Chapter 850

chapter850

As the old man extended his hand, all eyes turned to follow his gesture.

Madge and Norris Cole walked onto the stage hand in hand, instantly becoming the center of attention.

Neely smiled broadly. "This is my daughter, Aberdeen Rodriguez, and my son-in- law, Norris."

"I'm aware that before tonight, there have been some rumors circulating. I've heard a little of what's been said."

At his words, some in the audience shifted uncomfortably.

The outlandish nature of the gossip was, in no small part, thanks to the contributions of some people in this very room.

Neely continued, "Rumors are called rumors for a reason-they get twisted in the telling and can't be trusted. But since everyone is so curious, I might as well clear things up."

"My daughter, Aberdeen, writes under the pen name Madge. She's an author. And as luck would have it, she managed to become the number one bestselling author of suspense novels."

Heads turned in the crowd. That was more than just good luck.

Neely then gestured to Norris. "My son-in-law is a private citizen, a graduate of Twilight Peak Academy. He's now a physics teacher at one of the city's top high schools. A noble profession, shaping young minds. He may not be famous, but he has certainly guided countless students to success."

After he finished, his wife, Geneva, walked onto the stage, a warm smile on her face as she took over.

"In addition, there's one more person we'd like to introduce my granddaughter.

"She is the beloved princess of the Rodriguez family, the apple of our eye- Roseanne Cole."

As soon as she spoke, Corley Sullivan appeared, escorting Roseanne to the stage. In that moment, his role as her protective older brother was revealed to the world.

He had known this day would come. Given how much his grandparents cherished his aunt and her family, it was only natural they would make a public announcement.

Yet, as it happened, Corley felt an indescribable sense of melancholy.

From this day forward, in the eyes of the world, they were family.

Roseanne met the sea of curious and admiring gazes with a faint, calm smile.

She didn't need to say a word; her natural grace and poise spoke volumes. She was cool and composed.

While the people below were scrutinizing her, she was quietly observing and assessing them in return.

After a moment of stunned silence, the room erupted in whispers.

"Her looks, her presence... she's truly a Rodriguez."

"I can't believe those ridiculous

rumors ever

bet

Started Ms. Madge

Rodriguez and her family are all so distinguished!"

"To return after twenty years and still be so cherished by the Rodriguezes, not to mention having built such a successful life for herself she's incredible."

"Madge? The author of Seven Days?"

"It has to be her! The number one suspense author!"

"Oh my god! It really is her! My father is so busy, but he always keeps her novels on his desk."

And her husband is impressive too, a Twilight Peak Academy graduate.

"What a stunning family..."

"I wonder if Ms. Roseanne Cole is married?"

"Why? Are you getting ideas?"

"Aren't you?"

Two society matrons exchanged a knowing glance.

Neely and Geneva had called her their "beloved princess."

No one in the room was a fool; they all understood the weight of that title.

The prospect was especially tantalizing for those with single sons.

Marrying into the Rodriguez family was the kind of dream you'd wake up from with a smile on your face.

Meanwhile, Murray and Cliff were utterly gobsmacked.

Cliff swallowed hard. "...So, Roseanne is a Rodriguez?"

"They... they kept this under wraps so well!"

All they would have had to do was ask Corley, but the problem was that Corley had practically ascended to another plane of existence, no longer hanging out with their crowd.

There was no opportunity to ask.

Even when they did see him, the topic never came up, so it wasn't surprising they

were out of the loop.