Lemira watched as Mrs. Grace Draven pushed Evelina aside, a glint of mockery in her eyes. Did that "two-faced" girl really think ying the pity card would work on these high-societydies?


    Asher turned to Evelina and said, "Hey,e over here and help us take some photos." Having upset Mrs. Amanda and Mrs. Grace Draven earlier, Evelina figured it was best to keep her distance and avoid further trouble.


    Seeing Asher not standing up for her, Evelina''s resentment towards the Langston family grew. Of course, she wasn''t their biological daughter, so they felt they could treat her however they pleased. If it were Lemira, things would surely be different.


    Evelina clenched the camera in her hand tightly, watching Asher walk over to stand beside Lemira. It was clear he was siding with that viper, Lemira. Today was supposed to be her event, her time to shine, but Lemira had stolen the spotlight.<fn67b6> ???? ????s? ???????s ?? Find?Novel</fn67b6>


    "Evelina, you''d better be smart about this. If you offend the Everhart family and drag us down, Asher might just kick you out," Lucian warned, his words carrying a hint of threat.


    Swallowing her anger, Evelina went over to take the photos. Once the group picture was taken, the event wrapped up. Mrs. Amanda was still surrounded by a crowd, all eager to curry favor with her.


    Noticing Mrs. Amanda''s reluctance to deal with so many people, Lemira approached her, saying, "Mrs. Amanda, why don''t I take you to the lounge for a little break?"


    "That sounds lovely," Mrs. Amanda replied, grateful for the rescue.


    Lemira led Mrs. Amanda and Mrs. Grace Draven to the lounge, having thoughtfully arranged for Mrs. Grace Draven''s favorite brand of pastries to be ced on the table. The Langston family followed them inside.


    Mrs. Grace Draven took a bite of the pastry andmented, "The Langston family''s truedy, Lemira, certainly knows her manners, unlike some who were merely adopted andck any sense of decorum."


    Evelina, standing beside Asher, felt her face flush with embarrassment. Asher quickly said, "I apologize on Eve''s behalf for her oversight earlier. We hope she can apologize to both of you properly."


    Evelina stepped forward, eager to make amends and restore her image. Mrs. Amanda''s tone was frosty, "You should apologize to Lemira, not us. Surely you remember how you treated her earlier?"


    Instinctively, Evelina nced at Mrs. Grace Draven, knowing she hadn''t been alone in slighting Lemira. Mrs. Grace Draven hurried to rify, "I was merely testing the Langston family, not intentionally making things difficult for Ms. Lemira. Who would have thought the Langstons would actually push Lemira to such an extent? I''ve never seen a family like it."  s


    Realizing Mrs. Amanda was firmly in Lemira''s corner, Mrs. Grace Draven quickly distanced herself from the situation. When Evelina tried to defend herself, Asher stopped her.


    "Eve," Asher said, "Mrs. Grace Draven is right. You shouldn''t have acted like that. You owe Lemira an apology." Asher could see Mrs. Amanda was keen on defending Lemira, and he couldn''t afford to offend her.


    Evelina, however, was reluctant. Mrs. Amanda threw the pastries on the floor, "Same as before, pick them up and eat, and this will be settled."


    Evelina''s eyes welled with tears of anger, "But it''s not entirely my fault." Why was she being singled out?


    Mrs. Grace Draven chuckled coldly, "Oh, my. Don''t tell me the Waverlies aren''t aware of the Langstons'' behavior. It''s quite embarrassing to be associated with such conduct."


    Mrs. Amanda added, "I''m beginning to wonder about the Waverlies'' choice of son- inw. Where is Mrs. Waverly anyway? Could it be she''s too embarrassed to show up after what happened?"


    Asher''s expression darkened;


    indeed, Mrs. Waverly hadn''t arrived. He approached Evelina, speaking softly, "Eve, I know you''ve always been obedient and sensible Just do as you''re told this time, and Ul make it up to you."


    s


    Whatever happened, he couldn''t afford to have the Waverlies develop a bad opinion of the Langston family. Noticing Asher''s serious demeanor, Evelina eventually bent down, picked up the pastry from the floor, and with trembling hands, took a small bite before immédiately spitting it out.  s