The Real Heiress Rules the World (Sloane Rivers) novel Chapter 493

**Bonfire 493**

**The Princess of the Oliver Family**

Lucas lingered at the fringes of the lively gathering, a quiet observer amidst the thrumming heart of the grand hall. Laughter cascaded around him, bright and infectious, weaving a tapestry of joy that filled the air. His gaze, however, was drawn irresistibly to Sloane, who was radiant, her smile illuminating the room like a beacon. A soft smile crept onto his lips as he watched her interact with the guests, her laughter blending seamlessly with theirs.

Suddenly, Shawn nudged him playfully with his elbow, a teasing smirk dancing on his face. “What’s this? Are you feeling a twinge of jealousy?” he quipped, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

Lucas shook his head, though his expression softened as he continued to watch Sloane. “Not in the slightest. I’m just… genuinely happy for her. She finally has a real family.” The sincerity in his voice was palpable, reflecting his deep-seated affection for her.

As the evening wore on, Lucas found himself “politely” escorted to the guest quarters, while Sloane was whisked away to the opulent suite in the main villa, a space that seemed to shimmer with luxury. The contrast between their accommodations felt stark, yet Lucas couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment knowing Sloane was finally receiving the love and care she deserved.

Later that night, as the mansion settled into a hush and the world outside faded into silence, Sloane’s phone buzzed to life, breaking the stillness. She glanced at the screen and saw a message from Lucas that made her heart skip a beat:

“Your guards caught me sneaking through the garden. Princess, please come save your poor knight.”

A smile tugged at her lips as she tiptoed to the balcony, peering into the moonlit garden. There he was, Lucas, standing comically in the midst of the rose bushes, a leaf absurdly lodged in his tousled hair. It was a sight that made her stifle a laugh, her heart swelling with affection for him.

Without a second thought, she draped a shawl around her shoulders and descended the staircase, determined to rescue him from his predicament. But as she reached the bottom step, her heart sank. Jeffrey, Kaizen, and Shawn were sprawled on the living room sofas like three watchful sentinels, their gazes fixed intently on her.

“Where do you think you’re off to at this hour, my precious granddaughter?” Jeffrey inquired, his tone deceptively mild, yet laced with authority.

“Where to this late, cousin?” Shawn chimed in, the hint of a grin barely concealed on his face.

“Sloane, it’s quite chilly outside,” Kaizen added, arms crossed over his chest. “There’s really no need to go wandering about.”

Sloane felt a wave of frustration wash over her. Great. Lucas was destined to become mosquito food tonight, thanks to this impromptu family intervention.

The following morning, news of the Oliver family’s extravagant banquet spread like wildfire through the elite circles of the city. Whispers and murmurs filled the air, each more sensational than the last.

“Did you hear? The Olivers have suddenly acquired a daughter!” one socialite exclaimed, her eyes wide with intrigue.

Sloane sat amidst a flurry of stylists and assistants, her head spinning from all the attention. During a brief respite between fittings, she took a moment to send a quick message to Lucas:

“Help! Grandpa and Uncle have made me try on fifty-eight dresses already!”

Lucas’s reply came almost instantly: “Hang in there! I just survived Uncle’s physical endurance test. Now I’m off to Grandpa’s tea-tasting exam…”

A laugh bubbled up inside Sloane, but Jeffrey caught her mid-laugh. “What’s got my precious granddaughter giggling?” he inquired, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.

“N-nothing,” she stammered, quickly hiding her phone from view. “Just thinking… Grandpa treats me too well.”

Jeffrey beamed, his heart swelling with pride and affection. “Well, we’re just getting started! Butler, bring out the jewelry from yesterday’s auction—I want her to try those on too!”

By the time the banquet arrived, Oliver Manor sparkled like a fortress of gold, exuding an air of grandeur. Security was tight—three layers of screening, identification checks, and even guests’ phones were confiscated at the entrance to maintain the secrecy surrounding their new princess.

Inside, chandeliers glittered overhead, orchestras tuned their instruments, and the elite from every prominent family gathered, their anticipation palpable as they awaited the chance to meet the woman the Olivers now proudly called their little princess.