THE FORGOTTEN HEIRESS-Chapter 385: Always Had A Way Of Making A Statement

"This is Dr. Steffan Rosse, a close friend and someone who’s been incredibly supportive." She chose her words carefully, not revealing too much but offering enough to satisfy the immediate curiosity.

This simple introduction was enough to spark a ripple of whispers among the crowd.

Some recognized his name, murmuring about his reputation as an accomplished surgeon, while others were still piecing together who this new figure was.

The buzz grew louder, cameras clicking more fervently as they tried to capture the chemistry between them.

Another reporter, more determined, pressed forward. "Dr. Rosse, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Are you and Lauren... involved?" The tone was both probing and speculative, fishing for a definitive answer.

Lauren remained unflustered, though Steffan could feel her fingers subtly tighten against her back.

He glanced at her briefly, seeking her silent consent before speaking on their behalf. When he got it, his eyes flicked toward the reporter, his lips curving in a polite, but firm smile.

"Lauren and I are close, and tonight is about celebrating her incredible achievement. We’re happy to be here together."

Lauren smiled, relieved that Steffan had handled the situation better than she imagined. Afterall he was just getting to know that she was his fiancée. But she couldn’t ignore the curious glances being exchanged among the reporters.

They were already building a narrative in their minds... who was this man, and what was his connection to her? She could practically see them calculating headlines and imagining stories.

And sure enough, the next question proved her right as the reporters weren’t about to let it go that easily. "Close, how? I remember Lauren just mentioned how supportive you’ve been. Is there more to this relationship than friendship?" one reporter pressed, eyes alight with interest.

Steffan’s eyes flicked toward Lauren, silently asking her how much she wanted to share. She met his gaze, a quiet understanding passing between them before she turned back to the reporters.

"I think tonight’s about celebrating the competition and all the hard work that went into it. I’m lucky to have people in my life who believe in me, and that’s all that really matters."

The answer was diplomatic, neatly sidestepping the more personal implications while shifting the focus back to the evening’s purpose.

Still, the murmurs of speculation persisted among the crowd. Steffan could feel the scrutiny increasing, but he didn’t flinch. Instead, he offered a polite, composed nod to the reporters, allowing Lauren to maintain control of the narrative.

Every time a reporter tried to dig a little further into who Steffan was and what he meant to her, she skillfully redirected the conversation back to the competition and her team’s accomplishments.

After a few more rounds of questions, the press gradually shifted their attention to the next arrivals.

With the spotlight easing off, Lauren and Steffan finally had a moment to breathe.

Steffan leaned in slightly, his voice low and laced with amusement. Steffan leaned close and whispered, "You handled that brilliantly. I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about the attention, but you were flawless."

Lauren turned to him, feeling a deep warmth in her chest. "It helps when you have someone who knows exactly what to say," she replied, her smile genuine. "Thank you for being here, Steffan. I mean it."

His expression softened, and he brushed a strand of hair away from her face. "There’s nowhere else I’d rather be."

As they neared the entrance, they were intercepted by the well-known entertainment host, Claire Hadley.

Dressed in her signature glittering gown, Claire was busy interviewing VIPs when her eyes landed on Lauren’s elegant figure. Her gaze sharpened, and with a practiced smile, she turned her full attention to the couple.

"Lauren! Now this is a sight to behold," Claire said with unmasked admiration.

"During the competition we found out you always had a way of making a statement, but tonight... This gown is something else. I think we all need to take a moment to appreciate this masterpiece."

The cameras zoomed in as Claire’s eyes roved over Lauren’s dress with keen interest.

"The design is simply fascinating..." she leaned in slightly as if she were sharing a secret, "it’s the subtle detail at the waist that’s truly captivating."

"May I," she asked and just as Lauren’s "go on," sounded, Claire’s fingers lightly brushed over the delicate embroidery as she continued. "Is that... coffee beans entwined with golden vines?"

She smiled in genuine amazement. "I can’t believe how perfectly this aligns with tonight’s theme. It’s such an elegant nod to your passion for coffee and the event itself. I almost missed it from afar, but up close, it’s unmistakable."

"Whoever designed this really understood how to blend sophistication with a touch of personal meaning," she finished.

Lauren’s smile widened as she noticed the sparkle in Claire’s eyes. "I have to agree, Claire. The detail is subtle, but that’s what makes it so special. It’s a beautiful reminder of everything this competition has represented for me, woven into the design."

Claire’s colleague’s voice chimed in smoothly, "It’s no coincidence that the gown speaks the language of the event. It is something that isn’t just beautiful, but also meaningful... something that reflects both Lauren’s achievements and who she is."

Lauren chuckled softly, trying to brush off some of the attention. "It was certainly a surprise when I first saw it. I couldn’t believe how perfect it was, especially considering how last-minute everything was. It came exactly when I was confused on what to wear."

Claire’s brows lifted in a gossipy glint. "Are you saying this is a surprise gift... from Dr Steffan? she added when she saw how Lauren’s gaze darted to Steffan in appreciation.

"Well, Dr. Rosse you’ve won my heart and deepest respect. You’ve managed to capture the essence of what tonight is about in a single outfit. It’s like the dress was crafted specifically for this moment."

Claire’s eyes gleamed as she recalled something that Lauren had said.

"Last-minute? You mean this was put together today? I’m even more impressed!

It’s hard enough to find a dress on short notice, let alone one that fits so perfectly and feels tailor-made for the occasion. The embroidery alone looks like it took days to perfect."

Steffan’s smile held a hint of playful pride. "Let’s just say I know people who are very good at what they do. When it’s important, you make sure it’s done right, no matter the timeline."

Claire couldn’t hide her intrigue as she looked back at Lauren. "Lauren, I have to ask, does this surprise gift, the attention to detail, and the fact that Dr. Rosse is by your side tonight... mdoes this all point to something more? I think the viewers are dying to know if there’s more to the story."

Lauren’s blush deepened, but she didn’t waver. "Claire, I appreciate the interest, but tonight’s about celebrating the competition and the journey we’ve all been on. I’m just glad to have someone by my side who understands that journey and wanted to make this night a little more special."

Claire smiled knowingly, but she didn’t push further. "Fair enough. But I will say, you’re definitely giving us something to talk about with this entrance."

"I’m flattered," Lauren laughed and made to move on.