The True Heiress's Return

After finding out that the kind madam was in Rosewood Hotel's presidential suite, Xanthe decided to visit her. The hotel lobby had a fancy shopping mall, so Xanthe browsed luxury boutiques, picking up two beautiful accessories before heading to the top floor. Xanthe followed well-trained bodyguards to the stunning rooftop conservatory, where she found Eve painting under the bright moonlight. "Good day, Madam," Xanthe greeted politely.

Eve looked up from her canvas, smiling at Xanthe's cheerful greeting. When Xanthe saw Eve's face, she felt momentarily breathless. Eve thought, "This girl is so beautiful, so young, so graceful... But something about her seemed familiar

Noticing Eve's curious gaze, Xanthe quickly added, "I really appreciate you reselling the Rippling Heart to me; I brought a small gift for you."

Eve recognized the elegant packaging as a recent limited edition, her smile growing. Xanthe's thoughtful gift was a stark contrast to the last woman, who barely hid her greed.

"Ms. Sullivan, you're too kind. It's just skincare products; they're not worth much. You shouldn't have brought a gift," Eve replied.

"I had to make connections everywhere to get this set, and your generosity made it possible!"

"I haven't used such products in over a decade; they feel too much. At my age, just a splash of water works," Eve said, her eyes crinkling with warmth.

Xanthe's eyes widened in disbelief. "You haven't used skincare for over ten years? Wow, your skin looks amazing!"

Eve raised an eyebrow, and the bodyguards stepped in closer, their demeanor cautious.

Realizing her mistake, Xanthe stepped back, cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I'm so sorry! I startled you..." She had alarmed the bodyguards too.

Eve blinked, trying to suppress a laugh. "No, you didn't scare me at all." She waved the guards away, leaving just the two of them on the terrace.

Noticing Xanthe's lingering awkwardness, Eve gently lightened the mood. "I feel a special connection with you, Ms. Sullivan

Relieved that Eve was friendly, Xanthe exhaled quietly. Smiling, Xanthe replied, "Yes, I find you easy to talk to. I thought a lady in a hotel suite would be intimidating!"

Having met few high-society women besides the fiery Rebecca and Selena from the Nelson family, Eve's gentle demeanor was refreshing.

Eve laughed, covering her mouth. "I have my airs, but only towards others. With you, it's different." Winking playfully, Eve added, "After all, you are my son's secret crush; how could I not be nice to you?"

At first, Xanthe was confused, but then she burst out laughing. "Are you joking? You look so young, yet you have a son and are secretly in love..." Suddenly, the realization hit Xanthe, freezing her smile. "Wait, your son has a crush on.... me?" Eve nodded with a smile. "Yes, indeed."

Xanthe gasped. In her mind, she thought, 'No wonder luck has been on my side; I've caught someone's eye!"

But then the humor faded as she realized how absurd this all was. She had just come to buy skincare, never expecting such a

twist.

Abruptly, Xanthe asked, "Your son, who has a crush on me, is Sean?"

Eve frowned slightly. "Are there any other boys interested in your That rascal must be feeling pressured..."Belongs © to NôvelDrama.Org.

Xanthe quickly shook her head. "No, no, no one is interested in me, and Sean..."

59%

She almost clarified but held her tongue. In a flash, Xanthe's mind raced. Eve sought her out for one reason: to discuss Sean's failed matchmaking. But now, Eve believed Sean actually liked her.

So, the matter was out in the open, and Eve must have confronted Sean, leading him to make up the crushing story.

But Sean was attached to someone else. Sean pushing her forward was just a way to protect both himself and Shakira. If Eve found out that Shakira, the real object of Sean's affection, had a fiancé, a worried mother might do something crazy. Xanthe assessed amiable Eve, unsure of her temperament.

After a moment, Xanthe said, "I'm sorry, Madam. I shouldn't have deceived you with Sean; I regret disappointing you."

Eve looked at Xanthe's apologetic face, her smile still there. "There's no need to apologize. I know you were pressured by that rascal, and I hold no grudge."

Xanthe nodded. "You're truly generous, Madam. Most of the blame lies with Sean."

In her mind, she thought, 'I share some blame, but the bigger fault is your son's; don't hold me responsible for his actions!" Eve laughed again. "True, you're right. I've already scolded him. Honestly, I wanted to meet you out of curiosity about the girl who captured his heart."

Xanthe looked down, feeling a bit guilty. "There's really not much to see..."

"I find you quite lovely, and the more I look, the more I like your Eve said, gently taking Xanthe's hand.

"Actually, my reason for inviting you isn't just to give you the Rippling Heart. More importantly, I have a favor to ask," Eve added.

A sense of worry crept into Xanthe's mind. "Madam, what could I do for you?"

Xanthe wondered why both Sean and his mother seemed to want her help-was this a family trait?

Eve looked into Xanthe's anxious eyes, speaking slowly. "I'd like to ask you to date my son."

Xanthe's heart, previously in turmoil, is finally dead. She thought to herself, 'Good heavens, the requests from Sean and his mother are the same!'