Simon led the two girls into the parlor.
Inside, Clarissa Everhart was in the middle of a high-stakes game of Texas Hold'em with a few friends. Seeing them enter, she signaled the dealer to hold the cards and stood up to welcome her guests.
"Mina, why didn't you let us know you were coming?" Clarissa asked, her eyes curiously sweeping over Vivienne. "If I'm not mistaken, you must be the Ravenshire heiress, Vivienne?"
Clarissa had met Vivienne before. At a Ravenshire banquet three years ago, Vivienne's opening dance had left a lasting impression on her.
"It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Everhart. I'm Vivienne Lexton."
A hint of sheer admiration flashed in Clarissa's eyes. She had thought the girl was still a bit green three years ago, but she had unexpectedly blossomed into someone truly stunning.
"What a sweetheart," Clarissa greeted them warmly, gesturing for them to sit as the maids bustled about, pouring tea and setting out fruit platters.
Mina glanced toward the second floor. "Mrs. Everhart, where is Sophia? We had a project presentation at school today, so I brought her the materials."
Clarissa easily saw through the young girls' intentions. She patted Mina's hand gently. "That's very thoughtful of you."
She then turned to a maid standing nearby. "Where is she? Didn't I ask you to bring her down ten minutes ago?"
The maid looked troubled. She leaned in close to Clarissa and whispered, "Mrs. Irving Everhart refused to let her see guests. She said... she said her daughter only became so disobedient because she started hanging around with a bad crowd."
Clarissa's expression shifted slightly. Wasn't this just absurd?
Mina stared at the two women. "Mrs. Everhart, is everything okay?"
Clarissa quickly softened her features. "Sophia caught a chill last night and isn't feeling well right now. She appreciates your kindness, but maybe you girls can get together in a few days when she's recovered?"
"I see..."
Mina pretended to take a sip of water, her eyes darting over to Vivienne.
Vivienne stood up, her tone completely unapologetic. "Why are you looking at me? Let's go. If she refuses to see us, why should we bend over backward for someone giving us the cold shoulder?"
Mina choked on her water, sputtering as she stared at Vivienne in shock.



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