To Ann, Celia was her dearest friend in the world.

After all, that afternoon, the two of them had spent hours chatting away in a cozy corner of the café.

And when it came time to leave, Celia had made a point of adding Ann on

WhatsApp.

But that wasn't all.

Celia had even invited her to visit the Palmer family's castle estate.

And who was Celia?

She was the most beloved daughter of the Palmer family-Valerium's most prestigious noble house.

In The Capital, countless people would do anything just for the chance to meet Celia, never mind actually getting to know her. Most could only dream of seeing her, let alone calling her a friend.

But Ann? She'd not only met Celia, she'd become her closest confidante.

The more Ann thought about it, the more exhilarated she felt; pride sparkled in her eyes.

With Celia as her trump card, Ann was determined to host this afternoon tea. It was her chance to show Daniel just how remarkable she was.

Could Caitlin ever become friends with Celia? Not a chance. Caitlin wouldn't just fail to get close—she'd probably become Celia's least favorite person.

Ann hadn't been able to attend last night's gala, but she was certain it had been a spectacle. No doubt, by now, Caitlin's social reputation in the Neon Spire set was already in shambles.

Just wait-Ann's time was coming. Her era was about to begin.

Amanda paused, blinking in surprise as she looked at Ann. "Which Miss Palmer are you talking about?"

Ann smiled. "Who else? The eldest daughter of the Palmer family-Valerium's most distinguished house."

Amanda's eyes widened, and she struggled to process what she'd just heard. It took several seconds before she finally composed herself, licking her lips nervously. "Ann, are you saying the Palmer family from Valerium? The number one?"

"That's right." Ann nodded, her pride barely contained.

Amanda wasn't the only one bursting with pride; she was positively glowing with it herself.

The Palmer family! In all of The Capital, perhaps only her precious daughter could boast such a friendship.

"Ann, you're incredible!" Amanda exclaimed, then hesitated, lowering her voice. "But I heard Miss Palmer is... well, a little eccentric. Are you sure she'd actually lower herself to attend our tea party?"

Celia's temper was hardly a secret. The media often joked that if she weren't born into nobility, she'd have been run out of town long ago.

So Amanda was nervous. What if Celia decided not to show up?

But Ann was utterly unconcerned. She laughed. "Mom, relax. Miss

Palmer will absolutely come! I've already sent her a personal invitation — honestly, even if I hadn't she'd probably beg for an invite. She wouldn't miss it for the world."

After all, Ann was Tammie's favorite little sister. If Celia wanted to win Tammie over, she'd have to win Ann's approval first. That was just worked, and Cella

the way

Clearly understood that. Why else would she have personally invited

Ann to the Palmer estate?

Thinking of this, Ann glanced at Amanda and added, "Oh, and Mom, Celia actually

invited me to tour the Palmer family's castle in Valerium!"

Amanda's jaw dropped. "Are you serious?"

As far as she knew, hardly any outsiders had ever set foot in the Palmer family's

estate. If her daughter went, she'd be making history.

Ann nodded, grinning. "Of course I am! Would I lie to you?"

Amanda leaned in, brimming with excitement. "So, when are you planning to go to Valerium?"

This was the chance of a lifetime-it had to be seized quickly.

Ann narrowed her eyes playfully. "I haven't agreed just yet."

Amanda blinked again, confused. "Why not?"

Ann chuckled softly. "If I said yes right away, it'd look like I was desperate. I want Miss Palmer to ask me a few more times first."

She wanted Celia to know that becoming her sister-in-law wouldn't come easy. Besides, making Celia invite her again and again would only highlight her own worth. Who else in The Capital could boast that sort of privilege?

Ann's lips curled into a sly smile. "I'm not like Caitlin, who fawns over anyone with

a title. Even someone like Miss Palmer-she's the one chasing after me."

If Caitlin had received a personal invitation to the Palmer estate, she'd have run there in a heartbeat.

But Ann? She'd never stoop so low. That was the difference between them.

Amanda nodded approvingly, her eyes filled with satisfaction. "Ann, you really are my daughter-so dignified!"

Ann's mouth quirked up at the corner.

Amanda pressed on, curious. "By the way, Ann, how did you even meet Miss

Palmer? Why have I never heard you mention it before?"

Ann waved a hand dismissively. "It's a long story. Miss Palmer said she felt an instant connection with me-made me the most important person in her life. Honestly it's not such a big deal. That's probably why

I forgot to mention it."

Not a big deal? Amanda's eyes nearly popped out of her head.

The daughter of Valerium's first family called Ann the most important person in her

life, and Ann thought it wasn't worth mentioning?

Her daughter was far too modest. If Caitlin were in her shoes, she'd have told everyone in town.

That was the difference between a true lady and a country nobody.