NOVEL WEB Chapter 677: She can’t even match the tip of her finger.
Karen stepped down first before circling around to help Emily out of the car.
The camera flashes erupted instantly, a blinding frenzy of light from every direction. Tonight, every lens sought to capture a picture of the Quinn family's new heiress.
Although Emily had been spotted at Quinn family events before, tonight was different. She wouldn't be appearing as the distant relative of an influential family, but as the heiress —the woman who would carry forward the legacy of one of the country's influential families.
"She is here," someone called from the crowd, and in an instant, all the cameras shifted toward her, shutters clicking rapidly to immortalize her first appearance.
Emily's chest swelled with satisfaction. The buzz in the air, the murmurs of curiosity, the sharp scent of perfume and ambition —it all felt intoxicating.
For years, she had watched other socialites bask in this spotlight. But tonight, the attention was hers. No one else's but hers.
And she couldn't help but be excited for more of it.
How could she not be? She had always desired this. And finally … finally, she was going to have it.
"Are you ready?" Karen asked softly.
Emily lifted her chin, a confident smile tugging at her lips. She nodded and stepped out of the car, letting the light catch the shimmer of her gown as she began to walk toward the banquet hall.
With every step, she made sure to meet cameras, her smile poised but not too practised —could be called the blend of warmth and calculated charm.
"We will need to pause at the front for a brief word with the reporters before heading inside," Karen murmured as they neared the press line.
Emily gave a small nod, slowing her steps until they came to a stop.
The first question almost came immediately.
"Ms Brown, you are looking stunning in that red gown. If I am not mistaken, this is a limited-edition piece from YLX Couture. Did you personally choose to wear this brand?"
Emily glanced down at her dress with a touch of pride. "Oh, YLX is just one of the brands I enjoy. It's not my absolute favourite, but … well, Mom liked this piece. I couldn't bring myself to refuse."
Even though she said it like that, people knew the story. After the incident at Sky Luxe Mall, all the major best brands have blocked her out. There were only a few from which she could choose.
However, they all refrained from making her feel awkward. Hence, they didn't mention it openly. The separate section would be kept reserved for this discussion.
"Mom? Are you referring to Mrs. Quinn or your birth mother?" another reporter pressed, taking the chance.
Emily's smile tightened almost imperceptibly. "Of course, Mrs. Quinn. I am no longer associated with my birth parents. The day Aunt Catrin chose to adopt me, I became her daughter in every sense. She loves me so much. She is my mother now."
The flashes continued, but behind the bright lights, a few raised brows and exchanged glances hinted at the silent judgment forming among the sharper onlookers. Her words meant to display loyalty, instead brushed dangerously close to sounding ungrateful —even cold.
Karen didn't approve of her words, but she couldn't stop her.
"Ms. Brown, you are going to be Ms. Quinn tonight. How are you feeling? Do you think you will be able to surpass the standards the real daughter had set?"
"Ms. Arwen Quinn has long been considered one of the most accomplished young ladies in high society. Not only she had once been the most talent ballet dancer and philanthropists, but we have also recently learned she was the mysterious Vice President, working for her grandmother's company in the shadows. She has truly emerged as a sensation. Everyone is admiring her and comparing you to her. Do you think you can match her?"
Emily's calm expression cracked the moment she heard them comparing her to Arwen. Her fingers clenched tight as she forced herself to regain her composure.
"Arwen is my cousin. There is no need for me to compare myself to her, because I could never do what she has done." Emily said with a tight smile. "She —"
Karen pressed a subtle hand against her back as she shook her head at her. "That would be all for now," she said firmly, looking at the reporters. "The guests are waiting for her inside. We will answer more questions later. Thank you."
And with that, she briskly steered Emily towards the banquet entrance before the reporters could probe further.
But just as they were about to step away, another roar of cheers erupted from the front that made them pause in the steps to turn around to look.
"Who is it?" Emily asked with a frown. She didn't want anyone stealing her spotlight today. Yet seeing how swiftly everyone's attention shifted away from her filled her chest with hot, ugly envy.
Karen shook her head. "I don't know. But it's a party —many celebrities and high-profile socialites are invited. Anyone could draw attention."
"It's my evening. No one should garner the attention that's meant for me tonight." Emly muttered.
Before Karen could say anything, murmurs began rippling through the crowd.
"It's Mrs. Winslow —the former Quinn heiress."
"Oh my God, she is looking damn gorgeous. Even camera can't capture her beauty perfectly."
"Heh, just a look at her and you can tell the new heiress can't compare. She can't even match the tip of her finger —neither in beauty nor in skills."
Emily's jaws tightened until her teeth ached. She thought she would be one to shine tonight, but once again … Arwen had stolen the moment.
From where they stood, Emily couldn't yet see her —but she could see how the crowd acted around her. It wasn't the same when she stepped here.
Why was there such stark difference?
Wasn't this party for her?
She was going to be the heiress. Arwen was no longer the heiress; then why were they still everyone flocking around her?