chapter 2

Kristie was still looking smug. Meanwhile, my mom fell silent for a few seconds. She didn't praise Kristie but gave her a meaningful look instead.

I sneered inwardly. She was already trying to take control before she'd even officially joined the family.

The social dynamics in this circle could be cutthroat sometimes. I couldn't wait to see how my mom would handle tonight's gala.

...

When I arrived at the charity gala venue, my mom was already there.

Surprisingly, she really hadn't worn any jewelry. Kristie was standing beside her, wearing a well-tailored cocktail dress that made her look refined and elegant.

But her minimal makeup and simple look seemed completely out of place at the glamorous event.

As soon as she saw me, she rushed over. "Lyria, you're here!"

Seeing me in my evening gown and luxurious jewelry, she couldn't help but raise her eyebrows. She deliberately said in front of my mom, "Tonight is a charity gala with the media everywhere. With such a flashy outlook, what if someone takes your picture? How would you handle the backlash?"

She then covered her mouth deliberately. "Oh sorry, Lyria. I forgot you've been studying abroad since you were little. You probably don't know how things work around here."

Watching her put on this ridiculous one-woman show like some amateur actress made me want to laugh.

"I studied abroad, not on another planet. Of course I know how things work here."

A charity gala wasn't just a simple party. Besides the wealthy donors making their grand gestures, it was also a promotional opportunity for companies.

"If you don't understand the situation here, just keep quiet. You'll just embarrass yourself later."

My words made her face turn red. She looked at my mom with obvious discomfort. My mom frowned slightly. "Alright, that's enough.

"This is Kristie's first time at an event like this. Think of it as a learning experience. Lyria, remember, you're back home now, not abroad. Try not to be so outspoken—people will talk."

I had no idea what kind of "gossiping" my mom was referring to, but I nodded anyway. Whatever made her happy.

After all, she'd be the one looking foolish, not me.

I looked at my mom's dark navy cocktail dress with its floral print and frowned.

"Mom, the fabric of your dress is nice, but that pattern ... "

Catching my skeptical look, Kristie immediately stepped forward. "Lyria, this pattern is perfect. It represents rising above adversity with grace and dignity. The Veynes stand out among all the elite families. Mom, wearing this dress tonight is completely appropriate."

I was about to say more, but my mom seemed impatient. "Enough! You just got back and you're already finding fault with everything!"

I shrugged and kept my mouth shut. Whatever made them happy.

Kristie shot me a smug glance. I sneered inwardly. What an idiot!

This gala was organized by the Emerald Society, and the president's wife, Amanda Vale, absolutely despised floral patterns.

When she was young, her husband had an affair with a mistress named Lily—a woman who called herself "a pure flower" but schemed behind her back.

So Amanda hated floral patterns most of all. My mom had just stepped on her biggest pet peeve.

Showing up at the gala dressed like this while hoping to join the Emerald Society and gather information for my father was absolutely impossible.

I thought about warning her, but seeing my mom's impatient expression, I decided against it.

This time, I'd just let them have their moment in the spotlight. I took a deep breath and said nothing. Then I followed them inside.

...

When we reached the main hall, there were many familiar faces.

Seeing my mom, their expressions were mixed, but they still put on smiles and greeted her.

"Mrs. Veyne, you look so elegant tonight! Such a unique choice of dress. What excellent taste!"

My mom smiled. "Thank you. I wanted to keep it low-key tonight. Let me introduce you to my adopted daughter, Kristie Jynn."

Kristie quickly stepped forward. "Hello, ma'am!"

She greeted them with composure, but the nervousness in her eyes gave her away.

Everyone present had seen their share of drama. Many mistakenly assumed she was an illegitimate daughter. Now they were looking at my mom with strange expressions too.

"How thoughtful of you to bring her along to learn the ropes," one of them commented politely.