Rise Above The Betrayal (Sophia and Tristan) novel Chapter 1

Griffin Stewart raised his glass high, his commanding voice cutting through the lively chatter of the banquet hall. "Thank you all for taking the time to celebrate my daughter Chloe's birthday with us," he said, his tone brimming with pride. " I also have an important announcement to share."

"My daughter, Chloe, the true heiress of this family, has officially returned to us."

Under the spotlight at the heart of the extravagant ballroom, Chloe stood on a raised platform wearing a dazzling mermaid gown that sparkled with every movement.

The dress hugged her curves perfectly, and a luxurious crown rested atop her styled hair. With a radiant smile, she stood between Griffin and Felicity Stewart, like a spoiled princess.

Her gaze swept across the room, finally settling on a lone figure in the furthest corner—a figure that seemed out of place amidst the opulence.

Chloe's red lips curled into a faint, mocking smirk, a flicker of challenge sparking in her eyes.

The guests, still buzzing with excitement over Griffin's announcement, followed her gaze.

In the shadows stood a young woman dressed in an unremarkable gray hoodie, her hands buried in its pockets. Her expression was calm, almost indifferent, as she watched the glittering spectacle on the stage.

Even in the dim lighting designed to enhance Chloe's grandeur, the girl's striking beauty was impossible to ignore.

Her pale, flawless skin seemed to glow, and her delicate features carried an otherworldly elegance.

She wore no makeup, and her plain attire made her look entirely unprepared for the evening. Yet somehow, she radiated a natural allure that outshone Chloe, despite Chloe's meticulously crafted perfection.

Her beauty was the kind that would turn heads in any crowd—unmistakable, unforgettable.

But unfortunately...

She was Sophia, the Stewart Family's discarded "fake" heiress.

Her reputation was far from ideal.

Gossip had painted a harsh picture: years ago, Sophia's biological mother—a woman from the slums—had schemed to swap her newborn with Chloe. For twenty years, Sophia lived a life that wasn't hers, occupying a place meant for someone else.

When the truth came out, so did a flood of harsh judgments. People said Sophia's "slum-bred genes" explained why she never fit in with the Stewarts. She was rumored to be rebellious, a constant source of trouble.

Eventually, the family had sent her to the countryside in a desperate attempt to reform her.

Three years ago, in what some called a moment of misplaced pity, the Stewarts brought her back.

But time hadn't bridged the gap. Sophia still felt like a black sheep.

Decades of countryside life didn't seem enough to set her straight.

Things only worsened when her obsession with Ethan Baker, the heir of the Baker Family, became public knowledge.

The Stewarts and Bakers had a longstanding engagement arrangement, but Sophia's blatant, obsessive pursuit of Ethan had humiliated her family. She clung to him, ignoring his disdain and the shame it brought her.

People shook their heads in pity. What a waste of a pretty face, and a decent reputation.

Tonight's grand banquet was the ultimate statement: Chloe had returned, and the Stewarts had their rightful daughter.

Sophia's place had been erased entirely.

Without the tittle behind her, Sophia wouldn't even have a chance to grovel at Ethan's feet.

Just then, a guy stepped onto the stage.

He was tall and striking, his tailored white suit highlighting his broad shoulders and refined demeanor.

His faint, polite smile radiated confidence as he moved to stand beside Chloe. Together, they looked like the perfect pair, their chemistry undeniable—like a couple moments away from saying "I do."

The man was Ethan Baker, heir to the Baker family.

He's also the man Sophia had been hopelessly in love with for years.

A charged silence swept through the ballroom. Guests exchanged glances, their curiosity piqued. The stage was set for drama.

Ethan standing proudly beside Chloe, the true Stewart Family daughter? Now that was a spectacle no one wanted to miss.

Under the spotlight, Chloe's bashful smile brightened as Ethan took her hand, lifting it slowly to reveal matching diamond rings on their fingers.