chapter1185

The Shaw family was legendary in the Capital, their name evoking admiration in every corner of high society. Starting from noon, sleek cars pulled up one after another outside the Royal Hotel, guests arriving in waves to celebrate Brody's birthday. The line of luxury vehicles didn't stop until around seven in the evening. No wonder, really. Everyone coming tonight was either rich or powerful, some both, and they'd traveled from all over the country for this.

Of course, the Norwood family would be there too.

Lucinda had been fussing over her outfit since early morning. Brody's birthday wasn't just another party. For girls like her, it was practically a runway show, a battle of beauty and style among the city's elite. In the Capital, whenever a grand banquet like this brought all the top families together, the competition between the daughters and wives was always fierce.

As the heiress to the country's wealthiest family, Lucinda knew she was representing all of Norwood tonight. There was no room for mistakes or embarrassment. She was determined to outshine every other girl there, Lydia included.

And Lydia... Well, she'd be there too. There were too many targets at tonight's party for her to miss it. She had to keep her investigation under wraps, but she couldn't afford to waste time either. The sooner she got answers about the cloning project, the less chance there was for things to get messy.

So Lydia dressed with care. She was only eighteen, her cheeks still holding a hint of girlish roundness, but her eyes were sharp and cool, distant in a way that made her seem far older.

She picked out a black evening gown, simple but stunning. The fabric caught the light with every movement, as though someone had

scattered stars across the

midnight dark material. The V-neckline framed her delicate collarbones, and the dress hugged her slim figure, flowing from her chest to her waist and down to a floor-length skirt that rippled like waves whenever she walked.

Her long hair was swept up, with a few loose strands brushing her pale neck, making her look even more graceful. Her makeup was understated but striking, highlighting her features, especially her bold red lips. Against her perfect skin and the dark dress, they looked like a spark of fire in the night, impossible to ignore.

She put on a pair of simple diamond earrings and picked up a black clutch. After one last glance in the mirror, she headed downstairs.

At the same time, Lucinda spun in front of her full-length mirror, checking her reflection from every angle. She'd chosen her favorite pale pink own for tonight. The soft color wrapped around her like the gentlest touch of spring. The fabric floated with every step, delicate pleats falling from her shoulders like petals drifting on a breeze.

The square neckline showed off her graceful neck and collarbones, while the thin shoulder straps looked almost weightless. Puff sleeves

gave the dresssa plato

nove

charm. The

skirt was layered and light,

embroidered with tiny flowers that seemed to dance every time she

moved. It was the kind of dress that made her feel like she was standing in the middle of a flower garden.

Her long hair tumbled down her back in loose waves, with a few strands framing her face, making her look even more youthful and sweet. She picked up a matching white clutch, spun around once more, and smiled at herself.

Lucinda hummed, pleased with her reflection. "Lydia never knows how to dress for these things. Tonight, I'm going to put her in her place."