Ophelia Gets Thrown Out (Ophelia) novel Chapter 54

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**Paths Lead To Purpose — Kevin Masters**

**Chapter 54**

Zoe’s heart boiled with frustration. Damn it, Ophelia. How could she so effortlessly lay claim to Grandma’s priceless emerald bracelet? The mere thought of it sent waves of anger coursing through her veins, leaving her feeling like a mere shadow in a room full of light.

And then there was Tristan, her brother, who seemed utterly captivated by Ophelia, showering her with affection while completely disregarding Zoe’s presence. It was as if she had become invisible, a ghost haunting the edges of a family gathering that was supposed to feel warm and inviting.

Everything around Zoe felt harsh and unforgiving, each laugh and smile from the guests piercing her heart like daggers. In this moment, she felt utterly extraneous, as though she had been cast aside, forgotten in a corner while the world celebrated Ophelia’s return.

But it hadn’t always been this way. There was a time when Zoe was the cherished little princess of the Rovde family, enveloped in love and attention. Now, however, it felt as if all eyes were glued to Ophelia, the long-lost heiress who had returned to claim her rightful place.

‘Ophelia, why did you have to come back?’ Zoe’s thoughts churned with bitter resentment. The bitterness festered within her, growing stronger with each passing moment, and all she could wish for was for Ophelia to vanish from sight, to erase the painful reminder of what she once had.

The sound of a knock on the door interrupted her spiraling thoughts. Dylan, her cousin, entered with a bright smile, pushing the door open with a sense of urgency. “Grandpa, Dad, Mom, the party is about to start, and most of the guests have arrived. Let’s head downstairs and get ready!”

“Alright,” Tristan replied, his voice warm and inviting as he finally stood up, preparing to descend the stairs.

“Grandpa, take it slow,” Ophelia said, reaching out to steady him, her voice laced with genuine concern.

Tristan beamed at her, an expression of pride lighting up his face. “Come on, let’s go downstairs. Today, I want everyone in Dunhollow to know that my precious granddaughter has returned.”

It was a stark contrast to the man he used to be. Tristan had always loathed social gatherings, but for Ophelia, he was bursting with enthusiasm and joy.

Adrian and Victoria exchanged glances, unable to hide their smiles as they followed Tristan and Ophelia out of the lounge, swept up in the infectious energy of the moment.

Dylan, however, noticed Zoe lingering behind, her expression distant and lost in thought. “Zoe, what are you doing just standing there?” he asked, his brow furrowing in confusion.

“Oh, nothing,” Zoe replied, snapping out of her daze, forcing a calmness into her voice that felt fragile. “Dylan, let’s go.”

“You don’t look well. Are you feeling okay?” Dylan’s concern was palpable as he scrutinized her pale complexion, the worry etched across his features.

Zoe shrugged it off, her indifference a shield against their concern. “I’m fine. Let’s go. Grandpa’s already downstairs. We shouldn’t be late.”

‘If we’re late, I’ll miss the drama,’ Zoe thought, a dark thrill coursing through her.

Dylan frowned, sensing something was amiss with Zoe, but he chose not to press further as he followed her down the stairs.

****

As they entered the bustling hall below, the moment Tristan made his entrance, the crowd’s attention shifted like a spotlight illuminating him.

“Congrats, Mr. Rowle!” someone shouted, their voice cutting through the chatter.

“Wishing you happiness forever!” others chimed in, their voices mingling in a chorus of well-wishes.

Cheers and blessings echoed, wrapping around the Rowle family like a warm embrace as they became the center of attention.

Zoe watched as Ophelia hovered close to Tristan, her support evident, and it was clear to everyone just how cherished this newly returned heiress was. Smiles and compliments were thrown her way like confetti at a celebration.

“This must be the long-lost gem they’ve just found. The Rowle heiress is truly captivating,” someone remarked, their admiration tinged with envy.

“Exactly! I’ve heard she’s quite talented too, enrolled at Dunhollow University!” another added, their tone filled with awe.

Tristan’s chest swelled with pride at the praises directed towards his granddaughter, his heart swelling as he took in the atmosphere of love and admiration surrounding them.

“Thank you all for coming to my party, and for your kind words about my granddaughter,” he said, the room quieting instantly as everyone leaned in, eager to hear what he had to say next.

Standing confidently in the center of the room, glass in hand, Tristan smiled broadly and raised his voice, “Today marks my seventieth birthday, and I also have an important announcement to make.”

He paused for effect, his gaze shifting to Ophelia, whose faint smile encouraged him to continue.

She hadn’t anticipated being introduced so soon into the festivities, but now that the moment had arrived, she was ready to embrace it.

“I want to formally introduce to everyone my granddaughter, Ophelia Rowle,” Tristan declared, his tone imbued with solemnity. “She is the daughter of Adrian and the long-lost blood granddaughter of the Rowle family.”

His serious tone underscored the significance of Ophelia’s return, a testament to the bloodline that connected them, regardless of where she had lived or how she had been raised.