The atmosphere in the living room slowly returned to normal after the tea ceremony.
But Emily could still feel the tension in the air.
Sophia stood quietly near the window, her expression calm, but her eyes were cold.
Emily knew that look.
Sophia was planning something.
Alexander's grandfather slowly finished his tea and placed the cup back on the table.
"Well," he said, looking at Emily, "you handled that better than I expected."
Emily gave a polite nod.
"Thank you, sir."
Sophia suddenly stepped forward.
"Grandfather," she said sweetly, "serving tea is a very simple task. Surely that alone cannot prove she deserves to stay in the Knight family."
The room grew quiet again.
Alexander's eyes narrowed slightly.
"What exactly are you suggesting, Sophia?"
Sophia smiled softly.
"I only think that if Emily truly wants to prove herself, she should face a real challenge."
Emily folded her arms.
"And what kind of challenge are you talking about?"
Sophia looked directly at her.
"The Knight Charity Gala."
A few relatives gasped quietly.
Emily frowned.
"The what?"
Sophia's smile widened.
"It is the biggest social event our family hosts every year. Business leaders, politicians, and influential guests all attend."
Emily felt her stomach tighten.
Sophia continued smoothly.
"And this year, since you are Alexander's wife, you should be the one representing the Knight family beside him."
Emily blinked.
"You want me to attend a massive high-society event?"
Sophia tilted her head slightly.
"Of course. Unless you're afraid."
Emily could hear the challenge clearly in her voice.
Alexander spoke calmly.
"That gala is not necessary."
But Sophia shook her head.
"Oh, I think it is."
She turned to the grandfather.
"What do you think, Grandfather? If Emily truly belongs in this family, she should be able to stand proudly beside Alexander in front of everyone."
The old man looked thoughtful for a moment.
Then his eyes moved to Emily.
"Well?" he asked slowly.
"Can you handle it?"
The entire room seemed to hold its breath.
Emily knew exactly what Sophia wanted.
At an event like that, one mistake could embarrass her in front of hundreds of powerful people.
Sophia was hoping she would panic.
But Emily lifted her chin.
"If attending the gala proves that I belong here," she said calmly, "then I'll go."
Sophia's smile deepened.
"Wonderful."
Alexander looked at Emily carefully.
"You don't have to do this."
Emily glanced at him and whispered,
"If I keep running away from her challenges, she'll never stop."
Alexander was silent.
Across the room, Sophia turned toward the window again.
But this time, her smile was darker.
Because she already knew something Emily didn't.
Something that would happen at the gala.
Something that could destroy Emily in front of the entire city.
And when that moment came…
Sophia planned to make sure everyone would see exactly what kind of woman Alexander had married.