Honey, You're a Billionaire?

The office was deserted, and Harriette couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. Just as she was about to leave, her gaze landed on an invitation lying on the desk. The words "Lerain Group" were embossed in gold, standing out boldly on the card.

It was the invitation to that night's banquet.

"With this invitation in hand, I'd be able to attend the event..." she thought.

Harriette hesitated for a moment before finally picking up the invitation.

...

After being dragged out of Jonathan's ward by Emily that morning, Rose returned to the room only to find that Jonathan was no longer there.

If Leonard hadn't arrived in time to inform her that Jonathan had woken up and left to handle some matters, she might have fainted from the shock.

"I can take you to him if you want to see him, Mrs. Finch," Leonard offered. Without any outsiders present, his use of "Mrs. Finch" came naturally. Rose would have rejected the title in the past, but now she accepted it without hesitation.

Thanking Leonard, she followed him out of the hospital. As Leonard drove, he spoke of Jonathan, recounting how he had risen to become the head of the Finch family, his words filled with admiration and respect. Rose listened intently, learning about the sides of Jonathan she had never known.

"Mrs. Finch, Mr. Finch treats you differently. No. What I mean is that in your presence, he becomes someone different-someone real, with warmth and vulnerability," he said.

Leonard's voice echoed in the car, and as Rose thought of Jonathan, a soft smile played on her lips.

Leonard noticed the smile through the rearview mirror, and a glimmer of joy lit up his eyes. Rose's expression spoke volumes. It was evident that she held deep feelings for Jonathan.

As they drew nearer to their destination, he found the courage to speak, though his voice was barely above a whisper.

"Mrs. Finch, you're more important to him than his own life. He can't lose you, so please... don't leave him."

Rose didn't reply immediately, and Leonard assumed she hadn't heard him.

When the car came to a halt, he swiftly got out to open the door for her. As she passed him, she finally spoke, her voice quiet yet firm.

"I know. I won't."

Leonard froze for a moment, processing her words. "She said she knows... and that she wouldn't leave..." he thought.

Comprehension slowly dawned on him, and he longed to rush to Jonathan's side and relay every word Rose had uttered.

However, when Leonard recalled Jonathan's plan for the evening, he quickly composed himself. He jogged to catch up with Rose and said, "Mrs. Finch, Mr. Finch has prepared a gown for you."

Rose raised an eyebrow. "A gown? For a meeting? Is that really necessary?" she mused.

At that moment, all she could think about was seeing Jonathan, confronting him about his recklessness and how he could disregard his own well-being after being injured.

She had no idea about the banquet Lerain Group had planned for her that night, nor did she remember Clover mentioning that she would meet someone important that day.

"What is he up to?" Rose gave Leonard a suspicious glance.

Leonard quickly masked his expression, replying, "Maybe... Mr. Finch has a surprise planned for you."

"A surprise?" Rose pondered, her forehead creasing with a slight frown.

Though skeptical, she didn't refuse the gown. She was curious to see what Jonathan was up to.

Following Leonard's lead, Rose stepped into the elevator. When the doors opened, she found herself in a grand room filled with stunning evening gowns and exquisite jewelry. Before she could fully absorb the scene, a team of stylists and makeup artists approached her. "Ms. Shaffer, we are delighted to be at your service!" They greeted her warmly before guiding her to select a gown and her accessories.

Rose entrusted herself to their expertise, and after an hour of primping and polishing, she gazed at her reflection in the mirror.

Clad in a sleek black gown with her hair swept up in a high ponytail, she exuded a striking elegance that set her apart from her everyday appearance.

For a moment, she felt as though she were looking at a stranger in the mirror. Yet, there was something undeniably familiar about the woman gazing back at her.

However, Rose had no time to dwell on it as Leonard appeared behind her. "Mrs. Finch, it's time to go."

"Is it time to see Jonathan?" she thought before nodding and allowing Leonard to lead her back into the elevator without hesitation. As they ascended, he shot her a meaningful look.

He began, Mrs. Finch, many peopleBelongs to NôvelDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

will be present tonight, and you will

be the center of attention. But Mr. Finch wanted me to tell you that no matter what happens, he's with you. And... congratulations!"

"Congratulations?" Rose echoed, feeling baffled.

However, before she could ask for an explanation, the elevator doors opened, revealing a brilliant spotlight that bathed her in its warm glow.

"Rosie!" Clover's enthusiastic voice reached her first.

As Rose's eyes adjusted to the bright light, Clover had already approached her, extending his hand in a gentlemanly manner.

Though puzzled, Rose instinctively placed her hand in his. She followed Clover's lead, taking in the dimly lit area filled with an abundance of expectant faces. "Clo, what is all this?" she asked, feeling slightly overwhelmed. She couldn't understand what was going on.

Clover maintained his doting smile. "Didn't I tell you I'd introduce you to someone today?"

"But why would an introduction require such an elaborate setup?" Rose thought as she chuckled nervously. "I think there's more than one person to meet here..." Understanding her unease, Clover reassured her. "Don't mind these people; they're just here for the show. The one you're about to meet is more important."

Rose had to admit that her curiosity was piqued when she heard that.

"Who exactly are you introducing me to?" she asked, observing the extravagant setup that hinted at the significance of this meeting. Clearly, this individual had to be of great importance.

As Rose scanned the crowd discreetly, she noticed that warm smiles accompanied every gaze directed at her, and some were even tinged with a hint of envy.

She soon realized that those envious looks were likely because of Clover standing beside her. It seemed that he had publicly announced her as his sister.

Amused by the thought, Rose couldn't help but tease, "With such a successful brother in the business world, I suppose I'll have to get used to these envious stares."

"Indeed." Clover chuckled softly in response. "My sister should always be someone others look up to with envy."

Their hushed conversation was inaudible to the crowd, but Clover's affectionate gaze toward Rose was unmistakable.

It was evident to any onlooker that their bond was one of deep familial affection between a brother and his sister instead of a romantic one.

Witnessing this display, any lingering doubts among the crowd began to dissipate. In fact, murmurs began to rise.

"Even though she's his adopted sister, it seems that Mr. Xanth really treasures her, doesn't he?" someone commented.

"Indeed, Ms. Shaffer is extremely

fortunate to have Lerain Group's support. Even as an adopted sister

her status is likely on par with that of the eldest daughter of the Young family," another voice chimed in.

"The eldest daughter of the Young family? Do you mean the one who just returned? How could she possibly compare to Ms. Shaffer?" came the skeptical reply.

"Exactly! Don't forget, it was Ms.

Shaffer who carried the portrait at Mr. Young Senior's funeral. As for that eldest daughter, she's probably missed out on any inheritance after being gone for so long. What good can she do at this point?"

Unbeknownst to the gossiping crowd, the Young family's eldest daughter, whom they were discussing, was standing right behind them, her face contorted in anger.