The Surrogate He Discarded

A sleek Arctic White Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van glided to a stop beneath the grand porte-cochère of The Aurelia Royale, one of the country’s most prestigious five-star hotels and a flagship property of the Dalton family.

The vehicle’s polished exterior gleamed beneath the crystal chandeliers that illuminated the entrance.

Guests arriving at the hotel instinctively turned their heads.

The van was impossible to ignore.

Its luxurious custom design and imposing presence made it one of the most recognizable—and expensive—vehicles in the country.

A ripple of excitement spread through the crowd.

Several guests immediately recognized it as part of the Foster family’s private fleet.

Trying not to appear obvious, they discreetly pulled out their phones. Some snapped quick photos of the vehicle, while others took selfies with it in the background.

Within minutes, the images began appearing across social media.

Everyone knew that when a Foster arrived, it was never an ordinary occasion.

But how could a Dalton event be an ordinary occasion? So the guests were also not ordinary.

...

A uniformed guard hurried forward and opened the door.

The first to step out was Morgan Foster, his commanding presence instantly drawing attention from the crowd.

A moment later, Katherine emerged behind him.

She was breathtaking in a dazzling red gown that clung to her curves like a second skin, accentuating her flawless figure. The rich crimson fabric shimmered beneath the hotel lights, making her impossible to overlook.

Her long black hair flowed down her back like a silken veil, framing her striking features and lending her an air of effortless glamour.

Together, they looked every bit the powerful and elegant couple.

Katherine had received a personal invitation from Charlotte herself.

The moment she learned that Morgan would be attending with the twins, she had relentlessly persuaded him to let her accompany them. After all, she currently had no suitable escort. More importantly, she claimed that she wanted her niece and nephews not to be out of place because they did not have their mother with them.

Standing beneath the hotel’s glittering lights, Katherine basked in the attention surrounding them.

She noticed the admiring glances and the whispered conversations.

She smiled as discreet photographs were being taken from every direction.

Her smile widened. This was where she belonged.

Beside Morgan.

In the spotlight.

When she noticed Morgan remaining by the van instead of heading inside, a surge of satisfaction rose within her.

He was waiting for her.

Naturally.

With a graceful smile, she stepped closer and reached for his arm.

Before her fingers could touch him, Morgan shifted away.

His brows drew together slightly.

”You can go ahead, Katherine,” he said evenly. ”I’m waiting for the twins.”

Katherine’s hand froze in midair.

For a split second, the smile on her face cracked.

The humiliation stung.

Several nearby guests had witnessed the exchange.

Fortunately, years of living among the elite had taught her how to conceal her emotions.

The flicker of embarrassment vanished as quickly as it appeared.

A flawless smile returned to her lips.

”Of course,” she replied lightly. ”Then I’ll wait here as well.”

As though she had never expected anything else.

But beneath the elegance and poise, her nails dug sharply into her palm.

Ella and Ana came out of the vehicle, each carrying a baby.

The last to step out of the van was Isobel.

Cindy had chosen her outfit wisely.

She wore a champagne-colored two-piece evening gown. The design was elegant yet understated, with no extravagant embellishments or eye-catching details. Among the sea of wealthy socialites and celebrities attending the event, she would blend effortlessly into the background.

Exactly as intended.

Her hair was swept into a loose, slightly messy bun, exposing the graceful curve of her neck while lending her a soft, natural beauty.

Together, Morgan, Katherine, the twins, and the two nannies made their way toward the hotel’s grand entrance.

Isobel followed several steps behind, keeping her head lowered.

The revolving doors spun slowly as the group disappeared into the lavish lobby beyond.

At that very moment, another vehicle pulled up to the curb.

A black Lincoln Navigator rolled to a smooth stop in the exact spot the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter had vacated moments earlier.

The door opened.

Kristoff Dalton emerged first.

Dressed in a light-gray bespoke suit tailored to perfection, he looked every inch the heir to one of the country’s most powerful families. The suit alone was rumored to cost as much as a luxury sedan.

His commanding presence immediately drew attention from nearby guests.

Then he turned and offered his hand.

Charlotte gracefully stepped out beside him.

She was stunning in an elegant white gown that made her look like the most important person attending arriving at her engagement party.

Together, they appeared picture-perfect.

Suddenly, something caught Kristoff’s attention.

His gaze shifted toward the hotel’s entrance.

Just before the revolving doors completed another turn, he caught sight of a woman in a simple champagne-colored gown.

Her hair was pinned up in a loose bun.

For only a second, he saw her profile.

Yet that single glimpse was enough to make him stop breathing.

His body went rigid.

Isobel?

The name flashed through his mind. His eyes narrowed.

No.

It couldn’t be. What would Isobel be doing here?

Before he could think further, Charlotte’s soft voice interrupted him.

”Kristoff, is something wrong?”

He blinked and turned toward her.

Charlotte was looking at him curiously, her hand already slipping through his arm.

Kristoff forced himself not to look back toward the entrance.

When his gaze returned a moment later, the woman was gone.

The revolving doors continued their slow rotation.

The last trace of her had already disappeared into the hotel.

Yet an inexplicable unease lingered in his chest.

As though, for the briefest moment, he had seen a ghost.

”Kristoff, you seem distracted.”

Charlotte’s voice was gentle, but the way her fingers tightened around his arm did not escape his notice.

Kristoff lowered his gaze to her and smiled effortlessly.

”How could I be?” he replied smoothly. ”Or perhaps I’m just a little nervous.”

Charlotte raised an eyebrow.

”Nervous?”

”Of course.” His smile deepened as he took her hand and intertwined their fingers. ”Today, you officially become my fiancée.”

His gaze softened as it shifted toward the vehicle behind them.

”And Alex will finally be introduced to everyone.”

The mention of the word fiancée immediately brightened Charlotte’s expression, but hearing the name Alex after it dampened her mood.

The baby was really a thorn in her flesh.