**Her Spark Ignites Tonight**
By J.S. Caldwell
**Chapter 349**
As the clock struck 8:30 AM, Arabella stepped into her office, the familiar scent of polished wood and fresh coffee greeting her like an old friend. To her surprise, there stood Zachary, his figure leaning casually against her desk, a bright smile illuminating his face.
“Hey, Arabella!” he called out, his voice filled with enthusiasm. He extended his hand, presenting her with a beautifully designed invitation card. “This weekend marks my sister’s 18th birthday bash. You absolutely have to come!”
Arabella’s heart warmed at the invitation. “Of course, Zachary! You can count on me. I’ll be there right on time,” she replied with a smile, her excitement bubbling beneath the surface.
In that moment, she couldn’t help but reflect on her own 18th birthday celebration. Her parents had gone all out, throwing a lavish party filled with laughter, music, and friends. It was a night of joy, one she cherished deeply. But the thought of her brother’s 18th birthday brought a pang of disappointment. Instead of a celebration, her parents had opted for a simple family photo and a hearty homemade meal, insisting that they were just an ordinary family now. It wasn’t that they couldn’t afford a party; it was just that priorities had shifted. Her mother often reminded her, “We’re just a regular family, Arabella. We don’t need all that fuss.”
Fast forward a few days, and it was finally the day of Lily’s grand 18th birthday party.
Arabella had decided to bring along her brother, Emmett, and together, they piled into the car, the excitement palpable in the air as they drove toward the Hamilton residence located in the western part of the city.
When they arrived at 8:00 PM, the atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter and music wafting from the open doors of the grand home. As they approached the entrance, they spotted Franklin and his son, Edmundo, waiting at the main gate.
“Godmother!” Edmundo exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with admiration as he rushed towards Arabella. “You look so beautiful today!”
Blaire, standing nearby, chuckled and gave Edmundo a playful pat on the back. “Come on, little guy, did your dad put you up to this?”
Edmundo turned to his father, seeking validation. “Dad, doesn’t Godmother look beautiful today?”
Franklin nodded, a hint of amusement in his voice. “Indeed, Dr. Palmer’s beauty is well-known. Edmundo doesn’t need to be reminded to praise it.”
Arabella felt a flutter of warmth at the compliment, even if she knew Franklin was merely being courteous.
Emmett bent down, scooping Edmundo into his arms. “Alright, buddy, quick! Tell your uncle he’s handsome too!”
Edmundo wrapped his little arms around Emmett’s neck, a grin plastered on his face. “Uncle is the most handsome, even more than Dad!”
Blaire feigned shock, tugging at Edmundo’s ear playfully. “What about me? Am I not the most handsome one here?”
With the innocence of childhood, Edmundo unleashed a barrage of compliments on Blaire, causing laughter to ripple through the group.
Arabella turned to Franklin, unable to resist a smile. “Liam, your little one is quite the charmer.”
Franklin’s gaze met hers, his tone serious yet warm. “Children speak the truth. Both Dr. Palmer and her brother are exceptional in looks and character.”
Jayceon’s expression darkened, a storm brewing behind his eyes.
Brandon, sensing the tension, patted Jayceon’s shoulder. “Why not go down and say hello? You’re here after all.”
Meanwhile, in the bustling first-floor banquet hall, Arabella had just exchanged pleasantries with Zachary when Olivia, lurking nearby, decided to interject. “Today is the Hamilton’s little princess’s coming-of-age party. I wonder what kind of gift Dr. Palmer has prepared for her?”
Arabella shot Olivia a glance, sensing the underlying intent behind her words, but chose to remain silent, uninterested in engaging.
Two of Olivia’s friends, eager to stir the pot, raised their voices intentionally. “Olivia, which High Society Family does this Dr. Palmer belong to?”
Olivia cleared her throat, her voice dripping with condescension. “Dr. Palmer isn’t from any High Society Family. She’s merely Mr. Melendez’s ex-wife.”
Arabella’s heart raced at the mention of her lineage—she was, after all, the illegitimate daughter of The Morgan Family. If Olivia thought she could scheme against her, she would soon learn a harsh lesson.
As Olivia’s words echoed through the crowd, whispers erupted among the guests, their eyes darting between Arabella and Olivia.
Blaire, never one to hold back, blurted out, “Zachary, where on earth did you find this ugly thing? Someone should just bury her!”
Laughter erupted, filling the room, while Olivia’s face paled, her expression shifting from smugness to shock.

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