The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 530

"The real heiress is standing right beside me," Danny continues, his voice sharp and unrelenting. "What is she? Just a squatter who crashed at your estate for a decade."

Jade lacks the refinement, education, and grace of true high society. She reeks of petty insecurity, entirely different from a genuine, confident woman like Tara. The fact that the Dennis family treats such a fraud like royalty proves they are completely blind. The more they disregard Tara, the more Danny refuses to give them an ounce of respect. Respect is earned, and they have done nothing to earn his.

Nikolai clenches his fists. He never expected Danny to show such blatant disrespect. Yet, he knows the terrifying weight of the Calhoun empire; he cannot afford to start a war here. Taking a deep breath, he tries to salvage the situation. "Mr. Calhoun, tonight is an important event. Please, let's not make a scene."

"I'm making a scene?" Danny scoffs. "Your are embarrassing yourselves here. If it weren't for my respect for Tara, I wouldn't waste another breath on you."

Nikolai grinds his teeth. It is painfully obvious that Danny is fiercely protective of Tara, and that loyalty translates into pure hostility toward the rest of the Dennis family. Nikolai recalls Alec warning him not to clash with Danny, noting the billionaire's arrogance and sharp tongue. Nikolai hadn't taken the warning seriously. The Dennis family is powerful in Capital City; he assumed standard high-society courtesy would prevail, just as it does in their strained but polite dealings with the Jewell family.

"Nikolai, I'm so sorry," Jade whimpers, instantly defaulting to her victim persona. "It's all my fault that you and the family are being insulted. I know Tara hates that I live at home. I should just move out so she can come home. Maybe then she'll stop being so angry."

Despite being verbally shredded by Danny, Jade remains blindly confident in her own delusions. She refuses to believe Danny genuinely hates her. In her twisted mind, there is only one explanation: Tara must be poisoning his mind with lies behind closed doors.