Richard gestured for Lilah to sit beside him, offering her a chance to discuss cultural relics with some of his knowledgeable friends.

Marlene was seething with envy. How had the situation strayed so far from her expectations? Lilah was supposed to be the object of scorn!

“Lilah, you're truly remarkable. I had no idea you were so skilled.

I've visited your house many times but never noticed any unique antiques or paintings," Marlene said, her words laced with sarcasm.

“My grandfather prefers to be discreet. He doesn't like displaying imitations like your grandfather," Lilah responded, unfazed.

The insinuation that Marlene's family hung fake paintings caused a stir among the guests.

Marlene's face flushed with anger. She wanted to lash out at Lilah, her audacious cousin. They were family, yet Lilah seemed unafraid to speak her mind.

"My grandfather adores paintings, even replicas. He treasures them deeply," Marlene hastily clarified, trying to save face.

“Really? I see. Your family must be quite affluent for you to spend nine million on this," Lilah remarked, subtly referring to the painting Marlene had just gifted Richard.

Richard frowned slightly. Nine million? The true value of the painting was just over a million!

While he appreciated art, he disapproved of reckless spending. Wasn't such an exorbitant price simply wasteful?

The others in the room shared his sentiment.

Unable to endure the scrutiny, Marlene excused herself to the restroom.

Brenda warmly took Lilah's arm. "My dear daughter-in-law, your talent is remarkable! To think you can restore cultural relics so skillfully, you truly are extraordinary!"

"I have much more to show. You'll see," Lilah said to Brenda with a smile.

Brenda was increasingly drawn to Lilah's confident air, finding herself more and more fond of her.

As the party progressed, more guests presented Richard with gifts.

Then, Laura suggested a game of chess with Richard. A crowd gathered to watch.

Richard was a seasoned chess player, but Laura held her own impressively. After an intense game, Laura admitted defeat.

"Your skill is remarkable," she complimented Richard with a gracious smile.

"Indeed, Richard is in a league of his own. Losing to him is not a big deal," an elderly gentleman commented.

Richard acknowledged Laura's prowess. "You're quite young, and yet so skilled. Continue practicing, and you'll surely excel."

Laura listened intently, taking his words to heart.

Marlene, who had rejoined the group, sat admiring Laura's talent.