Ivy gave the doorman a slight nod and kept her gaze ahead. Surrounded by the crowd, she walked steadily into the ballroom.

How could she be the heiress? Julian's heart was in complete chaos. His thoughts were a mess, and for a moment, he could hardly process what was going on.

He repeatedly checked and confirmed that Ivy was indeed the woman in the white mermaid gown before reality finally sank in.

A complicated expression crossed his face as he instinctively followed her and tried to enter the ballroom. But the same doorman from before vigilantly stepped in to stop him.

"You're not welcome at the Bennett family's suitor gala, Mr. West. Please leave at once so as not to delay other guests."

Before Julian could respond, other young men from elite families handed over their invitation cards to enter the ballroom. They were welcomed in with a warm smile and respectful bow from the door

Lucas leaned lazily against the wall as his tailored, charcoal-gray suit accentuated his tall, commanding frame. His face was obscured in the shadows, which only served to highlight his sharp features. His charming eyes seemed to carry a smile that had a sharp, ruthless edge.

Especially when paired with the faint smirk that often hung on his lips, it gave the unsettling feeling that he wasn't someone to mess with.

In truth, Lucas was indeed not someone to mess with. 

He was the true heir of the Chaplins, but he was once abandoned and left outside. When he was brought back, the Chaplins continued to shower their affection on the imposter while treating him like air.

But Lucas couldn't care less about their ridiculous family affection. He took swift and merciless actions, seizing control of every Chaplin family force and sending everyone who dared oppose him straight to a mental hospit

Ivy, who was standing outside the door, saw the veins bulging at Julian's temple.

"I'm not interested in that heiress. That suitor gala is just a formality," he finally said in a hoarse voice.

Yet tears kept streaming down Sophia's cheeks. "What about us?"

"We'll talk when I get back. Now, get down from the window." Julian gave in, wearily closing his eyes.

Sophia broke into a smile and threw herself into his arms. "After you attend the rich heiress' dinner party, you must break up with that poor bumpkin and give me your answer!"

Outside the door, Ivy watched it all and curled her lips into a faint smile. They would probably never guess that she was both the poor bumpkin and rich heiress they knew.

After returning to her rented apartment, she packed the last of her belongings and called the landlord.

"You're ending the lease? Weren't you lovebirds getting along just fine? What happened?" The landlord's surprised voice sounded over the phone.

"We broke up. I'll move out today, and you can deal with the rest through Julian," Ivy replied flatly. There wasn't the slightest hint of emotion in her voice.

After ending the call, her phone buzzed with another message from Richard. "Ivy, the suitor gala is all set, and we're just waiting for you. When are you coming home?"

"I'll be there on time tomorrow," she replied.

The wheels of her suitcase rolled across the worn floor, making a low, muffled sound. After taking one last look at the place she had lived for four years, she quietly closed the door.

…

At the airport, the boarding announcement echoed through the terminal. Just as Ivy turned off airplane mode, her phone screen lit up with a call from Julian.

"Ivy, where are you? I couldn't find you at the hospital or the apartment." There was a rare panic in his usually calm voice.

In the background, Sophia's coy voice was faintly heard. "Julian, the food's getting cold…"

"I miss my parents, so I'm going home for a bit," Ivy said as she stared out the window at the planes taking off and landing.

"Stop throwing a tantrum. Once I'm done here, I'll come find you. Just take your time to rest and heal." His voice softened.

There was the sound of clinking plates and spoons, followed by Sophia's coy, sweet voice. Julian hastily said, "Take care." With that, he ended the call.

Ivy shoved the phone into her bag right as the flight attendant leaned over to remind her to fasten her seatbelt.

Outside the cabin, clouds churned in the sky, reminding her of the scene four years ago. 

When she ran away from home back then, she stared out at the clouds with hope and anticipation. But now, all she felt was emptiness.

…

The next day, luxury cars were seen parked at the gate of the Bennett residence. When Julian stepped out of his car, gasps rippled through the crowd.

"Is that Mr. West? He's ridiculously good-looking!"

"Gosh, he's so handsome that I feel weak! Now that he's shown up, it's over for everyone else. He's definitely getting picked by the heiress, and no one's gonna stand a chance!"

Ignoring the chatter, Julian coldly handed over his invitation, only to have the doorman stop him. "Apologies, Mr. West. But Ms. Bennett has given special instructions that the West family is not permitted to enter today."

Julian's expression darkened. "What do you mean?"

Just then, a long-stretch limousine slowly pulled up, and dozens of black-suited bodyguards lined up in formation. As the car door swung open, a pair of heels touched the ground.

Ivy stepped out in a tailored gown, wearing flawless makeup. Amidst the sea of camera flashes and awestruck gasps, she walked forward with a calm, regal demeanor.

The doorman bowed deeply and greeted in unison, "Welcome home, Ms. Bennett!"

Julian's eyes widened at the sight as he stared in disbelief. "Ivy…"

But Ivy didn't bother to glance at him. She walked right past without hesitation and stepped into the ballroom.

From this moment onward, she was no longer the poor bumpkin others trampled on. Instead, she was the sole and mighty heiress of Bennett Group, Ivy Bennett!

Ivy gave the doorman a slight nod and kept her gaze ahead. Surrounded by the crowd, she walked steadily into the ballroom.

How could she be the heiress? Julian's heart was in complete chaos. His thoughts were a mess, and for a moment, he could hardly process what was going on.

He repeatedly checked and confirmed that Ivy was indeed the woman in the white mermaid gown before reality finally sank in.

A complicated expression crossed his face as he instinctively followed her and tried to enter the ballroom. But the same doorman from before vigilantly stepped in to stop him.

"You're not welcome at the Bennett family's suitor gala, Mr. West. Please leave at once so as not to delay other guests."

Before Julian could respond, other young men from elite families handed over their invitation cards to enter the ballroom. They were welcomed in with a warm smile and respectful bow from the doorman.

Julian clenched his fists tightly and cracked his knuckles, but the doorman remained unfazed. 

Chapter 10