Alpha's Abandoned Daughter is the Secret Heiress novel Chapter 356

Chapter 356: The Birthday Gala Begins

Chapter 356: The Birthday Gala Begins

(Author’s POV)

“Caleb, get ready to move!”

Lyra Drake adjusted the hem of her shimmering evening gown. She looked impatiently at the figure slumped on the living room sofa.

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Caleb Stone sat there like a statue. His eyes were glazed over, staring at nothing. He looked as if he had

fallen into a deep state of catatonic shock. His face was a mask of utter defeat and exhaustion.

Lyra frowned, her patience wearing thin. She walked over and shoved his shoulder roughly.

Caleb’s head lolled to the side. He blinked slowly, looking up at her with confusion. It was as if he didn’t

even know where he was.

“What is wrong with him?” Lyra turned to Adrian Stone, her voice sharp with annoyance. “He was so

excited about attending Amelia’s Birthday Gala just yesterday. Why is he acting like a corpse now?”

Adrian stood by the mirror, adjusting the collar of his custom–made suit. His expression was cold and

detached.

“It is because of the new single release,” Adrian said flatly. “Amelia released three songs. The response to

her work completely crushed his.”

Lyra paused, realization dawning on her face. “Oh, is that all?” She shrugged dismissively. “So he lost this

time. His results were still decent, weren’t they? He can just win it back next time.”

Adrian’s hands tightened on his tie. He wasn’t just thinking about a song. He was thinking about his recent

failures in the power struggle for the company. He had lost too much ground to the first branch of the

family.

“We cannot afford to lose anymore,” Adrian muttered to himself. “Tonight, I must turn the tables.”

He turned to his son. “Caleb, get up. Do not let Amelia look down on you. You are a Stone.”

Caleb let out a shaky breath. His voice was a hoarse whisper. “You don’t understand, Aunt Lyra. You don’t

understand at all.”

Lyra rolled her eyes. She didn’t have the patience to comfort a grown man over a song. Her mind was already drifting to the gala. She was eager to return to the high society life she felt she deserved.

“Suit yourself,” Lyra snapped. “We are leaving.”

Adrian grabbed his gift and marched toward the door. “Let’s go.”

Caleb sat alone for a moment longer. Slowly, his hand moved to his pocket. He pulled out a small, exquisitely wrapped gift box.

Chapter 356: The Birthday Gala Begins

It was the present he and Ethan had picked out together.

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He stared at it, his fingers trembling slightly. Even if she never forgave him, he still wanted to wish her a

happy birthday.

With a heavy sigh, Caleb forced his body to move. He stood up, clutching the small box, and followed his

father out the door.

***

The convoy arrived at the Stone River Pack House at exactly seven–thirty.

The entire estate was ablaze with lights. The atmosphere was vibrant and celebratory. Luxury cars lined

the driveway, and the air buzzed with anticipation.

Caleb stepped out of the car. His movements were sluggish.

Ahead of him, near the grand entrance, Ethan Stone was handing their invitation to the security team.

“Ethan,” Caleb called out weakly.

Ethan turned around. He took one look at his younger brother and frowned. Caleb’s eyes were bloodshot,

and dark circles hung heavy under them.

“Did you sleep at all?” Ethan asked, his voice laced with concern.

Caleb let out a bitter, dry laugh. “Sleep? How could I sleep after last night?”

He ran a hand through his messy hair. “I listened to her songs. All three of them. Then I made the mistake of opening social media.”

Caleb’s voice cracked. “I spent the entire night refreshing the comments. It was a massacre, Ethan.”

Public opinion had flipped overnight. The fans who used to adore him were now tearing him apart. The internet was flooded with “Cancel Culture” hashtags directed at him.

“They are calling me ‘washed up,” Caleb whispered, looking at his shoes. “They say I am leeching off my sister’s fame. Someone called it ‘career suicide‘. They said I am a disgrace to the music industry.”

He had read every single insult. He had watched his reputation burn in real–time until the sun came up.

Ethan sighed heavily. He reached out and patted Caleb’s shoulder firmly.

“You have to look past it,” Ethan said, trying to sound encouraging. “Think about it this way. It just proves that Amelia is truly excellent. She has talent.”

Caleb looked up, a helpless expression on his face. “I know. I just… I don’t know how to face it.”

“There is no other way,” Ethan said. “We just have to face her.”

At that moment, Adrian and Lyra approached them. The four of them walked toward the entrance together.

Chapter 356 The Birthday Gala Begins

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Butler stood at the gate, overseeing the security checks. He took the invitation from Adrian and scanned it

professionally.

Then, the butler paused. He looked around the group, his brow furrowing slightly.

“Alpha Adrian,” Butler asked politely. “Where is Madam Livia? Is she not with you?”

Ethan and Caleb froze. They looked at each other, sudden realization hitting them. In the chaos of their own misery, they had completely forgotten about their mother.

Adrian didn’t miss a beat. He waved his hand dismissively. “She had some matters to attend to. She will

be here later.”

The butler nodded, though his eyes lingered on them for a second longer. “Very well. Please, go in.”

As the group walked into the banquet hall, Butler raised his wrist to his mouth. He spoke quietly into his hidden earpiece. “Target group has entered. Livia Stone is absent.”

Moments later, another fleet of cars arrived.

It was the Grey family.

Alpha Edmund Grey stepped out, looking dignified. Beside him was his mate, Helena. But before they could even compose themselves, the car doors behind them flew open.

“Amelia! Uncle Felix is here!”

Felix Grey shot out of the car like a cannonball. He didn’t wait for anyone. He sprinted toward the gate with

a wide grin.

“Hey! Wait for me!” Wesley Grey shouted. He jumped out of the next car and chased after his youngest

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