<b>“</b><b>If </b>anyone ever needs my help, I promise I’ll do everything I can for you.” Ileana forced a smile that looked generous on the surface, but somehow managed to diminish her in everyone’s eyes.
They were all from the same social ss. Even if there were differences in capability, there was no need for such obsequiousness–especially considering the Tate family’s impressive rise in recent years. Several families here were business partners of theirs. Honestly, even if Ileana did nothing, people would stille to her simply because of her family background.
But instead of carrying herself with the confidence and dignity expected from a Tate, Ileana seemed desperate to win everyone over, eager to blend in as quickly as possible. It came across as small–minded and insecure. No one pointed it out, of course, but silent judgments had already been made.
Yet Ileana, so used to being the center of attention at Crestview High, had no idea how these social games were really yed.
“Tomorrow’s my family introduction party,” she announced. “If you’re free, you’re all invited–my mother even hired a Michelin–starred chef from abroad for the asion. Sis–Alessia, you shoulde too. I know your adoptive family isn’t well off, and you’ve never really struggled a day in your life, but don’t worry. Tomorrow, I’ll put in a good word for you at the party–maybe Mom and Dad will finally bring you back home.”
Ileana sounded perfectly sincere, her wide–eyed concern almost touching, as if she were genuinely thinking of Alessia’s well–being.
“How very thoughtful of you,” Alessia replied lightly, her tone airy and indifferent. But Ileana finally felt a triumphant satisfaction, as if she’d managed to put Alessia in her ce.
Suppressing a smile, Illeana feigned regret. “Honestly, you brought this on yourself. Mom and Dad made onement, and you stormed out with your suitcase. They’re still upset–and now they’re thinking of turning your old room into my dressing room. They’ve even scheduled a meeting with, um… Justin, I think?” She pretended to search her memory.
“I heard he’s some famous interior designer or architect–honestly, I don’t know the details, but it’s all been arranged by our parents. But it was your room first, and I did try to talk them out of it. Still, they insist. They say I’ve been through so much out there, and now that I’m finally home, they want to make it up to me.”
<b>14:41 </b>
Alessia just smiled, her lips curved and eyes crinkling with amusement. Ileana shot her a nce, convinced Alessia was putting on a brave face. She nced at Ste, who looked bored out of her mind, and decided their friendship probably didn’t <b>run </b>very deep after all.
After a brief pause, Ileana sighed, her voice softening as if she were a wise older sister counseling a rebellious sibling. “But don’t take it too hard, Lessie. Mom and Dad are just upset right now. If you apologize and let me talk to them, I’m sure they’ll let you move back in.”
“Congrattions, Miss Tate,” Cole interjected suddenly, his tone unreadable. The others exchanged quick nces, curiosity flickering in their eyes as they watched the drama unfold.
Alessia, one of the supposed stars of the scene, barely reacted. She simply yed with Cole’s fingers, looking utterly uninterested in the conversation.
“Thank you, Cole. You’re actually the first to congratte me.” Ileana smiled, shooting a smug nce in Alessia’s direction.
“But…was that supposed to be an invitation?” Cole looked at her directly for the first time, his lips quirking in a half–smile. The sharp line of his jaw caught Ileana off guard; she blushed, momentarily losing herposure.
“Y–yes. I mean, I’ve only juste home, and I don’t have many friends yet. If everyone’s willing toe, I’d be…really happy…”
“In that case, if Mr. Tate dotes on you so much, why didn’t he hire an etiquette coach for you? Or is it that Mr. and Mrs. Tate aren’t all that invested in you after all?”
<b>14:41 </b>