The Real Heiress Is Coming Back (Hannah Carter) novel Chapter 45

Chapter 45

Hannah turned her phone between her fingers, her movements tense but steady.

She was certain she was on the right track this time. Yvette and her mother were the crucial missing piece in the accident from years ago.

But with Yvette suddenly gone, the message was obvious. Hannah’s own cover had been blown.

She needed to find Yvette before the mastermind made another move.

A notification flickered across her screen, and Hannah sat up straight.

Shadow had finally responded.

Shadow: [Heard you’re looking for Yvette. Thought this might help.]

A file arrived immediately after.

He had ignored her earlier request to meet, and oddly, that eased her tension.

She had already pushed the boundaries by asking. The fact that he responded at all meant he was giving her a chance.

Raven: [Appreciate it, Shadow.]

After a brief pause, she opened her chat with Piggy and sent a cutesy sticker.

Predictably, there was no reply.

Hannah opened the file. It was Gemma’s dossier.

Gemma Baker was part of a side branch of the Thole family and now the hostess of the Baker family.

If Shadow had chosen to hand her this file, he was telling her exactly where to look and who might be behind Yvette’s disappearance.

That evening, Hannah returned to Scott Villa for Felicity’s follow-up exam.

She was heading out when Susie called after her.

“Hannah, the Baker family is hosting a celebration dinner for Jasper on National Day. You should come with us,” Susie said, her tone carrying the authority of a hostess.

“Of course,” Hannah replied easily.

She had been wondering how to get into Baker Villa. This invitation solved that problem neatly.

Chapter 43

“You’ve probably never been to an event like this. You’ll need a gown. Here, this should work Susie offered her a gift box with a refined, practiced smile.

Hannah glanced at it. Susie was planning something again. Clearly, she hadn’t learned her lesson from last

time.

“Thanks” Hannah took the box and left without another word

As soon as Hannah’s composed figure disappeared down the hall, Susie’s smile dissolved, replaced by a cold, venomous glare.

This time, she intended to see Hannah publicly humiliated.

****

National Day arrived quickly.

Early that morning, Barnaby arrived at Skycrest House with a stylist.

“I heard you’re attending the Baker family’s banquet,” he said. “I brought someone to get you ready”

Hannah didn’t look surprised. “Your information network is impressive.”

“When it comes to you, I stay informed,” Barnaby replied, a quiet smile at the corner of his mouth.

After she heard far more unsettling words from him during their last conversation at the hotel, this mild remark barely registered.

But the stylist, who had styled Barnaby a few times, was clearly caught off guard.

She had always known him as a man who hid something cold and unapproachable beneath glasses and a practiced gentlemanliness.

She had once wondered what kind of woman could possibly stand beside someone like him.

Now, she felt she had her answer.

Hannah hardly needed makeup. Her skin was naturally flawless. Heavy cosmetics would only dull it.

The stylist kept everything understated, soft curls, and light touches of highlight.

When Hannah changed into the white sequined gown, the effect was striking. The crystals and shimmer. traced the line of her figure, making her features appear even more refined and her complexion luminous.

With her slightly curled hair pinned by pearls and feather earrings adding a touch of movement, she looked almost unreal, like a porcelain doll brought to life.

Her long hair, slim waist, and the clean lines of her profile caught Barnaby’s attention and held it.

“You’ll need an escort,” he said, offering his hand with quiet composure.

Before Hannah reacted, Hedy darted out from behind him and planted himself between them.

The little pig tilted its snout up at her, tail wagging furiously, as if begging to be chosen.

Barnaby’s brow tightened. Even the pig was competing with him now.

He nudged Hedy aside with a discreet motion of his foot.

Hedy squeaked in protest, made a half-hearted attempt to nip Barnaby’s pant leg, then lost his nerve.

Defeated, he shuttled back to Hannah, rubbing against her leg and whining for sympathy.

Hannah laughed despite herself. She crouched down, lifted him, and gently tapped his head.

Hedy melted into her arms, eyes narrowing contentedly, then shot Barnaby a tiny, triumphant look.

Barnaby sighed softly and placed a hand on Hedy’s back. “Strange. I suddenly have a craving for roast suckling pig.”

Hedy froze, every bristle of his short fur standing on end, and burrowed deeper into Hannah’s arms.

The stylist, watching Barnaby bicker with a pig, could hardly keep her jaw from dropping.

She had never seen anything so absurd.

When the banquet hour arrived, Barnaby pulled up near the entrance of the Baker estate.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to go with you? I’d actually like to,” he said, his eyes fixed on her with disarming intensity.

Ronin had just steadied the car and taken a sip of water. Hearing that note of appeal in his boss’ voice, he nearly spat it out.

‘Didn’t you toss the Baker family’s invitation straight into the trash yourself?’ he thought.

“No. Trust me. You don’t want to be there,” Hannah said, turning him down without hesitation.

The Bakers were certainly aware Barnaby was in Brynlock. If she’d received an invitation, he must have as well.

Since he had no intention of attending, there was no need for him to appear alongside her. Besides, she had her own business to take care of tonight.

Barnaby studied her for a beat. “You look incredible. Hard not to worry someone might steal you away.”

Ronin coughed violently in the front seat, water going down the wrong pipe.

He wondered, ‘Is this really the Mr. Thole I know? When did he start saying things like that?’

“I’ll be fine. I’ve got Hedy with me.” Hannah scooped Hedy into her arms.

At once, Hedy lifted his head with theatrical pride, showing off the black bow tie fastened neatly around his neck.

Barnaby eyed the pig the way one might appraise an exquisitely roasted dish, his voice tinged with mock regret. “All right. Call me if you need anything.”

“I will.” Hannah stepped out with Hedy in her arms.

The Baker family’s banquet was lavishly staged, with golden lights, overflowing champagne, and a tide of guests moving through the hall in silks and tailored suits.

Susie entered in a white gown, the crystals and fine sequins on the fabric catching the light with every step.

The effect was dazzling. Heads turned as she passed.

“Susie, you look stunning tonight.”

Someone recognized the gown instantly. “Isn’t that a Rhys original?”

“It is Mon ange. Rhys designed it for his first love. Every crystal, every sequin, he stitched by hand.”

“It’s extraordinary. I tried to get it myself, but there’s only one in the world.”

“I heard even the Princess of Novaria couldn’t secure it. I didn’t expect you’d be the one to have it. That’s impressive.”

“The Scott family really does have deep pockets.”

“You wear it beautifully, Susie.”

Susie accepted the praise with an easy, gracious smile. “Thank you.”

Just then, the lively hum of the room faded, as if clipped in midair. One by one, guests turned toward the

entrance.

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