Alpha's Abandoned Daughter is the Secret Heiress novel Chapter 42

Chapter 42: Theodore’s Dismissal of Celine

Chapter 42: Theodore’s Dismissal of Celine

(Seraphina’s POV)

Livia took a step back, feigning fear. “Sera, you look terrifying. What do you mean by ‘on purpose? I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”

My blood boiled at her obvious act. ‘Don’t pretend, Livia. You and your family deliberately arranged for Celine to wear the same dress as Amelia. She’s still your biological daughter, after all. How could you be so cruel? You want to humiliate Amelia in front of all these pack Alphas!

Livia’s facade dropped instantly, her expression turning to one of contempt. “Biological daughter? From the moment she signed that severance agreement, she ceased being my daughter! She’s your and Jaxon’s daughter now, so you two better keep her in line. Don’t let her embarrass our pack on her first day back! Otherwise, even the Patriarch might not tolerate her anymore.”

With a self–satisfied smirk, she turned and walked back to Adrian’s side.

I felt my knees weaken. Gripping Jaxon’s arm tightly, I whispered, “I need to find Amelia and have her change that evening gown.”

Jaxon caught my hand. ‘Go handle it. I’ll stay and manage things here.”

(Celine’s POV)

I watched as Seraphina exchanged pleasantries with passing guests while hurrying left, phone in hand. Meanwhile, in the magnificent banquet hall, noble girls from other packs flocked around me, showering me with compliments.

“Celine, you look absolutely stunning tonight!”

“That evening gown! Everyone’s been trying to get their hands on it, but you secured it first!”

“Only you could wear it so beautifully!”

Their flattery brought a smug smile to my face. It had always been this way – whenever I was present, all attention naturally gravitated toward me. Tonight would be no exception, even at Amelia’s welcoming banquet. I would be the true star.

And how unfortunate for Amelia that we would be wearing identical dresses. As they say, it’s not the matching outfits that matter, but who looks worse in them. Or in this case, who’s

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42 Theodore’s Demissal of Cling

wearing the counterfeit.

What could be more humiliating for the supposed ‘true daughter of the Alpha than appearing at her own welcoming banquet in a fake designer gown?

The girls continued to crowd around me, eager for gossip. ‘Is it true that Jaxon’s newly–returned daughter is plain–looking? Nothing compared to you, right?”

I put on my most gracious smile. “Actually, my sister Amelia may have grown up in a remote village and gotten a bit sun–darkened, but she’s quite presentable.

The crowd exchanged knowing glances. “If even Celine is being this polite about her, she must be truly ordinary.”

Caleb jumped in, never one for subtlety. “She’s just a country girl with a common face. Nothing like our Celine.”

The others nodded in agreement. “What can you expect from someone raised in the mountains? She probably doesn’t even know basic social etiquette. Such a grand welcoming banquet seems excessive – aren’t they afraid she’ll embarrass herself?”

Someone in the crowd asked, “Why is she taking so long? Does she think she’s some celebrity, making all these guests wait?”

I laughed softly. “Well, she is tonight’s main character. Naturally, she’ll make her grand entrance after all the guests have arrived.”

“Who’s still missing?” someone asked.

“The Crimson family hasn’t arrived yet,” I replied. “Neither has the Blackwood family.”

At the mention of the Crimson name, the young nobles perked up with renewed interest. “Celine, is it true that Theodore is crippled? And that he can’t… you know… father children anymore?”

Caleb answered before I could. “The Crimson heir’s legs are indeed crippled. As for his ability to father children, well, we wouldn’t know about that.”

Just then, a commotion at the entrance drew everyone’s attention. The Crimson family had arrived. To my surprise, the Alpha King himself actually came.

Whispers spread through the crowd. “He must be here to see Theodore’s future mate. Imagine his disappointment when he sees this country girl can’t hold a candle to Celine!”

(Third–person’s POV)

Chapter 42 Theodore’s Dismissal of Celine

The social elite watched as Theodore was wheeled in by his assistant. Despite being confined to a wheelchair, he maintained an air of dignity, his handsome features composed and unreadable. The young noblewomen gazed at him with a mixture of admiration and pity. while most of the wealthy young men wore expressions of barely concealed schadenfreude.

Theodore remained silent, his eyes scanning the crowd. Not finding Amelia, he quickly withdrew his gaze, completely ignoring Celine’s greeting.

Celine had raised her hand, intending to greet Theodore when she caught his eye. To her embarrassment, he simply looked past her and turned his attention elsewhere. She awkwardly lowered her hand, her heart burning with indignation.

“He used to be cold toward me when he was the uninjured Alpha King heir and our engagement was arranged,” she thought bitterly. “But now that he’s crippled, what does he still have to be so proud about?”

Nearby, Ronan clenched his fist slightly. He hated hearing any suggestion that he was inferior to Theodore in any way.

Adrian and Livia hurried to greet Alpha King Gideon Crimson before Jaxon could reach him. They bowed respectfully. “We didn’t expect you to honor us with your presence, Alpha King.”

Gideon nodded. “I came to see Theo’s chosen mate.”

He glanced briefly at Celine standing in the center of attention, then quickly looked away. “She hasn’t arrived yet?”

Adrian sighed helplessly. “No, Amelia has been like this since she returned – – constantly disregarding pack rules. I thought Jaxon had taught her better by now.”

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