Emily followed Alexander downstairs, trying to keep her expression calm.
But inside, her stomach was already twisting with nerves.
If Sophia had prepared a "surprise," it definitely wasn't going to be something pleasant.
The moment they entered the main living room, Emily immediately saw her.
Sophia stood near the large marble table, dressed elegantly in a white designer dress. Several members of the Knight family were already gathered around her.
When Sophia noticed Emily, a slow smile appeared on her face.
"Well," she said sweetly, "the new Mrs. Knight finally decided to join us."
Emily forced a polite smile.
"Good morning."
Sophia's eyes sparkled with something that looked far from friendly.
"I hope you slept well," she said. "After all, living in a mansion like this must be… very new for you."
Some of the relatives exchanged quiet looks.
Emily knew exactly what Sophia was doing.
Trying to embarrass her.
Alexander's voice suddenly cut through the room.
"Sophia, get to the point."
Sophia pretended to look hurt.
"Why so serious, Alexander? I only wanted to welcome your wife properly."
She turned toward Emily again.
"In fact, I even prepared a small test for you."
Emily raised an eyebrow.
"A test?"
Sophia clapped her hands once.
A servant quickly walked forward carrying a silver tray.
On the tray were several elegant teacups and a porcelain teapot.
Sophia smiled calmly.
"Since you are now part of the Knight family, you should at least know how to serve tea properly."
Emily froze for a moment.
Sophia continued smoothly.
"In this family, serving tea to elders is a sign of respect. Surely a wife of the Knight family should know that."
Emily immediately understood.
This wasn't about tea.
It was about humiliation.
Sophia expected her to fail.
Several relatives were already whispering quietly.
Emily slowly walked toward the tray.
She could feel everyone watching her every move.
Sophia leaned slightly closer and whispered softly so only Emily could hear.
"Let's see if someone like you can behave like a real Mrs. Knight."
Emily looked at the teapot.
Then she looked at Sophia.
And suddenly… she smiled.
Sophia's confidence faltered for just a second.
Emily calmly picked up the teapot.
"If serving tea is what the family expects," she said gently, "then of course I'll do it."
Alexander watched her carefully from across the room.
Emily poured the tea slowly and gracefully into the cups.
Not a single drop spilled.
The room became quiet.
Sophia's expression slowly stiffened.
Emily then walked toward the head of the table and respectfully placed the first cup in front of Alexander's grandfather.
"Please enjoy your tea, sir."
The old man looked at the cup.
Then he looked at Emily.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Well," he said slowly.
"It seems someone underestimated you."
Sophia's fingers tightened slightly at her side.
And for the first time since Emily arrived at the Knight residence…
Sophia realized that humiliating her might not be as easy as she thought.