At that thought, Brian decided it was best to let Delia remain na?ve.


    Back in her room, Delia grew more frustrated. She opened her messaging app and started venting to her best friend about the situation.


    After hearing her out, her friend suggested they find a way to embarrass N at the Saturday banquet.


    Delia hesitated. She hadn''t agreed yet.


    After all, the banquet was something both her mother and Brian had approved. If she caused trouble and ruined the event, Emerald would never let her off the hook.


    Despite that, the thought of simply epting N as a member of the family didn''t sit well with her either.


    Thinking it over, she asked her friend if there was a way to humiliate N without it being traced back to her.


    Her friend offered a few ideas—perhaps triggering an allergic reaction or making N sick, something subtle that would embarrass her at the banquet but wouldn''t lead back to Delia.


    After considering the suggestion, Delia immediately formted a n. She sent an [OK] before exiting the chat.


    For the next few days, Emerald stopped trying to introduce N to new men and instead hired an etiquette coach to teach her proper manners.


    N had no idea what Emerald was nning, nor did she care. She barely put any effort into the lessons, making aplete mess of them.


    At the end of each day, the etiquette coach would march off toin to Emerald.


    At first, Emerald would get furious and summon N to the study to scold her.


    But after two days, she realized something-N didn''t care at all. She just argued back, nearly giving Emerald a stroke in the process.


    Eventually, Emerald gave up. She told the etiquette coach, "As long as she looks presentable, that''s enough."


    Left with no other choice, the etiquette coach stopped trying so hard.


    Before long, Friday arrived.


    At dinner that evening, Emerald finally informed N about the banquet nned for Saturday—an event to publicly introduce her as Emerald''s daughter and an official member of the Nixons.


    N''s response was indifferent. "Oh. Got it."


    Emerald frowned, clearly displeased with her reaction. "That''s all you have to say?"


    N looked at her mockingly. "And


    what exactly do you expect me to say? Am I supposed to cry tears. gratitude? I don''t recall ever asking you to throw a banquet and O announce me as your daughter."


    Emerald''s expression darkened. "Do you have any idea how many people would kill


    to be my daughter? To be part of the Nixons?"


    The Nixons had businesses across


    the globe. In Meristate, they were among the wealthiest and most powerful families. Not only that, but their family had produced many politicians over the years, ensuring their influence remained strong. Cóntent


    Bing a member of the Nixons meant gaining immense privilege.


    Yet N seemedpletely unimpressed.


    Emerald could hardly believe it-what was going on in this girl''s head?!


    Still smiling, N replied, "If they were in my shoes, I doubt they''d be proud to have you as a mother. You sure have a high opinion of yourself, Ms. Kinsey."


    "You''re absolutely ungrateful!" Emerald scolded.


    N nodded in agreement. "That''s right. I don''t appreciate it. So why don''t you just cancel tomorrow''s banquet?"


    Emerald''s face turned stormy, but she remained silent.


    Cancel the banquet? That was out of the question. It was a crucial part of her n.


    Seeing the fury on Emerald''s face, N found it amusing.


    Emerald wanted to use her but also expected gratitude in return. How greedy.


    Delia, sitting nearby, was filled with frustration and resentment. She just didn''t understand Why would her mother stikkesist or introducing N to the world after the way N had just spoken to her?