Jenna nudged Sophie out of the room with a yful grin. "Alright, my dear, time to get dolled up. Tonight''s your biging-of-age bash! After this, you''re officially in the adult league. Make the most of yourst moments of being a teen!" Sophie moved forward with Jenna''s gentle push, feeling a mix of excitement and wistfulness. She had been eagerly awaiting this day, but now that it had arrived, there was a hint of sadness.


    Turning eighteen meant stepping into adulthood. Would she have to give up being yful or stubborn? She sighed, realizing she was another year older.


    Outside the grand Burke Estate, preparations were in full swing. The Aldridge and Russell families had rolled out the red carpet, inviting all the big names of Devonport to celebrate Sophie''s milestone. The Russell home wasn''t quite spacious enough, so they opted for the elegant setting of the Burke Estate, which was usually closed to outsiders a testament to Sophie''s importance to both families.


    A sleek ck luxury car glided to a stop outside the estate. Joseph was the first to step out, and he graciously opened the door for Ruby. Draped in a graceful light blue gown, Ruby, Devonport''s renowned international star, immediately drew everyone''s gaze.


    With a gentlemanly ir, Joseph offered his hand to Ruby, and with a radiant smile, she linked arms with him as they entered the estate.


    ncing around, Ruby asked, "Has James made it here yet?"


    "If he doesn''t want toe, let''s not pressure him," Joseph replied.


    Ruby frowned slightly, "He''s always buried in work. That''s not healthy. Give him a call and see if you can hurry him up."


    Joseph chuckled, "As you wish, my leadingdy."


    He quickly dialed James, and the call connected in no time. "James, where''ve you gotten to? Your mom''s getting a bit miffed. Get a move on."Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "I''m not really keen on attending someone else''sing-of-age party," James replied coolly.


    Joseph checked his watch, "Come on, it''s the Russell family''s event. Even Burke International pays its respects to them and the Aldridges. You''ve got ten minutes to get here."


    gout


    With that, Joseph ended the call. He noticed Ruby fussing with her dress'' long hem and kindly lifted it for her. "Rose, go ahead. I''ll be right behind you."


    "Alright," Ruby agreed with a sweet smile.


    The two of them made their way into the venue, one following the other.


    Up on the third floor, Sophie had her makeup done and was admiring herself in the mirror. Her floor-length red mermaid dress highlighted her snow-white skin, and the Baroque diamond ne at her corbone sparkled brilliantly. With diamond tassel earrings and her hair elegantly styled with a dainty tiara, she was the epitome of beauty, almost too stunning to disturb.


    Jenna couldn''t help but remark, "The makeup artist definitely deserves a bonus today."


    A maid nearby informed, "Ms. Sophie, most of the guests have arrived. Rick says we should make our entrance in about ten minutes." "Got it," Sophie nodded.


    Gazing at her reflection, Sophie felt a


    sudden wave of emotion. She


    looked stunning, no doubt. But inside, there was a tinge of sadness, like something was missing.


    SWI


    Suddenly, the door swung open. "Sophie! Are you ready yet..."


    Harold''s annoyance vanished the moment he caught sight of Sophie.


    Turning to him, Sophie asked, "What''s up?"


    "...Just checking if you''re ready," Harold mumbled.


    "I am." Sophie stood and twirled, her dress perfectly hugging her waist. "Pretty, huh?" she asked with a yful smile, spinning before Harold.