The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 194

"Oh, young people always bicker. Let us not take it too seriously!" Lana hastily intervenes, desperate to stop the situation from completely imploding. If she lets this tension fester, Evan's chances of securing the shares will vanish.

"Exactly. Our families have always been close," Deanna eagerly chimes in, smoothing things over.

"We have not had a proper gathering in a while. We should host a party to liven things up," Lana suggests, practically begging for another opportunity to force Evan and Tara into the same room.

"That is a wonderful idea. Jade's birthday is actually at the end of the month, and her father is throwing a massive gala for her. You must all come," Deanna announces brightly. She turns to Tara. "You will be there too, right? It is your sister's special day."

The underlying manipulation is painfully obvious, but Jade is utterly thrilled. She has spent years playing the humble, low-maintenance daughter to maintain her perfect image, depriving herself of extravagant parties. Now that she is finally getting a high-society gala, she wants everyone to witness it.

"You really have to come," Jade smugly insists, her eyes glinting with arrogant triumph. "We are family, after all."

Jade's forced smile instantly shatters. She despises Lucinda. Over the past few months, Jade has used every manipulative trick in the book to sabotage their relationship, nearly succeeding in tearing them apart. The thought of Lucinda parading around at her birthday gala makes her blood boil.

But she cannot protest without looking jealous. Swallowing her rage, Jade silently vows to orchestrate a public humiliation for Lucinda at the party, ensuring Jake dumps her for good.

Catching the fleeting, venomous calculation in Jade's eyes, Tara settles back. This is going to be incredibly entertaining.