines."With a nod, the attendant moved away quickly, leaving Anabel to focus on Anaïs, who was gradually regaining consciousness. Her beautiful features were contoured by confusion as her eyelashes fluttered open, her breath shallow."Take it easy," Anabel said gently, helping Anaïs sit up. "You gave me such a scare."Anaïs managed a faint smile, though her strength was clearly drained. "I’m sorry... I don’t know what happened."“You don't have to apologize, let's just get you home first,” Anabel replied

    Last Updated : 2025-01-16
  • Shadows of a lost heiress    Chapter 12: The perfect trap

    The city pulsed with scandal, every gossip and whisper traveled like wildfire through the gossip-hungry masses. Sheryl had played her role well. Her name topped the search rankings as the drama was too good to ignore.The perfect drama queen. She had carefully crafted a delicate web of lies, and the media had bought into it.Cael, however, remained calm watching from the shadows as the drama unfolded. He had his plans but he wasn’t going to act just yet. No, he wanted Sheryl to lay out every single weapon in her arsenal before he would overturn the table.***Just a few hours after her crocodile-tear press conference, the media caught wind of a new development. Sheryl had been spotted making a dramatic entrance into St. Laurent Hospital. The reporters were quick to zone in. Cameras flashed as she was rolled into the hospital in a wheelchair. "Ms. Dominic, how are you feeling?" one reporter called out.Sheryl let out a sigh, rubbing her eyes. "I’m trying to stay strong," she murmured

    Last Updated : 2025-01-18
  • Shadows of a lost heiress    Chapter 13: The Fall of Sheryl Dominic

    Within the hour, the internet had a new obsession. The narrative, so fragile it had begun to shift.A leaked surveillance video from the award ceremony’s restroom surfaced on multiple platforms, showing an entirely different version of events from what Sheryl had claimed.The footage was clear. Anaïs had only stood her ground, her face looking tensed with discomfort. Never once was she seen moving a muscle in attack.Instead, Sheryl had been the aggressor, her body language hostile, her lips and facial expression moved in a manner that dripped with condescension. Then, there it was, Sheryl’s so-called "fall". It was nothing but an exaggerated performance. There was no forceful shove, no aggression from Anaïs. In fact, Sheryl had glanced around, apparently aware of the cameras, and she had dramatically stumbled onto the floor.The internet exploded."Wait… so she LIED?!""I knew something felt off. This was all an act!""This can be career-ending.""I can't believe my beloved Sheryl

    Last Updated : 2025-01-20
  • Shadows of a lost heiress    Chapter 14 : A new dawn

    When Cael Moraine spoke, the world listened.His statement wasn’t dramatic. It wasn’t filled with anger or revenge.It was simple.On his official account, he posted:"Truth has a way of revealing itself. Let’s move on from this."No hashtags. No further explanations.It was subtle, yet brutal.It meant he was done with Sheryl. It meant she was finished.Brands, sponsors, and industry professionals followed his lead, severing ties without hesitation.Within the hour, it was confirmed—Sheryl Dominic was officially blacklisted from the elite modeling circles.Back in her penthouse, Sheryl’s hands trembled as she slammed her phone onto the table.She couldn’t breathe. The walls felt like they were closing in.Her carefully curated empire was crumbling around her, and she had no escape.Dr. Percy wasn’t returning her calls.Her manager had sent a single text: "We need to talk."Even her most loyal fans had gone silent, their blind faith evaporating with the weight of evidence.Sheryl sat

    Last Updated : 2025-01-22
  • Shadows of a lost heiress    Chapter 15 : A calculated enemy

    The world went blurry in an instant as Anaïs hit the pavement, knocking the air out of her lungs. A sickening loud thud followed—flesh against metal. Gasps erupted around her.Anaïs turned to see Alex sprawled on the ground, blood seeping from his shoulder. The car that had nearly run her down sped off, disappearing into the distance.Her heart pounded. She would have been the one lying there, she thought as her hand instinctively flew to her stomach. The baby.She turned again to the driver."Alex!" She called out as she scrambled toward him.The driver groaned in pain, his face twisted in pain. "Miss Anaïs… are you all right?""Don't speak," she said, her hands trembling.Quickly, a nurse and a few security personnel rushed out, getting into action."Get him inside, now!" one of the hospital staff ordered.All Anaïs could do was watch as Alex was being carried onto a stretcher. A nurse also came towards her. “Miss, are you all right?”.She balled her hands into fists. This was no

    Last Updated : 2025-01-24
  • Shadows of a lost heiress    Chapter 16: Shadows in the Spotlight

    News of the hospital incident spread like wildfire. Rumors and speculations were in abundance. Some articles claimed that it was a mere coincidence, an unfortunate case of reckless driving while Others were convinced it was a targeted attack—an attempt to silence a possible threat before her career could fully take off.Some conspiracy theorists even suggested that Anaïs had staged the event for publicity. Nothing seemed new and true in the media world anymore.Anaïs sat on her bed as she scrolled through the news article.She stirred, looking up as the room door opened.Cael stood by the door. His gaze swept over her, cool and assessing, but there was something else…something warm before his usual detached expression settled in place.His gaze shifted to her phone. "We’re handling the media," he stated, stepping closer."That escalated fast," she muttered, watching him as he stepped in, shutting the door."That’s how this world works," he replied smoothly.She gave him a side glance

    Last Updated : 2025-01-30
  • Shadows of a lost heiress    Chapter 17: A Rising Star

    Anaïs’s hand hovered over the contract for a moment, her heart was beating fast. This was it. What she had always desired.She called her nerves and pressed the pen to the paper, signing her name in elegant strokes.A wave of exhilaration and excitement coursed through her as she set the pen down.Henry Osborn smiled warmly.“Congratulations, Miss Anaïs. Welcome to Twilight Globals.”Lucy, her new assistant, clapped her hands excitedly. “We’re so happy to have you! And speaking of exciting news…” She slid a folder across the office desk.Anaïs picked it up, her gaze pointed as she flipped through the pages.“Contained in there is information for your first official gig,” Henry said leaning back in his chair, watching her reaction. “A high-end editorial shoot with Élla Mays Vogue magazine. They requested you specifically.”Anaïs gasped.Élla Mays Vogue. One of the biggest fashion magazines in the industry.Anaïs's hands trembled slightly as she closed the folder. For her, this wasn't

    Last Updated : 2025-02-07

Latest chapter

  • Shadows of a lost heiress    Chapter 17: A Rising Star

    Anaïs’s hand hovered over the contract for a moment, her heart was beating fast. This was it. What she had always desired.She called her nerves and pressed the pen to the paper, signing her name in elegant strokes.A wave of exhilaration and excitement coursed through her as she set the pen down.Henry Osborn smiled warmly.“Congratulations, Miss Anaïs. Welcome to Twilight Globals.”Lucy, her new assistant, clapped her hands excitedly. “We’re so happy to have you! And speaking of exciting news…” She slid a folder across the office desk.Anaïs picked it up, her gaze pointed as she flipped through the pages.“Contained in there is information for your first official gig,” Henry said leaning back in his chair, watching her reaction. “A high-end editorial shoot with Élla Mays Vogue magazine. They requested you specifically.”Anaïs gasped.Élla Mays Vogue. One of the biggest fashion magazines in the industry.Anaïs's hands trembled slightly as she closed the folder. For her, this wasn't

  • Shadows of a lost heiress    Chapter 16: Shadows in the Spotlight

    News of the hospital incident spread like wildfire. Rumors and speculations were in abundance. Some articles claimed that it was a mere coincidence, an unfortunate case of reckless driving while Others were convinced it was a targeted attack—an attempt to silence a possible threat before her career could fully take off.Some conspiracy theorists even suggested that Anaïs had staged the event for publicity. Nothing seemed new and true in the media world anymore.Anaïs sat on her bed as she scrolled through the news article.She stirred, looking up as the room door opened.Cael stood by the door. His gaze swept over her, cool and assessing, but there was something else…something warm before his usual detached expression settled in place.His gaze shifted to her phone. "We’re handling the media," he stated, stepping closer."That escalated fast," she muttered, watching him as he stepped in, shutting the door."That’s how this world works," he replied smoothly.She gave him a side glance

  • Shadows of a lost heiress    Chapter 15 : A calculated enemy

    The world went blurry in an instant as Anaïs hit the pavement, knocking the air out of her lungs. A sickening loud thud followed—flesh against metal. Gasps erupted around her.Anaïs turned to see Alex sprawled on the ground, blood seeping from his shoulder. The car that had nearly run her down sped off, disappearing into the distance.Her heart pounded. She would have been the one lying there, she thought as her hand instinctively flew to her stomach. The baby.She turned again to the driver."Alex!" She called out as she scrambled toward him.The driver groaned in pain, his face twisted in pain. "Miss Anaïs… are you all right?""Don't speak," she said, her hands trembling.Quickly, a nurse and a few security personnel rushed out, getting into action."Get him inside, now!" one of the hospital staff ordered.All Anaïs could do was watch as Alex was being carried onto a stretcher. A nurse also came towards her. “Miss, are you all right?”.She balled her hands into fists. This was no

  • Shadows of a lost heiress    Chapter 14 : A new dawn

    When Cael Moraine spoke, the world listened.His statement wasn’t dramatic. It wasn’t filled with anger or revenge.It was simple.On his official account, he posted:"Truth has a way of revealing itself. Let’s move on from this."No hashtags. No further explanations.It was subtle, yet brutal.It meant he was done with Sheryl. It meant she was finished.Brands, sponsors, and industry professionals followed his lead, severing ties without hesitation.Within the hour, it was confirmed—Sheryl Dominic was officially blacklisted from the elite modeling circles.Back in her penthouse, Sheryl’s hands trembled as she slammed her phone onto the table.She couldn’t breathe. The walls felt like they were closing in.Her carefully curated empire was crumbling around her, and she had no escape.Dr. Percy wasn’t returning her calls.Her manager had sent a single text: "We need to talk."Even her most loyal fans had gone silent, their blind faith evaporating with the weight of evidence.Sheryl sat

  • Shadows of a lost heiress    Chapter 13: The Fall of Sheryl Dominic

    Within the hour, the internet had a new obsession. The narrative, so fragile it had begun to shift.A leaked surveillance video from the award ceremony’s restroom surfaced on multiple platforms, showing an entirely different version of events from what Sheryl had claimed.The footage was clear. Anaïs had only stood her ground, her face looking tensed with discomfort. Never once was she seen moving a muscle in attack.Instead, Sheryl had been the aggressor, her body language hostile, her lips and facial expression moved in a manner that dripped with condescension. Then, there it was, Sheryl’s so-called "fall". It was nothing but an exaggerated performance. There was no forceful shove, no aggression from Anaïs. In fact, Sheryl had glanced around, apparently aware of the cameras, and she had dramatically stumbled onto the floor.The internet exploded."Wait… so she LIED?!""I knew something felt off. This was all an act!""This can be career-ending.""I can't believe my beloved Sheryl

  • Shadows of a lost heiress    Chapter 12: The perfect trap

    The city pulsed with scandal, every gossip and whisper traveled like wildfire through the gossip-hungry masses. Sheryl had played her role well. Her name topped the search rankings as the drama was too good to ignore.The perfect drama queen. She had carefully crafted a delicate web of lies, and the media had bought into it.Cael, however, remained calm watching from the shadows as the drama unfolded. He had his plans but he wasn’t going to act just yet. No, he wanted Sheryl to lay out every single weapon in her arsenal before he would overturn the table.***Just a few hours after her crocodile-tear press conference, the media caught wind of a new development. Sheryl had been spotted making a dramatic entrance into St. Laurent Hospital. The reporters were quick to zone in. Cameras flashed as she was rolled into the hospital in a wheelchair. "Ms. Dominic, how are you feeling?" one reporter called out.Sheryl let out a sigh, rubbing her eyes. "I’m trying to stay strong," she murmured

  • Shadows of a lost heiress    Chapter 11: Good news, bad news

    Anabel held Anaïs, her composure masking a tornado of anxiety, the air was filled with the calm buzz of urgency.The restroom, which had some minutes ago been a battlefield of words and cold glares, was now reduced to a tranquil atmosphere amidst the chaos. Anabel moved quickly, calling for the attention of an attendant. She spoke in a low tone laced with authority."Find Cael Moraine," she instructed. "Tell him it’s urgent but keep it discreet. This isn’t something we want making headlines."With a nod, the attendant moved away quickly, leaving Anabel to focus on Anaïs, who was gradually regaining consciousness. Her beautiful features were contoured by confusion as her eyelashes fluttered open, her breath shallow."Take it easy," Anabel said gently, helping Anaïs sit up. "You gave me such a scare."Anaïs managed a faint smile, though her strength was clearly drained. "I’m sorry... I don’t know what happened."“You don't have to apologize, let's just get you home first,” Anabel replied

  • Shadows of a lost heiress    Chapter 10 : Shadows of glamour

    "Are you still clinging to your little act of deceit?," Sheryl asked as she leaned against the counter, her red dress making her look like a predator eyeing its prey.Anaïs turned, her jaw tightening. Just when she thought she could have some quiet to herself."What are you talking about, Sheryl?"Sheryl smirked. "Oh, don’t play innocent. You might have everyone out there fooled with your act of innocence, but I can see right through you. You’re just another gold digger trying to claw your way into a world you don’t belong."Anaïs had simply had enough of Sheryl. It was obvious Sheryl really had a thing for her. Certainly not goodwill, hate, envy maybe, but not goodwill. Probably she even feels threatened. "Why does it seem like you feel threatened by me," Anaïs said, her voice steady."Threatened? by who? You?” Sheryl laughed hysterically. "You now think you are that important? I just don’t like gold diggers like you."Anaïs gave a faint smile, maintaining her cool "You don’t know a

  • Shadows of a lost heiress    Chapter 9: Beneath the surface

    The splendor of the grand hall was a spectacle unto itself, with its gilded walls and towering pillars that stretched toward a ceiling of majestic crystal chandeliers. An excited symphony of chatter, laughter, and the click of heels filled the space. The award ceremony was in full swing.Yet, the true show had begun when Cael Moraine walked through the double doors, his commanding presence cutting through the noise like a sharp sword.But it wasn’t just his impeccable and perfect tailoring or magnetic presence that had stirred spectators.It had been the woman on his arm. Her elegant beauty.She had held herself with a nervous elegance, her wide eyes betraying her uncertainty in the glamorous world she had been thrust into.The effect had been instant. Whispers spread like wildfire, and camera flashes create a strobe effect around the pair.The fact that Cael would appear in public with a lady was already news enough to fill the front cover of media papers.The occasion had started s

Scan code to read on App
DMCA.com Protection Status