The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 243

Jade can sense the lingering tension in Jake's demeanor. It leaves a sour, uncontrollable taste in her mouth. Shaking off her unease, she decides to pivot immediately to her second objective. This is the most critical move of her birthday gala.

After exchanging a few superficial pleasantries with her socialite friends, Jade glides toward the circle of wealthy ladies. She intentionally invited a wide demographic to her party tonight. While the younger crowd sticks together by the bar, the older generation prefers the quiet luxury of the seating areas. If she wants to find Lana, she knows exactly where to look.

As she navigates the room, her gaze snags on a corner where Tara and Danny are standing alone. The notoriously aloof Mr. Calhoun is actually fetching drinks and appetizers for her. Anyone with eyes can see the raw, magnetic pull he has toward her.

A vile surge of jealousy claws at Jade's throat. Just wait, you worthless bitch, she mutters under her breath. We'll see who gets the last laugh.

Fixing a bright, confident smile on her face, she buries her envy and strides purposefully toward Lana. Tonight is her night. She is the star of this gala, the one with the power to manipulate the board.

She spots Lana slipping away from the crowd, clearly looking for someone. Recognizing the opportunity, Jade quickly catches up to her.

"Lana, why are you drinking all alone? Are you still upset about what happened with Evan?" Jade asks, her voice dripping with faux sympathy. "Tara has always had such a volatile temper. She's impossible to reason with. I'll ask Grandma and Aunt Kellen to sit her down for a serious talk later."

"Absolutely. She's just playing hard to get right now to inflate her value. But once they... cross that line, they'll officially be tied together. Once she gets what she secretly wants, she'll stop throwing tantrums, and she'll stop fighting my family. My parents and brothers will owe you a massive favor for settling her down."

Jade manages to dress up a despicable, predatory scheme in the language of salvation. Amazingly, Lana buys it, convincing herself she is doing Tara a massive favor.

"Good. Then I need you to coordinate with me," Lana says. As a high-society matriarch, she rarely gets her hands dirty with such vulgar tactics. That is exactly what pawns like Jade are for.