"Heh," Phoenix scoffed, her eyes brimming with ridicule. "Work like a horse? Too bad, you're not worthy."
With that, she lifted her chin, her cold voice rising a few octaves to echo across the hall. "What kind of standards does this tea party have? How did you let random trash wander in?"
"Security! Escort Ms. Lucas out," Cora reacted instantly, her face darkening as she gave the order.
Several security guards quickly stepped forward and dragged the sobbing Cassandra away.
Watching the scene unfold, a flicker of disdain crossed Vanessa's eyes.
In her view, the Lucas family's bankruptcy was their own incompetence, and Phoenix only dared to act so arrogant because she was riding Pierce's coattails.
It was all a borrowed bluff. Without a man backing her, Phoenix was still just an unpresentable ex-convict who could never compare to her meticulously cultured Phoebe.
"Phoenix, I'm so sorry you had to see that. I can't believe someone like her snuck in and ruined the mood." Cora put on a warm smile, stepping forward to affectionately take Phoenix's hand and guide her toward the VIP seating.
Phoenix's gaze swept over Cora. She was exactly the blend of gentle and strong that Phoenix had imagined Meredith's mother to be.
Shifting her eyes, she noticed an elegant, luxurious woman sitting next to Cora's seat, looking at her with surprising friendliness.
"Phoenix, I finally get to meet you in person," Lucinda smiled, studying Phoenix with an affectionate tone. "I'm Caspian's mother. Just call me Lucinda."
"My Caspian is usually goofing off, but he praises you to the skies. Also, I have a useless second son who offended you earlier. I apologize on his behalf."
Phoenix raised an eyebrow. Recalling her previous run-in with Cade at the Lumina Jewelry store, she replied calmly, "You're too kind, Lucinda. What happened last time was just a misunderstanding."
Seeing her composed and dignified response, Lucinda's appreciation deepened. This girl had vision.
"Cade Thorne, get your ass over here!" Lucinda turned her head, her tone suddenly freezing.
Cade had been sitting on pins and needles ever since Phoenix walked in. Hearing his mother call him, his scalp went numb.
"Mom..." He shuffled over slowly, his voice as quiet as a mosquito.
"Apologize to Phoenix," Lucinda side-eyed her son with unquestionable authority.
Cade gritted his teeth, turned to Phoenix, and bowed deeply. "Ms. Prescott, I'm sorry. I failed to recognize who you were and offended you. Please be the bigger person and don't hold it against me."
"I just told your mother, it was a misunderstanding. Now that it's out in the open, let's consider it in the past," Phoenix stated evenly, revealing no emotion.
Hearing this, Cade finally let out a breath of relief. He never expected the newly elevated heiress to be so reasonable.
He immediately expressed his loyalty, his tone utterly submissive. "Ms. Prescott, if you ever need anything, just say the word. I, Cade Thorne, will follow your every command."

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Update please........
Please update 10 chapter per day.. tnx...
Why there are no updates after 4 chapters? Please update the chapters. This novel is very interesting and already become my favourite....
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