Chapter 18
Selene had been focused on her work when she heard Ethan’s report. Her pen slipped, drawing
a harsh line across the document.
How could this be possible?
Though she hadn’t seen Carter’s body herself, it was hard to dispute when the death certificates and other documents were right there. Those couldn’t be faked.
It would be absurd for it to really be Carter.
Even if someone was powerful enough to fake Carter’s death certificate, why would they? Carter was an orphan. He had no friends. Who would do such a thing for him?
Selene threw down her pen and frowned at Ethan. “Get a pair of glasses if your eyesight is failing you.
At first, she, too, refused to believe that Carter was dead. She had spent a lot of money and effort searching for him around the world. After finding nothing, she slowly gave up and accepted his death.
Now, just as she’d managed to extinguish the last flame of her hope, Ethan came to tell her that he had seen Carter on the streets of Falance.
Seeing that she didn’t believe him, Ethan handed her a photograph that he had managed to capture.
Selene’s eyes reddened when she saw the familiar figure in the photograph. She was certain that the person in the photo was Carter. After all, they’d loved each other for 10 years.
Trembling, she touched his face on the photograph. How long had it been since she’d last seen him?
In the days right after his death, she spent most of her nights drinking, trying to drown her sorrows in alcohol in the hopes that Carter would visit her in her dreams. But Carter seemed to hate her enough that he refused to meet her, even in her dreams.
Now, however, he was real and living in this photograph.
It had been more than a year by now. Carter looked younger. His eyes were no longer dull. They were bright, as if he had been happier ever since he’d left her.
Hope flared up in Selene’s heart again. She looked up at Ethan. “Send someone to watch him.”
She gripped the photograph tightly. This time, she wouldn’t let him go!
The Jensen’s banquet came around before her people could locate Carter.
It was held in a lavish hall. A massive crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, sparkling like a galaxy of stars, illuminating the venue. The opulent walls were adorned with precious. collectibles owned by the Jensens, showing off the family’s long history and immense wealth.
Under the dazzling lights, all the guests appeared even more captivating, as if every single one of them was the star of today’s banquet.
Selene herself had hosted and attended many banquets, but she was still awed by all this. At that moment, she could clearly see the difference between the wealthy and true aristocracy.
In her arms, Harper looked around cautiously, clinging to her neck. She was terrified that someone would come and tell her off.
Selene had spent a lot of time trying to convince her to attend the banquet. In the end, she had to show her the photo of Carter, promising her that he would also be at the banquet, in order
to make her come.
Harper didn’t wonder how her father had come back to life all of a sudden. All she knew was that her father wasn’t dead now, and she wanted him. Therefore, she agreed to come to the banquet with Selene.
The banquet continued on. Finally, the long–awaited host made her entrance, descending the grand staircase to the soft music.
Everyone was looking at the family of three.
Nancy, in her deep green and intricately beaded gown, had her hair loosely pinned up. Around
her neck hung an emerald necklace, which gave her an air of noble mystery.
Meanwhile, Carter walked arm–in–arm with her in his blue suit and matching cufflinks over á white shirt. He looked tall and graceful. Maddox held his hand, also wearing a matching blue
suit.
They looked like they had just stepped out of a painting. The guests couldn’t help but hold
their breaths.
Just then, a voice sounded. “Daddy!”
