---
Seven Years Ago
"Because I'm her stepsister," Mina said coldly, lowering her hood. Her eyes burned with malice. "And I hate her with every breath. She thinks she's better than me. But I can make you a deal—one that will make her life miserable… or end it. Are you with me?"
Her lips curled into a cruel smile. "I know you want Lucian. If you get rid of Mirabel, you could have him for yourself."
Angelica smirked. 😏 "Of course I'm in."
"Good. But first—we'll change everything about you. A new face, a new name. How about… Penelope?"
"Sure," Angelica agreed without hesitation.
Mina turned to the others. "You two can leave."
"No!" Rose cried, dropping to her knees.
"What are you doing?" Bella hissed, wide-eyed.
"I hate Mirabel," Rose spat, her voice trembling with fury. "I hate her to the core. I'll do anything for revenge—anything."
"Really?" Mina asked, eyes narrowing.
"Yes. Anything."
Bella looked at her sister, then clenched her fists. "I hate her too. I'll do whatever it takes to make her pay." She knelt beside Rose.
Mina's lips curved in satisfaction. "Good. The more the merrier." She raised her hand in a fierce vow. "Mirabel… you will regret ever being born."
(Just to be clear—Bella and Rose didn't undergo plastic surgery. Only Angelica did, to become Penelope.)
---
Present Day – Lucian's POV
Lucian entered the glittering ballroom, the sound of laughter and clinking glasses filling the air. His eyes, however, searched for only one person. Mirabel.
He caught a glimpse of her walking away, her grace pulling him like gravity. His gaze clung to her every move.
Then Clara's hand slid into his.
Lucian's jaw tightened. He glanced at her, then immediately back to where Mirabel had been—only to find she was gone.
"She was just here," he muttered under his breath.
"What is it?" Clara asked sweetly. "Do you… want to dance?"
"No."
"Oh… okay. Then maybe grab a snack?" She gestured toward the buffet.
Lucian's eyes kept sweeping the crowd, ignoring the tug of her hand. "No. I'm not hungry."
Clara tightened her grip anyway. "Okay…"
Before she could press further, the host's voice boomed through the speakers.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm your host, Kelvin Hart. Tonight wouldn't be possible without the man who made this event happen. Please welcome—your one and only—Mike King 👑!"
The room erupted in applause 👏👏 as Mike walked confidently onto the stage.
He grinned, leaning into the microphone. "Hello everyone! I see the press and reporters are here tonight. I want to thank my wife and kids for their support—and, of course, all of you for being here. Who am I kidding?" He chuckled. "I don't really know what to say, but I do know this. I need to thank my sister. If not for her giving me this idea, this wouldn't have happened. She may be a model, but she's brilliant in other ways too—especially as a CEO."
The crowd stirred, curious.
Mike smiled proudly. "So, I'll use this moment to announce something important. Everyone—please welcome your new CEO of King Entertainment… Mirabel King 👑!"
The spotlight swung to Mirabel. The cameras turned instantly, flashes sparking across the hall.
She straightened her shoulders, wearing a composed expression, a faint smile tugging at her lips. With steady steps, she walked to the stage.
Mike handed her a framed certificate—the official ownership of the company. Her fingers tightened around it, the weight of her destiny settling in her hands.
From the crowd, Lucian watched her, his lips curving into a rare smile.
His Mirabel.
---