"Violet is your cousin, Yulia''s niece. And let me tell you, Yulia is a remarkable woman in her own right. She''s done a lot for me at thepany-sharp business mind, truly impressive. Violet takes right after her."


    Simms couldn''t stop singing Violet''s praises in front of Victoria, as if afraid the world might miss it. Pride crept into his voice and even into the way he held himself.


    "Victoria, there''s no shame in admitting your shorings-no one knows you better than I do. I know things aren''t working out between you and McNeil. Now that you''re back with the Miller family, if you''d just try epting Yulia, I''m sure she''d treat you like her own daughter.


    You can see it for yourself—McNeil is smitten with Violet. It''s only a matter of time before he leaves you for her. Don''t cling so desperately. You can still be my good daughter, and when the timees, I''ll help you find someone even better-"


    A bitterugh escaped Victoria.


    She looked at Simms with calm, almost detached eyes, not a flicker of emotion on her face.


    "My rtionship with McNeil isn''t for anyone else to decide. Funny, though-my own father won''t even acknowledge his daughter standing right in front of him, yet heaps endless praise on another woman''s niece. Anyone watching might think Violet was your real daughter."


    The color drained from Simms'' face at her words.


    "I''m just looking out for you," he insisted, his tone stiff. "Everything I say it''s for your own good."


    He never would have imagined that his "useless" daughter would turn out to be so sharp-tongued and so impervious to guilt trips.


    "For my own good, you''re suggesting I hand over my husband? For my own good, you''d rather lift up someone else than your own child? Mr. Miller, I can''t afford the kind of ''love'' you''re offering. Save it for your beloved''s niece."


    Victoria''s gaze was icy as she added, "Now, if you''ll excuse me, I need to prepare for my speech. I wouldn''t want to disturb your pleasant evening any further, Mr. Miller."


    At that moment, Ailie-prompted by Curtis-came over to fetch Victoria for her time on stage.


    Lifting the hem of her dress, Victoria stepped onto the stage at the host''s announcement, her crystal-studded heels sparkling under the lights. She appeared every bit the dazzling star,manding the room''s attention.


    Everyone in attendance fell silent, unable to look away.


    When Victoria introduced herself as the Executive Assistant to the CEO of Quantum Core Technologies, a ripple of surprise swept through the audience.


    After all, Curtis Garcia was infamous in business circles-a real tyrant. Anyone who could work as his right hand was clearly no ordinary talent.


    Victoriaunched into her ten-minute, unscripted speech, moving confidently from project investments topany strategy, the firm''s future, and the details of Quantum Core''s core projects. She spoke fluently, without a single note or prompt.


    At first, the crowd paid her little mind, joking quietly with Violet and barely concealing their patronizing nces and suggestive looks.


    But as Victoria moved past her brief introduction and hit her stride, the room fell utterly silent. The audience''s initial indifference turned quickly to respect-even admiration.


    Violet, winess in hand, watched Victoria with azy smile. But as the speech went on, her smile faded, her expression twisting with annoyance.


    Curtis, meanwhile, never took his eyes off Victoria, unable to hide the fascination in his gaze.


    When Victoria finished, Violet was the first to apud.


    The rest of the guests soon joined in, filling the room with thunderous apuse.


    Ailie shot Violet a disbelieving look, eyebrow raised. Was this woman high, or had she lost her mind? Since when did McNeil''s mistress genuinely appreciate Victoria?


    Before Ailie could finish her thought, Violet smoothly took the microphone and addressed the crowd.


    "Victoria''s summary was excellent. Both Mr. Garcia and I were thoroughly impressed. It''s clear our trust in you was well-ced. Now, if you''d be so kind as to prepare a detailed presentation for our next meeting, I''m sure every department will benefit from your insights."