Natalia, worried the people nearby hadn't heard her, put on a bashful expression and repeated: "Mr. Reid is interested in our family's collaboration and specifically invited me to visit. I thought I could bring my sister along too, so she could gain some experience."
The people around widened their eyes, wondering if they'd misheard.
Sapphire Valley Villa? Mr. Reid?!
The head of Reid Group invited Natalia over?! What an honor!
"Natalia is going to Sapphire Valley Villa? What kind of project could catch his attention?"
"Probably not the project—more likely the person. Otherwise, why can't Selina go too, even though she's also part of the Clark Family?"
"Haha, Selina isn't saying anything—she's definitely jealous of Natalia!"
Natalia's sense of vanity soared. Yes, this was how it should be: everyone should know that Selina was beneath her. Let her feel inferior and realize the vast gulf between them.
The next moment, Selina blinked. "You're inviting me to go along? Sure, I'd love to see what it's like."
Natalia's expression froze.
Zoey huffed angrily. "Selina, you're shameless! What makes you think you're worthy of meeting Mr. Reid?"
Selina feigned surprise. "Strange. Didn't my sister just invite me? If you weren't planning to take me, then why fake the invitation—was it just to show off?"
Zoey choked on her words. "You—you…"
Natalia quickly intervened, shaking her head. "That's not what Zoey meant, sister. Of course, you can come if you want. It's just… the car is full, so you'd need to find your own way there."
Selina gave a pointed "oh," and replied, "But regular cars can't get into Sapphire Valley Villa. If I have to find my own way, I won't even make it past the gates."
She sighed dramatically, putting on an air of magnanimity. "Next time you want to show off, just say so. I wouldn't laugh at you for it. Why go through all this trouble to pretend to invite me, only to let me down for no reason?"
Some nearby classmates began murmuring.
"Isn't that true? Natalia never planned to invite Selina. She was just showing off."
"Showing off is one thing, but pretending to be close siblings at the same time? So fake."
Natalia's face turned from red to white as tears welled up in her eyes. She spoke in a pitiful tone, "Sister, it's my fault. Next time there's an opportunity like this, I'll make sure it's yours. But this time, Mr. Reid specifically asked to meet me. I'm sorry, truly sorry…"
Zoey jumped in to defend her. "Natalia, why are you apologizing? Some people are just jealous because they don't have the capability. Stop feeling bad for them! You should hurry, don't keep Mr. Reid waiting!"
With a deliberate bow full of faux guilt, Natalia turned and hurried into the car.
The other classmates, wary of offending the Clark Family and Logan, exchanged glances but remained silent.
Zoey sneered. "I've never seen someone so shameless. What are you trying to do at Sapphire Valley Villa? Without my brother, are you going to cling to another man? Let me tell you—there's a world of difference between you and Mr. Reid. Stop dreaming!"
Selina responded nonchalantly, "I'm not the one dreaming. But why are you and Natalia so agitated? Didn't your little show work out as planned?"
"You!" Zoey's frustration boiled over. "Mark my words: Natalia is about to become one of Reid Group's esteemed guests. Just wait and see!"
Selina raised an eyebrow. Natalia and the Carter Family certainly had confidence to spare…
But by family ties, wasn't Zoey Logan's niece? Even if their connection was distant, she shouldn't be addressing him so reverently as "Mr. Reid."
Ding Ding.
Just then, the sound of a phone notification broke Selina's train of thought.
Jack spoke respectfully on the phone:
"Madam, the car has arrived. Are you heading back to Sapphire Valley Villa now?"
Selina blinked and asked, "If I head back now, will I beat Natalia there?"
Jack paused briefly. "...Yes."
"Perfect." Selina located Jack's car and hopped in with satisfaction. "How much has Clark Group invested in the riverside park project?"
Jack replied, "Three hundred million."
Three hundred million... That's likely the last of Clark Group's liquid assets.
Selina's eyes sparkled with mischief.
James was likely meeting Logan to secure investment.
If she wanted Clark Family to suffer a complete loss, she'd need to come up with a plan.
...
Meanwhile, Natalia sat in her car, a professional makeup team already busy transforming her look.
Jillian and Ryan approached, visibly pleased.
"Natalia, you truly are our family's lucky star."
Natalia's upcoming meeting with Mr. Reid was a significant event, and both Clark Family and Carter Family were deeply invested in its success.
Ryan's father, having studied Logan's preferences, gave some final advice.
"Mr. Reid prefers quiet. Natalia, make sure not to be overly lively or noisy—you don't want to offend him."
Natalia blushed and nodded. "Understood, Uncle."
James urged, "Let's not delay—get in the car now."
Natalia sighed softly, then said, "Honestly, I wanted to bring my sister along. Ever since she returned to Clark Family, she hasn't had many opportunities to interact with high society. But she didn't appreciate it..."
Jillian frowned immediately. "Natalia, you're too kind! Someone like Selina, that country bumpkin, doesn't deserve it. She should've been left in the countryside for life!"
"Mother, my sister—"
"Enough, Natalia. Stop bringing up that wretched girl. She disgusts me," Jillian snapped impatiently.
Katie chimed in, "Don't let her upset you. Selina is truly clueless about her place. Yes, Carter Family has suffered because of her, but it doesn't matter. Once Natalia collaborates with Reid Group, no one will dare to talk anymore!"
Jillian's expression softened into a smile. "Natalia is indeed our blessing. All right, get in the car, dear."
As the car pulled away, Ryan's father frowned and scolded, "No matter how bad Selina might be, she's still a Clark Family daughter. Besides, she saved Ryan's life. Watch what you say."
Jillian muttered unhappily, "Saved his life? She thinks one life-saving favor gives her leverage over Ryan? Hah! If only the kidnappers had gotten rid of her back then!"
...
Half an hour later, Natalia arrived at Sapphire Valley Villa.
A servant opened the car door. "Mr. Clark, Miss Clark, this way, please."
Natalia's eyes widened.
This was Sapphire Valley Villa? The mansion was at least five or six times larger than the Clark Family estate. Such wealth, such status...
If only this man could be hers!
At the same time, Selina blinked and mused aloud, "Natalia's here?"
Her computer displayed a news report of James confidently announcing Clark Group's imminent collaboration with Reid Group.
Selina's eyes glinted mischievously.
James must be truly desperate. He had gone so far as to prematurely publicize an unconfirmed partnership to appease the shareholders.
The more desperate James was, the better...
Selina smiled lightly. "Miller Butler, could you do me a favor?"