Marlene called after her, "You're just putting on a show. I'll watch you falter at the banquet!"

"Is she your cousin?" The quiet woman beside Marlene finally spoke.

"Yes," Marlene answered.

"I thought she was impressive before, but it turns out she's quite ordinary. You're far more charming, Marlene," Flora Myers remarked.

Marlene's spirits lifted at the compliment “She's nothing special, really. How's your father doing these days?

Flora was Vincent's daughter. Despite her father's demotion due to Marlene, she had to maintain a good relationship with the more influential Marlene. So, Flora replied, “Let's not talk about him.

He's been quite down lately."

"You should be there for him; this situation was unforeseen."

Flora nodded. “I've been reassuring him. Speaking of which, I mentioned my boyfriend last time...”

Her boyfriend was vying for control of his family's business, and Flora hoped the Dillon Group could assist.

Marlene found the idea of a woman aiding a man in business struggles amusing but kept her thoughts to herself. “Don't worry, I've spoken to my brother. He'll handle it."

"Thank you, Marlene!"

Meanwhile, Lilah left the store and explored the street vendors, not expecting to find anything remarkable after the unimpressive store selection.

Then, something caught her eye.

“Sir, how much for this piece?" she asked, pointing at an old painting.

The vendor's eyes lit up. “Ah, young lady, you've chosen our most valuable antique. This is a medieval painting, truly priceless!" he began, launching into a persuasive pitch.

The onlookers glanced at the scene and then uninterestedly turned away.

They knew this vendor's tactics well. All of his items were worth no more than one hundred thousand in total.

“How much?" Lilah asked directly.

The vendor eyed her and smiled. “Today's your lucky day, young lady.

I'll make it 150, 000 for you."

150, 20007

Lilah contemplated the offer.

Sensing her hesitation, the vendor quickly said, “Okay, let's make it an even 100, 000. How's that?"