The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 386

The specialist listens to Tara, his eyes widening in surprise before he nods with deep admiration. Several other specialists and executives are gathered around them, alongside Nathaniel, the shareholder representative.

Spotting them from across the room, Jade narrows her eyes. She is convinced Tara arrived early just to show off and assert her dominance. Tara gotta be dreaming if she thinks she can overshadow her.

Plastering on a sweet smile, Jade loops her arm affectionately through Nikolai's and approaches the group. "What are you all discussing? Is there anything I can help with?" she asks, dripping with fake concern.

Tara bites back a scoff as she watches Jade cling to Nikolai. The fact that Nikolai doesn't find their physical closeness the least bit inappropriate makes her stomach turn, but she keeps her expression perfectly neutral. "You arrived right on time," Tara says smoothly. "Everyone is waiting for your demonstration. After all, you're the botanical genius who saved the company, aren't you?"

Jade beams with inner triumph. Her mother, Jovani, had predicted Tara would use this exact tactic. Jovani knew Tara would doubt Jade's abilities and force her to prove herself in front of an audience. To prepare, Jovani had a covert Neural-Link Earpiece surgically implanted in Jade's ear canal. With Jovani feeding her the answers in real-time, all Jade has to do is repeat the words. The few physical tasks required have already been drilled into her. Handling these executives will be child's play.

Tara rolls her eyes internally at his delusional rambling, opting to stay silent. It is Nathaniel who finally snaps.

"Is your memory failing you, Nikolai?" Nathaniel asks coldly. "Let's not forget that Tara is older. She enrolled in this major first. Jade was the one who followed her." As someone who grew up alongside Tara and serves as a trusted confidant to the Dennis family, Nathaniel knows exactly how the timeline played out. Nikolai has the sisters' college enrollment completely backward.