The faint furrow in his brow was the only reaction he gave, no anger, no censure, no acknowledgment that Tristian had crossed a line. That subtle restraint left her oddly disappointed.
When she realized he had deliberately steered the conversation away from Marianna instead of addressing her behavior, the heaviness in her chest deepened. Something about his silence was unsettling.
A man like Jackson valued nothing more than profit and risk. Marianna’s defiance was the very definition of ingratitude.
By all logic, he should have ordered Tristian to cut her off without hesitation. Jackson was no philanthropist. He wasn’t the type to feed a dog that turned on its master.
And yet he had left her untouched. The inconsistency gnawed at Kayla. What leverage could Marianna possibly have over him?
In Kayla’s previous life, Jackson’s attitude toward Marianna had baffled her. From the moment he met Marianna, he had treated the girl with unusual warmth, even indulging her more openly than his own daughter.
Back then, Kayla had assumed it was all for Tristian’s sake. But now, she saw there was more to it.
Jackson, who ruled the company with cold precision and rarely lowered himself to show personal favor, had no reason to protect a scholarship girl.
The thought unsettled Kayla further. Still, her face remained calm and poised as she turned back to answer him.
She said, “Dad, I wasn’t just helping a classmate. I was thinking about the family’s reputation.
“People know I spend money easily, and that projects strength. It tells them the company is thriving, the future is secure. That attracts business partners, doesn’t it?
“And honestly, there are plenty of rich kids at school. Today’s gesture made an impression on more than a few of them. They’ll all be inheriting their families‘ companies one day.
“Right now, their parents keep them on short leashes, but it doesn’t take much to win their goodwill. A little generosity now could be invaluable later. It’s a cheap investment in future connections.”
Bailee clapped her hands in delight, pride lighting up her face. “That’s my daughter. Smart as can be. What you did is no different from me keeping the society ladies close, like spa days, shopping trips, and afternoon tea. It’s all networking.
“You’re already thinking about building relationships for the family business at your age. Brilliant.”
Tristian gave a short, derisive laugh. “Networking? You’re just kids. You don’t even understand what that word means. It’s pathetic”
Kayla didn’t flinch. Instead, her smile only grew brighter, almost radiant. “Funny you should say that. Sounds to me like all those business management and social relations classes of yours aren’t sticking. Maybe you’re not the quick study you think
you are.”
The jab made Tristian flush crimson. He jabbed a finger in her direction, his eyes blazing. “And what exactly am I wrong about? Tell me. What can a bunch of high schoolers possibly do?”
Kayla laughed outright, a crisp, mocking sound. “Is your perspective really that narrow? These classmates you dismiss will one day be leaders of industries, heirs to empires. Why wait until they’re powerful to start building ties?
“Anyone can flatter success after the fact. The real test is who has the foresight to invest early. For six hundred and fifty
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7:41 pm
Chapter 68
dollars, I’ve already secured friendships that could last a lifetime.
65 vouchers
“Meanwhile, you’ve poured tens of thousands into one girl who now parades around in designer dresses. Tell me, which of us made the better deal?”
She sighed, a note of theatrical exasperation in her voice. “Tristian, you’re supposed to be the backbone of the company one day. I was counting on you to make money so I could live in peace as the lazy little sister.
“But with a vision this small and your perspective so limited, I can’t help wondering if that future is even possible. Honestly, it’s… disappointing.”
田
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