The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 667

"Don't worry, Katie. I don't actually like any of those things. I'm just baiting Jade," Tara whispers back with a sly smile.

"Huh?" Katie blinks in confusion.

"I know that woman has been staring at me, desperate to one-up me tonight. So, I just drove the prices up and let her take the bait. I bet the idiot is sitting there gloating, thinking she stole all my favorite things." Tara can't help but laugh at Katie's anxious expression. She quickly explains her trap. That fool hasn't learned a thing. After being outsmarted so many times, she is still as gullible as ever.

"Oh, I see! Tara, you are brilliant!" Katie finally catches on, realizing her future daughter-in-law is delightfully cunning. This is perfect. A woman has to be sharp and ruthless to survive without being bullied. As an elder, she never wants to teach her kids to be overly forgiving; they need to know how to strike back when provoked.

Across the room, Jade has no idea what they are whispering about, assuming they are just seething over their defeat.

"Jade, don't just bid blindly against Tara. I feel like we're being played," Alec mutters, belatedly realizing they might be acting like absolute fools. It isn't that he can't afford it, but he hates the feeling of being scammed.

"What do you mean? I'm not fighting with her. She's the one trying to fight me and losing," Jade deflects, refusing to admit her petty rivalry. In her mind, everything is Tara's fault.

"Didn't you notice she only drops out when the price gets ridiculously high? Just don't bid against her anymore."

"I... I thought these herbs would be useful for the Dennis family's pharmaceutical business," Jade stammers, shocked that Tara actually played her. She assumed Tara would be desperate for the herbs, especially since Katie is a leading researcher. She thought Tara was doing the same trick, trying to drive the price up, so she planned to bid a few times and then drop it on Tara. Who knew Tara would just instantly fold?

She is boiling with rage! But sensing Alec's rising temper, she quickly uses the family business as a shield.

Hearing this, Alec softens. "I know you're looking out for the company, but we don't need these specific herbs. Just wait for the right categories before you bid."