Chapter 303
Ann fired off three questions in a row, worried her mother might have misheard.
This was the Sylvester family they were talking about!
The most powerful household in all of Eldermere.
And Master Ninth he was a legend in the business world, a force of nature, someone so dazzlingly out of reach that even before thirty, he had already performed miracles in the corporate arena.
Ann never even dared to dream about someone like him.
But now.
The Sylvester family was actually moving to the Capital.
And Beatrice herself was coming to the city to choose the future matriarch of the Sylvester family. For Ann, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The perfect chance.
She was beautiful, intelligent, and capable-surely the ideal candidate in Beatrice’s eyes.
“Everyone’s saying it, so I think it must be true. After all, rumors don’t just come out of nowhere,” Amanda narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. “Ann, you need to be ready. Once the Sylvesters arrive, they’re bound to make some big moves p>
“I understand, Mom.” Ann nodded.
She glanced at Daniel.
Daniel was impressive in his own right.
But compared to Master Ninth, he was still a little too young, a little too green.
What a pity.
He’d have to settle for being her backup plan.
A devoted guy like Daniel would probably stay single for her, pining away his whole life.
That was fine by her.
Men would do anything for the women they adored.
When the time came, she’d treat Daniel as a stepping stone.
And not just any stepping stone-a first-class one.
The thought of a boy so many other girls yearned for, reduced to trailing after her and becoming just another rung on her ladder, filled Ann with a smug satisfaction. The corners of her lips curled into a triumphant smile.
Meanwhile, Keira was still introducing Caitlin around the party.
Caitlin didn’t seem to mind, following Keira closely from one group to the next. “Keira, Miss Gonzales p>
A woman’s voice called out from behind them.
Keira turned.
It was Sally. And from the look in her eyes, she’d come prepared.
Keira glanced at Sally, then introduced her to Caitlin. “Freya, this is Miss Lowell from Crestfall City’s Lowell Group. She studied abroad with your cousin p>
“Nice to meet you, Miss Lowell.” Caitlin greeted her politely.
Sally nodded, offering her hand for a handshake. “Miss Gonzales, it’s a pleasure. I’m Sally p>
She raised her voice just enough for the nearby guests to hear. “I’ve heard that although Miss Gonzales grew up in the countryside, she has none of the roughness one might expect. In fact, she’s remarkably talented, and accomplished in music, the arts-you name it p>
Heads turned. People across the ballroom glanced over, waiting for Caitlin’s response.
Regardless of Caitlin’s background, she was the only granddaughter and sole heir of the Gonzales family. If she didn’t have at least a few shining qualities, what did that say about her?
If she couldn’t even handle someone like Sally, how could she possibly take over Gonzales Holdings one day?
Tonight wasn’t just Caitlin’s welcome party.
It was her perfect opportunity to prove her worth to everyone.
Caitlin could see that Sally was out for blood, but she just smiled, dimples
appearing on her cheeks, completely unruffled. She looked Sally straight in the
eye, her lips curving gracefully. “You flatter me, Miss Lowell. I only have a passing knowledge of music and the arts p>
Sally’s eyes gleamed with thinly veiled mockery.
She’d done her homework on Caitlin.
According to her research, aside from a failed marriage, there was nothing remarkable about Caitlin at all.
Someone so plain, claiming to be skilled in the arts? Laughable.
Sally pressed on, “You’re too modest, Miss Gonzales! I’m impressed. So, which of the arts do you excel at the most p>
“They’re all about the same,” Caitlin replied, completely unconcerned by Sally’s pointed questioning.
Sally’s smile grew sharper. “In that case, you must be a talented chess player, too p>
Caitlin nodded, “I suppose I’m not bad p>
Sally’s smile widened. “What’s your specialty, then? Chess or checkers p>
“I can play both, but chess is my favorite p>
“Well,” Sally feigned surprise, “what a coincidence! Did you know I’m a retired chess player? I made a bit of a name for myself internationally, though that was all in the past. They say it’s rare to find a true match at the board. Would you do me the honor of a game, Miss Gonzales p>
“Of course p>
Sally’s lips curled in satisfaction. “But you know, a match is always more interesting with a little wager. If you lose, how about you give me the Azure Mermaid’s Tear-the one the Richards family head gave you-as my prize p>