Chapter 4

Mom immediately warned me:

“Scarlett, that’s your father’s seat at the head of the table! You can’t sit there!”

“They’re not actually going to eat—this is a test of dining etiquette.”

My heart skipped a beat. I waved my hands at Alfred.

“That’s my father’s seat at the head of the table. When will he be joining us?”

Alfred gave me an approving smile.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Valerie grind her teeth in frustration.

I didn’t dare gloat, focusing intently on Mom’s instructions.

With Mom’s help, I aced this round.

When pouring wine for Mr. Thorne, my experience as a waitress let me serve without spilling a drop.

During the meal, my utensils made no scraping sounds against the plate.

After the meal, as Alfred led us downstairs, I noticed five fewer competitors.

They'd been forced to sign inheritance waivers and left dejectedly with $200,000.

Valerie jabbed my back, sneering:

"Scarlett, don't get too cocky. You'll be out soon enough!"

I wasn't timid anymore. I shot back coldly:

"Valerie, you'd better watch yourself. If I win, first thing I'll do is lock you in that dusty, rat-infested storage room."

"Scarlett, you're asking for it!" Valerie's face turned red, and she raised her hand to slap me.

Mr. Thorne suddenly stopped, his gaze sweeping across our faces:

"Before we continue, I have a serious question for all of you."