Begging for a Second Chance (Sienna Sloan and Jarred Sterling) novel Chapter 442

Holding the microphone, Eleanor's warm gaze swept across the room, her voice steady and powerful.

She publicly revealed the second surprise of the banquet, fulfilling the rumor of the double celebration that had spread through their elite circles.

"Today is my eightieth birthday. I am honored by the love of my family and friends gathered here. This is the first great joy for the Sterlings."

A scattered round of applause echoed through the room.

Pausing for a moment, a trace of deliberately crafted warmth brushed past Eleanor's eyes.

Her aged, measured voice rang through the entire banquet hall. "And today, the Sterlings have a second monumental cause for celebration.

As many of you know, I lost a loved one in my later years. It has always been my greatest regret not having a sweet granddaughter to keep me company.

Today, I want to take this opportunity to fulfill that wish."

Sienna's brow furrowed slightly.

Eleanor continued, "I am going to adopt a granddaughter. This child and I have a deep connection. She is kind-hearted and a good girl.

Although she is not of my blood, from today onward, she is a granddaughter of the Sterlings. Anyone who bullies her is bullying me."

As her words fell, the lighting in the back shifted.

A delicate, frail figure sat in a wheelchair, slowly pushed down the center red carpet.

In an instant, the entire hall erupted into an uproar.

All eyes zeroed in on her.

Sienna's gaze also landed on that face, and her pupils violently contracted.

Celeste Carlyle!

The guests collectively held their breath, gasps caught in their throats, their faces painted with utter shock.

Under the spotlight, the girl looked incredibly docile, her aura soft. Her facial features, her silhouette, her expressions...

She was an exact replica of the recently deceased Celeste, without a single discrepancy.

What made everyone's blood run cold was the thin blanket draped over her legs. At the knees, there was a slight indentation.

It was the signature physical flaw unique to Celeste, perfectly identical.

Someone sucked in a sharp breath.

People began whispering to one another, eyes wide as they darted between the stage and Sienna.

The expressions on their faces were as dramatic as if they were watching a theatrical masterpiece.

Under the table, Sienna's hands balled into tight fists.

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