Falling For The True Heiress

I leaned slightly to one side and stretched my neck, trying to get another look at the young woman.

But before I could see her face clearly again, the crowd surged forward.

Reporters rushed closer with their cameras raised high.

Fans pushed toward the entrance, calling out excitedly, hoping to catch a glimpse of the mysterious author.

Several security guards quickly surrounded the young woman while Melissa held the black umbrella over her.

Instead of leading her through the main entrance, they escorted her toward a private side entrance reserved for VIP guests.

Within seconds, the door closed behind them, and she disappeared from sight.

I remained where I was, staring at the closed door for a moment.

"Maybe I saw it wrong," I whispered under my breath.

Sylvia said she was going to a book launch...

But there was no way she could be the mysterious author.

Right?

Before I could think any further, Camila turned to look at me.

"Lia?"

I blinked and forced my thoughts aside before turning to her.

She stared at me for a moment.

"Are you okay?"

I forced a small smile and nodded. "Yeah."

"Let’s go find our seats."

"Okay," she replied with a small nod.

We walked farther into the exhibition hall together.

The excitement near the entrance slowly died down as the guests returned to their seats.

Camila looked around for a moment before pointing toward two empty seats near the front.

"How about those?"

I followed her gaze and smiled faintly.

"They’re fine."

We walked over together. I took the seat by the aisle, and Camila sat beside me.

I tried to focus on the stage, but my mind refused to cooperate.

The image of the young woman beneath the black umbrella kept replaying in my head.

Somehow, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it had been Sylvia.

I slowly shook my head.

No...

Maybe I was just imagining things.

I missed Sylvia so much that I was starting to see her everywhere.

~~~~~ Third-person POV ~~~~~

A black sedan rolled to a smooth stop at the foot of the red carpet.

An attendant hurried forward and opened the rear door.

A well-known literary critic stepped out, adjusting his navy suit as camera flashes exploded around him.

"Sir, over here!"

"One picture, please!"

He paused for a moment, offering the photographers a polite smile before continuing down the carpet.

A reporter approached him, microphone in hand.

"Mr. Reynolds, thank you for joining us. What are you most looking forward to today?"

"The official launch, of course," he replied.

"I’ve heard wonderful things about the book, and I’m eager to congratulate the author in person."

"There has been a lot of conversation surrounding today’s event. Do you think it will live up to the hype?"

He chuckled.

"Judging by this turnout? I believe it already has."

With a nod, he continued toward the entrance.

Moments later, another luxury SUV pulled up.

The door swung open, and a bestselling novelist emerged in an emerald-green pantsuit.

The crowd stirred instantly.

"Congratulations on your latest release!"

"Welcome, Mrs. Lindale!"

She laughed softly, pausing long enough for the cameras to capture a few photos before making her way inside.

One after another, sleek vehicles arrived.

Publishers.

Editors.

Award-winning authors.

Film producers interested in adaptation rights.

Each guest was welcomed by the event staff before stepping onto the crimson carpet.

Camera shutters clicked in rapid succession.

Reporters stretched their microphones forward, eager to get a few words.

"What are your expectations for today’s launch?"

"Many people are calling this the biggest literary event of the year. Do you agree?"

"I’ve been looking forward to this book for months," one publisher replied with a smile.

"If it’s anything like the early reviews suggest, readers are in for something special."

Another luxury vehicle pulled up.

A celebrated actress stepped onto the red carpet in an elegant ivory dress.

She waved gracefully to the fans gathered behind the barricades as photographers called out to her.

"This way!"

"Beautiful!"

"One more!"

"I loved your last movie!" someone shouted.

She smiled warmly and blew them a kiss.

She paused for a few seconds before another reporter approached.

"What made you attend today’s launch?"

"I’ve admired the author’s work for a long time," she answered. "When the invitation arrived, I rearranged my schedule immediately."

"Have you had the chance to meet her yet?"

"Not yet," she admitted with a smile. "I’m looking forward to introducing myself inside."

She thanked the reporters before heading toward the convention center.

One after another, luxury cars continued to arrive.

Each arrival drew another burst of flashing cameras and eager voices.

"Mr. Harrison!"

"One photo, please!"

"What are your expectations for today’s launch?"

A silver-haired editor adjusted his glasses before answering with a smile.

"I’ve spent over thirty years in publishing, and I can’t remember the last time a debut generated this much anticipation."

Nearby, another reporter turned to a film producer.

"What are you hoping to see today?"

The woman chuckled softly.

"Everyone’s here for the same reason."

"And what’s that?"

"To finally meet the author."

Each arrival was met with flashing cameras, brief interviews, and enthusiastic applause from the crowd gathered behind the barricades.

Luxury cars arrived one after another, carrying some of the biggest names in publishing, entertainment, and business.

Everyone had come for one reason.

To witness Shadednight’s first official appearance on stage and celebrate the official launch of her newest novel.

Fans crowded behind the barricades, clutching copies of the novel tightly against their chests.

Some held handmade banners high above their heads.

WELCOME, SHADEDNIGHT!

WE LOVE YOU!

"I’ve been waiting for this day for two years!" a young woman said excitedly to a television reporter.

"I still can’t believe she’s even more beautiful than I imagined."

Nearby, reporters continued interviewing the invited guests as they arrived.

"What does today’s launch mean to the publishing industry?"

"It’s proof that a great story can still bring people together," one editor replied with a smile.

"This is a day people won’t forget."

Photographers hurried from one side of the red carpet to the other, trying to capture every important guest before they entered the convention center.

Inside, event staff welcomed each guest with warm, professional smiles.

"Welcome."

"Right this way, please."

Ushers guided the invited guests into the convention hall, escorting them to their reserved seats.

Soft instrumental music drifted through the speakers, blending with the low murmur of conversations as the spacious hall gradually filled.

Some guests greeted familiar faces with warm handshakes.

Others exchanged polite smiles before settling into their seats.

A few picked up the event brochures neatly placed on every chair, while others admired the grand stage at the front of the hall.

Members of the organizing committee moved quickly from one place to another, making final preparations.

"Check the microphones one more time."

"The signing table is ready."

"Make sure the media section stays clear."

The staff nodded before hurrying off to carry out the instructions.

On the stage, technicians made their final adjustments while the giant LED screen displayed a countdown.

00:09:58

The numbers continued to tick down.

A soft murmur spread through the hall.

"I wonder what she’ll say."

"Do you think she’ll explain why she hid her identity for so many years?"

"I can’t wait for the ceremony to begin."

With each passing second, the anticipation inside the convention center continued to build.

One by one, the remaining seats were filled.

Soon, every eye in the hall was fixed on the stage.

Everyone was waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!