Rejected Heiress, Reigning Queen novel Chapter 112

Gillian perked up with renewed arrogance. So what if Emma married Carter?

Inside the Harrington family, Raymond held the most authority.

Carter's gaze turned somber. "Raymond, you—"

"The Harringtons might have their family discipline, but the Vances have ours too."

Marian Vance stepped out from the center of the crowd, walking over to Emma with effortless elegance, though a clear edge of displeasure lingered in her eyes.

"Our precious girl didn't join your family to leech off your wealth. Not only does our Emma avoid picking fights, but even if she did, anyone who has a problem with it can take it up with us parents. If anyone dares lay a hand on her, the wall of medals in our home isn't just there for decoration."

Marian arched an eyebrow at Raymond, her presence radiating absolute authority.

Raymond frowned slightly. How exactly was Emma connected to the powerful Vance family?

"I usually despise these kinds of parties, but since I'm here, I might as well make a formal introduction."

Marian affectionately linked arms with Emma, addressing the surrounding socialites and wives. "Emma is my goddaughter, Julian's junior, and the absolute apple of the Vance family's eye."

She then turned her sharp gaze to Helena Harrington. "I came today to discuss the kids' marriage. They tied the knot so suddenly. While Carter is exceptional, and your family is a top-tier powerhouse not just in the capital but nationwide, our Emma is no slouch either. She's the final protégé of a master, and we raised her like our own flesh and blood.

"Not to mention she's only twenty-three. Most girls her age in this country are still in college, yet she's already earned dual top-tier degrees abroad and is—"

"Marian," Emma interrupted softly, lowering her head as if embarrassed to cut off the glowing praise.

The fewer people who knew about her overseas assets, the better. She didn't want to deal with a sudden influx of people trying to network with her.

Marian caught the hint and stopped listing her accomplishments. "At the end of the day, when two people rush into a marriage, the girl always risks losing more. We are both women, so I'm sure Helena understands exactly how I feel as a mother."

"Emma, you let your godmother spend her money and effort for your wedding, but what about you? Are you just going to hoard all those perks and not spend a single dime?"

Gillian completely missed Marian's polite but firm warning, assuming the woman was just trying to suck up to the Harringtons. Her confidence surged once again.

She glared provocatively at Emma, clinging affectionately to her adoptive mother's arm.

Emma smirked. "Who said I came unprepared?"

She arched a brow, deciding to use this perfect opening to test Gillian and Pamela. Her eyes gleamed with cold amusement. "Actually, I'm quite curious. Nearly all the prominent ladies in the capital are here today.

"I didn't bring my biological mother because I have no idea who she is."

"But Gillian, haven't you already found your real mother? Why didn't you invite her? Are you too scared, or do you just find her beneath you?"