?Chapter 318:


    “Mariana, how have you been?” Mnie spoke in a casual, indifferent tone.


    A sly smile touched Mariana’s lips. She took a slow sip before answering, her voice silky smooth. “In a few days, I’ll be showcasing at a world-ss art exhibition.”


    Mnie’s eyes sharpened like a cat spotting prey. Her lips curled into a dazzling smile. “Of course you are. Mariana Morgan, the shining star of the Cooper bloodline. You’re about to set the world on fire.”


    “Let’s hope the mes are bright enough,” Mariana replied, her cool confidence shimmering just beneath the calm surface.


    “And how’s the elite preparatory program at Wront University treating you? I’ve heard your ss is filled with exceptional students.” At the mention of it, Mnie’s tone thickened with arrogance. She let out a soft, condescending scoff before speaking. “Of course. Our elite preparatory program is reserved for those who truly matter. Not just anyone can get in.”


    She set her coffee mug down with a quiet clink, her voiceced with cold disdain. “After all, the program is nothing more than a shortcut for heirs like us. We’re the ones destined to control society’s wealth and power. Naturally, we’re not meant to grind away like ordinary people.”


    A smirk yed at her lips as she leaned back, eyes gleaming with contempt. “Do those students from poor families really believe talent alone can change their fate? Please. Even the brightest genius is nothing without the right resources. Without a powerful background, no matter how brilliant they are, they’ll be crushed into obscurity—forgotten before they even begin.”


    Mariana’s lips curved into a faint smile, but she offered no rebuttal. Instead, she met Mnie’s gaze with a knowing look, silently affirming her words.


    “Indeed,” she murmured, “one’s circumstances set the boundaries. For most, breaking through the walls of social ss is as impossible as reaching the heavens.”


    Their conversation flowed easily, charged with an undercurrent of arrogance, when suddenly Mnie’s phone buzzed sharply against the table.


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    She picked it up and nced at the screen. “Dad,” the caller ID shed. Mnie frowned but answered, pressing the phonezily to her ear.


    The deep,manding voice of Hurst immediately filled the line. “I’m leaving for an overseas business trip tomorrow. You’d better behave at school while I’m gone. If I hear of any trouble when I return, you’ll regret it.”


    Mnie pouted, her voice dripping with sweetness as she said, “Got it, Dad. I won’t cause any trouble. I’m always such a good girl.”


    “It better be. Anyway, don’t let mee back to a mess,” Hurst barked.


    “Of course not, Dad,” she cooed, repeating her reassurances until the call ended.


    The moment the line went dead, her entire demeanor shifted. Her smile twisted into a sneer as she carelessly tossed the phone onto the table. “Hmph! He’s getting old and paranoid,” she muttered in contempt. “Nagging me like some old nanny every time he leaves. It’s annoying.”


    Mariana chuckled, her gaze glinting with amusement, as if she were watching an entertaining show. “You’d better not stir up trouble, Mnie. If you do, your father won’t let you go easily.”


    “Yeah, yeah,” Mnie said with a dismissive wave, clearly unconcerned, already pushing the warning out of her mind.


    At that moment, a server entered and announced respectfully, “Miss Cooper, Miss Morgan is here.”


    Mnie raised an eyebrow, ncing toward the door. Rosanna stepped in, dressed in a simple yet refined gown, her every movement exuding grace andposure.


    “Mariana, Miss Mnie Cooper, it’s lovely to see you both,” Rosanna greeted warmly.


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