But Samuel still tried to maintain his pride. "I'm worried she'll just give me attitude if I try."
Zelda hurriedly poured him a glass of wine, terrified he would back out.
She smiled persuasively. "She wouldn't do that. Even if she holds grudges against everyone else, how could she hold one against her own father? If you feel awkward about it, I'll be right there to smooth things over. Let's just invite her home for dinner."
Samuel picked up his glass but didn't answer right away.
Knowing he was still hesitating, Zelda didn't push too hard. Instead, she drawled, "Honey, just imagine. If Seraphina and Sienna become close sisters again, with one married into the Langfords and the other married into the Sullivans, what kind of unstoppable status would our family hold in this city?"
Those words struck Samuel right in his most vulnerable spot.
His entire life had been driven by his pursuit of face and social standing.
Though the Simmons family was wealthy, they were still nothing but insignificant peasants in the eyes of old-money titans like the Langfords.
But if both of his daughters married into top-tier families, his path to absolute power would be entirely paved in gold.
At that thought, Samuel's eyes finally lit up.
"You're right."
His tone shifted into firm resolve. "No matter what, Seraphina is my daughter. It's completely natural for me to show concern for her."
"Let's prepare some gifts and invite her over for dinner in the next couple of days."
Suppressing her wild excitement, Zelda replied, "Perfect. I'll give her a call tomorrow and tell her to come home for dinner."
...
First thing the next morning, Zelda enthusiastically directed the maids to prep the ingredients for the evening.
Once everything was ready, she pulled out her phone, found Seraphina's number, and hit dial.

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