Daddy! Mommy Is Pregnant Again

The Crystal Dome Hall blazed with light. It was the Starlight Gala, the most prestigious business event in Ethelburg. Wealthy tycoons and social elites filled the space, exchanging greetings and polite remarks.

Elena Randall stood in the center of the crowd. She wore an elegant gown and kept a soft smile on her face. Everyone around her turned their attention to her and her daughter Claire.

"Word has it you’re closing a huge deal with Global Star Group soon," a middle-aged businessman said. He raised his glass toward Elena. "Congratulations in advance."

"Thank you," Elena replied. Her tone sounded modest, but her eyes were full of pride. "We’ve been in talks for months. Everything is finally settled."

Claire tossed her hair and stroked the diamond necklace around her neck. She loved the spotlight more than anything else. "Global Star knows who’s worth working with. Our family’s influence speaks for itself."

Many guests laughed and echoed her words. They all believed the Randall family would gain enormous benefits from the upcoming partnership. The atmosphere was warm and complacent, and no one expected any surprises.

The host walked onto the main stage. He tapped the microphone gently to get everyone’s attention. The chatter in the hall died down little by little.

"Tonight, we have a very special guest," the host announced. His voice carried across the entire venue. "She is the mysterious jewelry designer Sera, whose works have taken Europe by storm in recent years."

A bright spotlight cut through the dim light and landed on the entrance. All heads turned in that direction at once.

Seraphina stepped into the spotlight. She wore a plain black dress with no extra decorations. Her expression was calm, and she did not greet the crowd with a smile.

Whispers spread through the crowd immediately. No one could connect this poised woman with the girl who had vanished from Ethelburg five years ago.

Elena’s smile faded the second she saw Seraphina. She leaned closer to Claire and lowered her voice. "Do you recognize her?"

Claire stared hard, her brows drawn tight. "It can’t be. Is that… Seraphina?" Shock washed over her face. She had never thought the forgotten stepsister would reappear like this.

Seraphina walked steadily to the center of the stage. Large screens behind her lit up, displaying pieces from her new jewelry collection Phoenix.

"These works are named Phoenix," Seraphina said. Her voice was clear and steady. "They stand for rising from ashes and starting over."

The guests stared at the delicate designs on the screen and let out sounds of admiration. The craftsmanship was beyond excellent, and the concept touched many people.

Just as the applause was about to burst out, Seraphina spoke again. She looked straight ahead, her gaze unwavering.

"I have one more announcement to make," she said. "Sera Studio has signed a three-year exclusive strategic cooperation agreement with Global Star Group."

Complete silence fell over the hall. Everyone froze in place, stunned by the news.

Claire’s face turned pale in an instant. She grabbed Elena’s arm tightly, unable to believe what she had just heard. "Mom, what is this? That was our deal."

Elena’s gentle expression turned rigid. Her hands clenched at her sides. All her confidence and triumph vanished in a second. The partnership she had worked so hard for had been snatched away right in front of everyone.

Seraphina ignored the chaotic reactions below the stage. She walked down the steps slowly and headed toward the exit.

She passed Elena and Claire without stopping. A cold, faint smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. She did not say a single word, yet the meaning in that smile was clear enough.

The camera slowly moved upward, toward the private VIP box on the second floor. Julian Winston sat in the shadows, a glass of wine swirling in his hand. He was the actual owner of this gala.

His deep eyes traveled through the crowd and locked firmly onto Seraphina’s retreating figure. Curiosity flickered in his gaze, mixed with a strong sense of intrigue.

He had watched the whole incident unfold. This sudden reversal was far more interesting than any business talk tonight. He would find out everything about this mysterious designer sooner or later.