Faux Vows, True Desires novel Chapter 543

"They're all from those discreet, old-money families," Grandma explained, her eyes twinkling with wisdom. "They may not be as prominent as our family, the Blues, but their wealth is nothing to scoff at, certainly on par with the Porters. Their family values are commendable, and their children are quite accomplished. Especially their heirs, they're truly impressive."

Lucinda listened to her grandma's explanation, her gaze fixed on the profiles of the young men from those families. All of them were single!

"Lucy, the young ladies from these families are around your age. At the party, I'll introduce you to them. Make sure to socialize and build connections," Grandma said with a warm smile.

The matriarchs of these families were old acquaintances of Grandma, and she knew their children well. In her eyes, these heirs were more suitable for her granddaughter than Stefan.

Lucinda and Stefan were already married, their union announced in Pinehurst for all to know. In Skywatch, word had spread that the Blue family's long-lost daughter had married into a billion-dollar fortune. Many whispered about Lucinda's seemingly charmed life, born into wealth, overcoming setbacks, and returning to the life she was destined for.

Grandma, however, wasn't about to reveal her true intentions openly. She wanted to slowly drive a wedge between Lucinda and Stefan, hoping they'd drift apart and divorce on their own.

"Thank you, Grandma," Lucinda replied with a smile.

She understood the importance of integrating into Skywatch's high society. Although her lovely mother was the current matriarch of the Zade family, she'd lost touch with the world after twenty years of mental illness. Now that she was well again, she was determined to divorce Lucinda's father, leaving her with no guidance in elite social circles.

Only Grandma could help Lucinda enter this new world and ensure that no one underestimated the Blue family's newly-found daughter. In Skywatch, Grandma held a position of respect; no one dared to slight her.

Lucinda knew this well, so despite her feelings towards Grandma, she played the part of the affectionate granddaughter. Her resemblance to Grandma in her youth was uncanny. As long as she played her cards right, she could keep Grandma oblivious to her true intentions.

"This list here, just glance over it," Grandma instructed, handing Lucinda another sheet. "These are people you might meet, but you don't need to get too close. In our circle, friendships are usually strategic. If someone doesn't benefit you, be polite but distant. True friends are those who can offer you something."

Grandma's words were pragmatic, subtly warning Lucinda against forming friendships like those she had in Pinehurst.

She was referring to Cecilia. Despite Cecilia's recent rise in status, Grandma believed she'd only gotten lucky because of her connection to Lucinda. Had Lucinda not been entangled in such a dramatic backstory and caught Stefan's eye, Cecilia would never have met Owen, let alone married into the Martinez family.

Lucinda skimmed the second list. To most, these were wealthy individuals, but compared to the first list—those with fortunes in the billions—the second list was filled with merely millionaires. Anyone below a million didn't even register on Grandma's radar.

Lucinda thought wryly, "If a millionaire is considered poor, what was I before? A pauper?"

"Do you need anything for the party?" Grandma asked, her gaze softening. "Make sure you have everything ready—your evening gown, jewelry, shoes. Only the best for you, my dear, so you outshine everyone at the party."

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