Slowly, Ruby walked up to her mother and tugged at her sleeves gently, her voice low and deliberate. "Mom, remember he's still a guest?" she murmured, subtly casting a glance at Scarlet.
Then, turning to face her sister with a faux-sweet expression, Ruby added, "Scarlet, you wouldn't take it to heart, right? Mom is just worried about you."
She spoke in a tone laced with false concern, but her eyes betrayed her. While pretending to console, she sent a subtle wink in Lucian's direction.
Scarlet caught it. So did Lucian.
Pauline, unbothered by the performance, waved her hand dismissively. "Why bother if she takes it to heart? She's still the daughter of this family," she sneered coldly, her eyes barely flicking toward Scarlet.
With that, Pauline turned and walked off.
Ruby let out a small sigh, painting her lips with a dazzling smile as she turned her full attention to Lucian. With calculated elegance, she stepped forward and reached out to hold his hand.
