THE FORGOTTEN HEIRESS-Chapter 384: Let’s Make A Grand Entry

But this was Lauren’s special day and he wouldn’t want to ruin it with his selfish desires. Besides he was sure Lauren was only teasing him, considering her past escapades and how she would suddenly stop him just when things were getting heated up.

"You’re going to be the death of me," he said, shaking his head with a resigned smile.

Lauren’s answering smile was one of pure satisfaction. "Maybe," she replied, her voice light. "But at least you’ll go out smiling."

"You said it yourself, don’t back out later," he warned.

"Do I look like a weak person to you?" Lauren retorted, earning herself a smirk from Steffan.

"We’ll see about that," Steffan chuckled as he didn’t fail to take note of the slight tremor in Lauren’s voice.

As they approached The Masters Place and the grand building came into view, Steffan heard Lauren let out a slow breath and he turned to her.

It was then he noticed the tension in her posture. From how her eyes darted towards the line of reporters, he knew it wasn’t about what he had said.

He slowed the car as they approached the entrance. "It turned out you were nervous all along."

"I wasn’t," Lauren denied too quickly.

"Whose hand is it that is about to squeeze the beautiful dress out of shape? Mine or a certain heroine?" Steffan taunted.

But then, when she turned away shyly, his hand reached out, gently covering hers. "Hey, don’t be nervous. You’re the champion tonight, remember? Besides, I’ll be with you all the way." His voice was steady and reassuring as he coaxed her.

Lauren nodded slowly as she felt her confidence returning.

"Good, that’s my girl," Steffan said just as the car came to a smooth stop at the entrance.

Before turning off the ignition, Steffan leaned in close, his voice a low murmur. "Tonight’s just getting started. But later... we’re finishing what you started earlier."

Colour flooded Lauren’s face despite knowing that he brought that up again to keep her mind off the sea of reporters that were already gathered at the entrance.

"Like I said before, I’m up to the task," she boasted as her eyes scanned the surroundings.

The place was beautifully lit, with golden lights spilling from every window, casting a warm glow against the night sky.

Tall, stately columns flanked the grand entrance, and a lush red carpet stretched from the steps to the curb.

The press had gathered along both sides of the carpet, interviewing the other teams that were just arriving with their partners.

Steffan turned to her again, holding her gaze for a moment longer than necessary. "Are you ready for this?"

Lauren met his gaze and nodded with a smile, though her heart was still racing. "As ready as I’ll ever be."

He returned the smile and she found comfort in his confidence. "Then let’s make a grand entry," he said and finally turned off the ignition.

The car door was opened by an attendant, and Steffan stepped out first. He moved over to her side, opened the door and extended his hand to Lauren, who gracefully took it and allowed him to help her out of the car.

As soon as Lauren stepped onto the red carpet, the reporters’ attention snapped in her direction.

Murmurs rippled through the crowd, as they spotted her and as more people recognized her as the leader of the winning team, it grew into a wave of excitement as camera flashes erupted around them.

For a second, the bright lights were almost overwhelming, but Steffan’s presence by her side grounded her.

The moment was surreal... it was a mixture of exhilaration and anxiety as Lauren adjusted to being at the center of so much attention.

"Lauren! Over here!" called out one reporter, leaning over the rope barrier, microphone in hand.

"What’s it like to be the champion?" another voice chimed in, barely waiting for an answer before thrusting forward a camera.

Steffan remained by her side, his hand resting gently at the small of her back. His touch was subtle but reassuring amidst the whirlwind of voices and flashing lights.

Lauren straightened her posture, drawing on the calm that Steffan’s presence offered. She gave a gracious smile, the kind that radiated both humility and pride.

"It’s an incredible feeling," she began, her voice steady despite the swarm of questions being hurled her way. "The competition was tough, and every team brought their best. I’m honored to have come out on top, but I couldn’t have done it without my team’s support."

"Lauren, congratulations on your win! The community’s abuzz with your success. But we’re all wondering... who is this dashing gentleman by your side? Care to introduce him?" Another reporter asked, eyeing Steffan with keen interest.

The question sent a ripple of curiosity through the reporters, drawing even more attention his way.

But before Lauren could respond, another reporter cut in, eager to steer the conversation back to the competition. "What was your strategy in the final round? Did you expect to win?"

They had waited in vain after the competition to ask her some questions but later found out that she had left. Now that they had the chance, they were not going to waste it.

Lauren was grateful for the brief distraction. "Honestly, we just focused on doing what we love, crafting coffee with passion. It wasn’t about winning as much as it was about sharing that experience with others. Winning was just a bonus."

The press, ever hungry for more, kept the questions coming. "How does it feel to have set the new standard for the competition? What’s next for you after this win? Are there any new projects in the works?"

Lauren took a breath, carefully choosing her words. "We’re excited to see what opportunities come our way. For now, we’re taking it one step at a time, enjoying the moment and being grateful for the journey that brought us here."

The reporters seemed temporarily satisfied, allowing Lauren a brief respite. She flashed a quick, grateful look at Steffan, who nodded subtly, letting her know she was doing great.

Just as she was about to step forward, a different voice, sharp and probing, sliced through the crowd.

"Talking about enjoying the moments, Lauren, could you tell us who your handsome companion is?" The question was delivered with a knowing smirk, and the curiosity immediately rekindled among the reporters.

Heads turned as their lenses zoomed in on Steffan, who up until now had kept a low profile, quietly supporting Lauren from the sidelines.

A murmur of intrigue passed through the crowd as everyone leaned in, eager to catch the story behind this mysterious man at

Lauren’s side.

Lauren maintained her composed expression, but Steffan felt the subtle tension in her posture. He had expected the attention to fall on her tonight, not on himself. He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, prompting her to speak.

Deciding it was also best to address the curiosity head-on, Lauren stepped slightly closer to Steffan, her smile softening as she answered.

"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.