CHAPTER 985
"Thanks for the compliment, Aunt Shirley, it's okay. I'm just thrilled you could make it today."
"Your welcome gift is already with your folks, check it out after the party," Shirley said warmly,beckoning her family over to greet Rosemary.
Rosemary exchanged pleasantries with each of them, chatting for a bit, when Louisa exclaimed,
"Frederica, you made it? Rose, let me introduce you. This is Alma's sister and your cousin, Frederica."
Frederica was different from Alma. She had a serene beauty about her, her emotions never on display.
Facing Rosemary, she offered a faint smile, "Hi, Rose."
"Frederica has been abroad and just got back today." Louisa added.
"Hello."
"Ma'am, it's time for the raffle," someone at the party reminded. "Shall we have Ms. Rose come up and start the draw? Let's pick 99 lucky guests to sponsor children with illnesses in the name of our attendees."
Louisa nearly forgot about this part of the evening and nodded eagerly, "Oh, yes, it's time. Rose, get ready. You'll be picking our lucky guests tonight."
"Sure thing."
Frederica glanced at Rosemary a few times before turning away, her thoughts a mystery.
As Rosemary took the stage, she was unaware that netizens were digging into her past.
[Ladies! The Collins family is serving us drama after drama. Are you all full? If not, I've got more juicy gossip for you!]
[Just earlier, I bumped into Romeo and Clark shopping with a young girl. This girl got Clark to happily open his wallet and buy six shopping carts full of stuff for her! Six carts, ladies. From what I saw, there
were strawberry hair clips and scented lamps worth dozens of dollars each, starry straws, and more.
Romeo picked out quite a few things too.]
[At the time, I had no idea who she was to them, but boy, was I envious. To have two handsome guys at her side, willing to spoil her like that.]
[Now, you must've guessed who she is, right?]
[And if you're not yet full from that tidbit, this next piece of gossip will surely do the trick!]
[Did you notice, at David's inaugural concert of his world tour, there was a proposal segment? A couple went up—take a good look at who they were!]
The livestreamer played the video, circling the couple in question.
In the video, Romeo took Rosemary's hand on stage. Even though they stood towards the back, their height and presence drew attention.
Later, some netizens used AI to reveal the face beneath Rosemary's mask.
While the result wasn't as stunning as the real deal, it was a close match.
Romeo's heartfelt proposal melted many viewers. How could there be a man so handsome, so wealthy,and yet so devoted and passionate?
That gossip was a real feast for the fans.
"We pledge, in the name of our esteemed guests, to sponsor medical treatment for 99 sick children.
We'll start today, with a dedicated team on it, and we'll keep everyone posted to avoid any skepticism."
The moment Rosemary's voice trailed off, the room erupted into thunderous applause.
"As for the 99 lucky followers online, bring your winning certificates to our corporate headquarters.
We've got 99 cars ready and waiting for you to drive home."
The internet buzzed with excitement once again.
"This concludes our homecoming celebration for today. Thank you again to all our guests from near and far. If there's been any lack in our hospitality, we ask for your understanding. Thank you." Rosemary said, bowing graciously to the audience below.
The applause surged like a relentless tide.
"Family portrait! Family portrait! Family portrait!" It started with one voice in the crowd and soon, the chant for the Collins family photo grew louder.
Kenneth, with a beaming smile, stepped onto the stage, supporting Louisa at the waist. He nodded and waved at the guests below, his hands pressed together in gratitude for their warmth.
Rosemary's five dashing brothers joined her by her side, and the photographer, with top-notch equipment, captured the Collins family and the guests seated at two hundred tables behind them in one grand shot.
The room was filled with joyous expressions and enthusiastic poses, and the lively atmosphere even reached through screens to touch viewers at home.
After the family photo, the photographer hurriedly invited Kenneth and Louisa's parents on stage. Once that was done, Rosemary's aunts, uncles, and extended family followed.
Serena's eyes were red from crying. The more radiant Rosemary looked on stage, the more beloved by everyone, the more wretched and pitiful Serena felt.
She watched Rosemary being given the place of honor, with everyone's eyes seemingly fixed on her, showering her with adoration.
A reporter tiptoed, microphone in hand, and asked, "Mr. and Mrs. Collins, do you plan to divide the Collins family estate among your children, including Rosemary?"
Other journalists, sensing a juicy story, pressed forward to interview Rosemary's brothers, asking similar questions about whether they would bring Rosemary into the business and share their resources with her.
Kenneth replied, "If Rose's interested, whatever she wants, we'll provide."
Louisa added, "Everything in this family belongs to Rose as well. We don't differentiate just because she's our daughter."
Hunter chimed in, "Rose's already taken the helm of our fashion business. Those who've followed it know she's revived the whole company. She's a rare business prodigy in my eyes. If she's up for it,
she's welcome to get involved in any part of our enterprise. If she wanted the whole group, I'd hand it over with a bow."
Chasel said, "My line of work is hectic. I'd rather she does what she loves. Of course, I'd share my resources with her."
Sean declared, "What's mine is hers. Whatever she wants, I'll give."
The room burst into applause once more.
Then, a bold journalist asked the audience, "Would you like to see a photo of Rosemary with Romeo?"
The suggestion was met with an eager uproar: "Yes!"
"Romeo! Romeo! Romeo."
Today marked the grand homecoming soirée for his fiancée, and Romeo made it a point to give her all the limelight. Romeo lingered in the background, not wanting to steal her thunder. Romeo wanted the spotlight to shine solely on her, the true heiress of the Collins family returning to her rightful place.
Rosemary stood alone on stage, her beauty so captivating it seemed as if she were a masterpiece come to life.
Romeo took his time ascending the stage, aware that not only the guests but also the viewers on the live stream were buzzing with excitement.
"Good evening, everyone. I'm Rosemary's fiancé, Romeo," Romeo announced.
The room erupted with applause, and the online crowd couldn't help but gush over the sweet moment.