The Monster at My Feet novel Chapter 16

"Her health was poor growing up, so she's only recently started attending social events. She's still a bit naive, please don't mind her."

"Not at all. Come on inside."

Lawrence glanced back at Sylvie, signaling her to follow.

The young girl didn't show an ounce of stage fright. Her back was perfectly straight, her chin tilted at just the right angle. She moved with elegant poise, yet maintained the vibrant, undeniable energy of a young woman.

Lawrence was genuinely surprised. He hadn't expected Sylvie to handle her first major gala with such flawless grace.

The group entered the grand banquet hall. Familiar faces, strangers, friends, and rivals all mingled in a sea of fake smiles and enthusiastic greetings, pretending to be the best of friends.

Sylvie grabbed a glass of sparkling water and trailed slightly behind Lawrence, offering polite nods and smiles exactly when required.

High-profile beauty matched with low-profile behavior. Whispers rippled through the crowd. No one could believe the Lawson family's recently recovered daughter was this stunning.

As for Helena, Sylvie's ghostly whisper was still echoing in her mind. Her only goal was to stay as far away from the girl as possible. She sought out her circle of society wives, grabbing her friend's hand tightly, her teeth grinding together. "Don't let that little bitch fool you. She's incredibly manipulative. She's already brainwashed my son."

"Are you serious? Can she really outsmart you? Shouldn't handling a little girl like that be a walk in the park?"

"It's not that simple." Helena's eyes were bloodshot. "Laura, I'm telling you, there is something seriously wrong with her. She's not a normal person."

Laura Lennox looked at Helena in surprise. "Really? She doesn't look like a psycho."

It was an offhand comment, but to a highly strung Helena, it was the spark that ignited the powder keg. "Why don't you believe me?!" she snapped, her voice carrying sharply.

He gave Sylvie an encouraging look. "Mr. Zimmer is an exceptional young talent. Why don't you chat with him for a bit? No need to follow me around all night."

Meanwhile, Jasper smiled slyly, extending a hand toward Sylvie. "Care to grab a drink with me?"

The young girl blinked innocently. Just as she parted her lips to speak, the low hum of chatter across the room suddenly died down.

People instinctively stopped talking. Some straightened their posture while lowering their eyes; others paused with their champagne flutes hovering inches from their mouths.

She looked toward the entrance. The valet was holding the door open with profound reverence, his head bowed.

A tall, lean man stepped inside, bringing the cool night breeze with him.