Chapter 240: It Seemed Unnecessary
A well-known director pulled Christopher aside to discuss potential investments. As I engaged in a lively conversation with Madison, a waiter approached and offered, "Ma'am, your juice."
I nodded, slightly distracted. "Thank you."
This kind of attentiveness was typical at such upscale events. Reaching for the glass without a second thought, I noticed Sarah approaching.
Madison, concerned, gently felt Sarah's forehead. "Sweetie, Juniper mentioned your stomach was upset. Are you feeling better?"
"Much better, Mom," Sarah replied obediently, her gaze shifting eagerly to Patricia. "Patricia, I read online that you're joining a slow-living reality show next month. Could you take me along to experience it?"
It was clear to me: Sarah still harbored dreams of breaking into the entertainment industry. The show Patricia was set to join had a simple yet fascinating format—choosing a rural location, inviting a mix of seasoned actors and a few newcomers, and capturing their leisurely life. The show enjoyed immense popularity, with high national viewership and anticipation each season.
While opportunities for ordinary people to appear as guests were rare and usually reserved for top figures in their fields, Sarah might have a chance through Patricia. Yet, Madison frowned and exchanged a concerned look with Juniper, clearly unprepared for Sarah's direct approach.
Patricia appeared momentarily taken aback but swiftly redirected the question to Madison. "Well, that's up to your mother. The industry is a tough battlefield. Madison loves you dearly and probably doesn't want you to endure such hardships."
Patricia's response was predictable. She had always shown respect to Madison, not Sarah. Moreover, given Madison's stature, there was little need for her daughter to enter the treacherous world.
However, Sarah didn't seem to understand. She pouted and pleaded, "You all say the industry is complicated, but I just want to experience it."
Clinging to Madison's arm, she continued, "Please, Mom? You're so well-connected with the production team."
Madison sighed, her resolve weakening. "Alright," she relented, albeit reluctantly.
Overjoyed, Sarah's face lit up. "Mom, you're the best!"
Amid the moment, Patricia's gaze landed on me. "Hope, would you like to join too? Appearing on the show could significantly boost your profile."
I smiled and politely declined. "Thank you, but I prefer to focus on my design work."
The exposure from such a show was a double-edged sword—I wasn't certain if it would bring more harm than good. My mental state over the past few years had been fragile, and the constant scrutiny from the public was something I wanted to avoid.
Patricia seemed surprised by my response. "It's rare to see such a grounded young person these days."
Sarah, taking offense, immediately retorted, "Patricia, are you saying I'm not grounded?"
Sarah had changed dramatically from her days with the Harris family, where she had been timid and cautious. Now, she exuded confidence, a stark difference that made me ponder—was this the real her or a facade?
Patricia, usually straightforward, hesitated. "I didn't mean it that way."
"Alright," Madison intervened, stopping Sarah from pressing further. She gestured towards a direction. "Didn't you want to get a photo with Trevor? You should go now."
I glanced over and spotted Trevor Phillips, a handsome and popular young actor.
"Okay!" Sarah said, not wanting to push her luck. Before leaving, she raised her glass to me. "Ms. Royston, my mom's dress for the end of the month is in your hands."
Obliged to comply due to her relation to Madison, I took a sip of my juice. "Don't worry, it's my pleasure."
At that moment, a glamorous actress approached Madison. Sensing an opportunity to excuse myself, I said, "Ms. Ortiz, I'll leave you to it. I need to freshen up."
Despite the cool air in the banquet hall, a strange restlessness began to settle in. In the restroom, I splashed cold water on my arms, but the sensation of heat only intensified. Dizzy and disoriented, I clutched the sink to steady myself, a terrifying realization dawning on me.
I had been drugged.
From the time I had arrived, the only thing I had consumed was the juice from the waiter. Someone at the banquet had deliberately spiked my drink with malicious intent.
The urgency of the situation hit me—I needed to leave immediately before whoever orchestrated this could implement the rest of their plan.
After taking a photo with Trevor, Sarah confidently approached Christopher. "Mr. Valence!"
Christopher's face darkened as he recognized her. "How did you get in here?" He hadn't forgotten his stern warning from two years ago when he had told her to stay away from Hope.
Unfazed, Sarah extended her hand with a composed smile. "Allow me to reintroduce myself. I am now Sarah Ortiz, Madison's daughter. I was meant to join you and my mom at a business meeting last time, but something came up."
Christopher sneered, his eyes narrowing. "And how did you manage to acquire this new identity?"
Sarah hadn't anticipated Christopher's bluntness. Even after learning she was Madison's daughter, he remained hostile.
"Mr. Valence, there's no need to speak so harshly. I made mistakes two years ago out of inexperience. Now, I genuinely am Madison's daughter," Sarah replied coolly.
Her composure never wavered as she added, "Someone mentioned that Ms. Royston looked unwell in the restroom. Isn't she your ex-wife? Perhaps you should check on her."
Before Sarah could finish, Christopher was already striding toward the restroom, his expression grim.
Hope always seemed to attract concern and care from everyone around her. Not only was she the lost daughter of the Harris family, but now everyone seemed to care about her deeply. A glint of cold resentment flashed in Sarah's eyes.
Madison approached, breaking Sarah's reverie. "Sarah, why are you standing here alone?"
"Mom!" Sarah swiftly hid her emotions, turning to Madison with an obedient smile. "I'm just not used to events like these and don't want to cause any trouble."
Madison reassured her gently. "You're my daughter; no one will say anything." She wrapped an arm around Sarah's shoulder, guiding her toward the elevator. "Let's head back to the room. You'll get used to these events over time."
Sarah smiled sweetly. "Mom, you're so good to me!"
Still, uncertainty lingered. Would Madison remain this devoted if she learned the truth? Sarah pondered grimly.
Back in the suite, Madison studied Sarah's neck with curiosity. "You don't wear necklaces much anymore. Why is that?"
Caught off guard, Sarah quickly recovered. She replied affectionately, "I treasure it too much to risk losing or breaking it. It's my only tangible memory from you."
The truth, though, was that Cecil had forbidden her from wearing it—likely fearing the real daughter might recognize it someday.
Even if she did, Sarah believed with the DNA test and the necklace, the other girl's claims would be easily dismissed, especially with Cecil's ruthless methods. Sarah knew he could handle any potential threats without difficulty.
Madison's eyes filled with guilt. "It's okay. Now that I'm with you, I can replace anything lost or broken."
"Thank you, Mom," Sarah beamed. "But it means a lot to me. A new one wouldn't have the same significance."
Cecil's warning echoed in her mind: flaunt it, and he would deal with her. Sarah couldn't afford to defy him just yet.
Madison affectionately pinched Sarah's cheek. "Sweetheart, go now and remove your makeup. It's important to take care of your skin."
"Okay, okay." Sarah retreated to her room, fearful that prolonged conversation might lead to slipping out something she shouldn't.
Once Sarah left, Juniper approached, and Madison decisively said, "Buy that villa we looked at earlier."
Juniper hesitated. "Are you sure?"
It wasn't about the money but Madison's readiness to settle down in Maple Valley. Over the years, Madison had acquired properties nationwide but never one in Maple Valley, a city she held in disdain due to painful memories.
Madison glanced tenderly towards the bedroom. "I've thought it through. As long as Sarah is happy, that's all that matters."
Meanwhile, I emerged from the restroom, my steps unsteady. The grandeur of the banquet hall blurred before my eyes. The urgent need to identify who had drugged me pressed on my mind.
Christopher's formality dissolved into concern as he steadied me. "Hope! How are you feeling?"
I shook my head weakly. "Not good." The drug's effects had weakened my voice, rendering it frail and shaky.
Christopher's expression grew dark. "Did someone drug you?"
"Probably," I whispered, my trust in Christopher unwavering in this vulnerable moment.
"Can you take me home?" I asked, my voice barely audible.
"Of course," Christopher responded without hesitation. He draped his coat over my shoulders, the gesture both protective and grounding as he supported me.
"Thank you," I muttered gratefully.
"I should be the one thanking you for still trusting me," Christopher replied gently as he led me outside.
He quickly called the driver, and when we exited the hotel, a sleek black Maybach already awaited us. Christopher ordered the driver to leave the key and sent him away, knowing the situation required privacy and respect.
As he helped me into the car, a Bentley Mulsanne screeched to a halt nearby. The rear window rolled down, revealing Jerry's disdainful face.
"Nolan sent me to pick you up, but it seems unnecessary," Jerry sneered, his gaze shifting mockingly between Christopher and me.
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