Tanner, dressed in a black suit, stood with his hands behind his back at the top of the stairs, watching the three people in the hall with an expressionless face. His gaze was as vigilant as if he were guarding against intruders.
Nora, feeling irritated, bit her lip and glanced towards the direction of the second floor. Her voice carried a sour tone as she spoke, "Dad, I told you we shouldn't have come. Cheyenne doesn't care about you at all."
From the moment they entered, no greetings or even a glass of water had been offered. George was already feeling slighted, but Nora's direct accusation only added to his frustration.
"Enough! Do you need to remind me?" George replied with irritation. "You have the time to say all this here. Instead of criticizing Cheyenne, why don't you learn how to deal with wealthy people? Other than a good reputation, you haven't brought any substantial benefits. I even spent quite a lot of money in cultivating you."
Nora, listening to her father's "criticism," felt a strong desire to prove herself. Someday, she would make Cheyenne kneel at her feet and become her subordinate. She wanted her father to know that the Lawrence family still needed her to uphold their status.
"Isn't it just about making connections? If a woman is bold enough, there's nothing she can't achieve. And my body is my biggest asset."
She suddenly remembered a business card that Teagan Parry had given her a long time ago, tucked into her pocket. Nora clenched her fists as if she had made a resolution.
Malaya wanted to speak up for her daughter, but her earlier actions had already earned her a warning glare from her husband. If she continued to go against his wishes, she might become the target of his anger.
"Alright, Nora, don't make your dad angry. Dear, let's go upstairs and see Master Iker. Since we're here, it would be impolite not to pay our respects," Malaya suggested.
George had the same idea when they were walking upstairs earlier. Now, Malaya's suggestion perfectly aligned with his intentions. He adjusted his clothes and said, "Let's go, we should greet Master Iker."
However, just as the family reached the staircase, Tanner stopped them.
"What are you doing?" George demanded, his anger clear in his eyes.
Tanner remained undaunted, standing tall and locking eyes with George. "I'm sorry, Mr. Lawrence. Miss Lawrence ordered that no one is allowed to go upstairs without her permission."
"Do you know who I am? I'm her father! Do I need permission to go upstairs in my own daughter's house?!" George exclaimed, exasperated.
He had been living in this house for over twenty years, and Cheyenne hadn't even been born when they moved in. Now, he was being denied access by his own daughter. Such a dutiful daughter!
Tanner remained composed, and with a look of disdain, he addressed the three of them sternly. "Miss Lawrence ordered that certain individuals have sticky fingers. Even when they're having tea in the living room, I have to watch over the teacups. This cup is an antique..."
As soon as he mentioned "certain individuals," Malaya's elegant face flushed with anger, and Nora turned pale with embarrassment. Cheyenne seemed to be treating them as thieves, which was infuriating.
With that, if she stayed any longer, it would be too undignified.
"Dad, let's go," Nora said.
George was also angry as he turned away, but while passing through the living room, he took a deliberate glance at the so-called "antique teacup" to see just how precious it was.
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