Chapter 616 One Down

Priscilla's face paled. She had merely stated the truth: Felix, while not a bad child, lacked Jonathan's brilliance. However, she dared not offend Miranda. With a sheepish smile, she explained, "Ms. Miranda, what are you talking about? All the children in our class are the smartest."

This statement brought a collective sigh of relief among the mothers. No one wanted to hear their child criticized.

Cecilia realized Priscilla’s desire to avoid offense, to be universally liked. She mused that only a person on a money bill achieved such universal adoration.

The gathering continued. Mothers chatted about husbands and children, sharing family joys and tribulations. Cecilia struggled to participate, finding it difficult to remember everyone; she lacked Nathaniel’s photographic memory.

Priscilla stepped forward. "Ms. Cecilia, don't be shy. It's perfectly normal not to know everyone at first. You'll gradually get to know them."

Cecilia, suddenly inspired, asked, "Mrs. Veymar, how long have you been a member? Nearly a year, hasn't it? Do you know everyone?"

Priscilla responded proudly, "Of course, I helped them initially." A wave of desolation washed over her as she recalled how those wealthy wives, once her protégées, now shunned her, refusing communication.

Cecilia asked, "Can you help me compile profiles on everyone?"

Priscilla was surprised. "Why do you need their information?"

Cecilia explained, "I have difficulty recognizing faces. But for Jonathan's sake, I'm willing to make the effort. I'll study their photos until I remember them all."

Hearing this, Priscilla’s doubts vanished, though she wouldn't work for free. Cecilia produced a box. "You've been so kind; I have a gift for you."

She opened the exquisite box, revealing a pair of exquisite emerald bracelets, hand-carved nephrite, worth at least a couple of million.

Priscilla refused, "I can't accept such a precious gift." Yet, deep down, she longed for them. Cecilia knew of Priscilla's Instagram post about a fake heirloom emerald bracelet, given instead to her sister-in-law. Cecilia had purchased these nephrite bracelets specifically. Knowing Priscilla’s husband’s business was small and that getting Dorothy into preschool involved considerable effort, Cecilia avoided overly expensive gifts to avoid arousing suspicion or making Priscilla feel cheapened.

"It's not a lot of money, just over a million. I spend more than that casually. Consider it an insult to refuse."

Priscilla was stunned by Cecilia's wealth. A million-dollar bracelet was unimaginable, yet Cecilia offered it casually.

"All right, I'll accept it. I'll have the information ready tonight," Priscilla said.

"Thank you."

"We're friends now," Priscilla smiled warmly. "Need anything, just ask. I'll help."

In the distance, Miranda conversed with other mothers, occasionally glancing in their direction.