The room erupted into a frenzy . Everyone had heard of Mr. Rossi - his reputation was practically legendary - but few had ever seen him in person . Several of the city's most powerful figures turned their attention toward Larson . When he first arrived in Cresthaven , it was only proper that he paid his respects to these families . Of course, given their status , none of them would stoop to join the crowd's commotion , so they'd kept their distance - until now . The air was thick with whispers and excitement , punctuated by the shrill voices of Cecilia's entourage . " Cecilia , just watch - Young Rossi is about to come out ! " " That's right , Cecilia . You'll finally get to settle the score for those two slaps ! " " Yeah ! Young Rossi will take your side ! He'll have these people thrown out ! " Theodore and Jared exchanged baffled glances . What was the connection between Cecilia and Young Rossi , exactly ? Under their scrutiny , Cecilia shrank back , pressing a hand to her stinging cheek and saying nothing . The entire room waited with bated breath , but Young Rossi didn't step onto the stage . It wasn't that he was intentionally delaying ; it was simply impossible to get through with so many people blocking the way . The delay only fueled the crowd's speculation . At last , the security detail carved a path through the throng , allowing Larson to move forward . He didn't walk alone - he was holding Emma's hand . " Hey ! Where do you think you're going ? Don't embarrass yourself running around like that - this isn't for you- " Cecilia's voice trailed behind them , but Larson was already leading Emma , resplendent in her crimson dress , straight toward Latham . " Emma ! " Theodore lunged to catch her hand , but didn't even manage to brush the hem of her skirt . " What in the world are they doing ? " he muttered , bewildered . Larson matched his pace to Emma's , never letting go of her hand . Behind them , it wasn't just Cecilia and her minions who were stunned - Theodore , Jared , Hanley , even Nita and Cathie all watched in disbelief as Larson escorted Emma right to Latham's side . Even then , none of them wanted to admit what was becoming obvious . Maybe the thought had crossed their minds - that Larson could be Young Rossi - but it was something they were simply unwilling to accept . Then , without a word , Latham stepped aside , ceding the spotlight to Larson and beginning a round of applause . 14:46 Chapter 323 Theodore's face drained of color . He stumbled backward several steps , accidentally treading on Jared's foot , his mind reeling : No way ... No way ... It can't be ... And then , Larson's voice rang out , crisp and clear through the microphone , reaching every corner of the grand hall : " Good evening , ladies and gentlemen , dear friends . I am Gabriel Rossi ... " That one sentence sent shockwaves through the crowd around Theodore . " No ... No , that's impossible ! Wasn't he supposed to be Emma's useless , good - for - nothing brother ? How could he be Young Rossi ? " Cecilia looked as if she might faint . Suddenly , she remembered that day in the basement - the man with the venomous eyes . Fear closed around her like a net , tightening until she could barely breathe . The women who'd been flattering her moments before now gasped in disbelief . " Cecilia ! How could he be Young Rossi ? " " Yeah ! Didn't you say you and Young Rossi were college classmates ? That he was your senior ? " " And didn't you say he liked you ? That he came to Cresthaven for you ? " " Cecilia , how could you not even recognize him ? " Cecilia felt like her face was being ground into the floor . But humiliation was the least of her worries . She knew exactly how dangerous this man could be . She'd made such a scene - would he really toss her out to ' swim with the fishes ' ? Meanwhile , Cathie and Nita's initial shock gave way to sheer satisfaction . " Hah ! Serves her right for making up stories and bragging . Now she's got egg all over her face - couldn't have happened to a nicer person ," Cathie snickered , savoring the moment .