Chapter 675

Evelyn paused for a beat. "Of course not! They're incredibly open-minded. Don't waste energy worrying about what others think. Just match Donovan's energy."

In the Sterling family, no one dared to challenge Donovan's authority. Emily exhaled in relief, her lips curving into a smile.

"That's a relief. This is my first time here, after all. My mother drilled it into me—be charming, be helpful, then seal the deal."

Emily sighed dramatically. "But there's literally no stage for me to shine!"

Evelyn and Natalie exchanged glances. Natalie barely suppressed a laugh. "Adrian's girlfriend is refreshingly honest, huh?"

Evelyn chuckled inwardly. Emily had been even bolder in the garden earlier, openly admitting her ambitions to marry into wealth. But this raw honesty? Surprisingly comfortable.

Far better than the sycophantic socialites who littered high society.

"Emily's adorable. My brother's never shown interest in anyone before. The fact that he's smitten with her? Her personality outshines every other woman on the planet."

Emily immediately straightened, a giggle escaping her. "Evie, tone down the flattery. You're making me blush!"

Leo, curled in Evelyn's arms, peeked out with narrowed eyes. Liar. Mean Emily's a liar.

Emily shot the robotic tiger a warning glare. Leo ducked back into Evelyn's arms, trembling. Terrifying.

The group's laughter filled the hallway, oblivious to the figure approaching from the stairs, drawn by the noise.

"Cousin, you're here."

Evelyn's brows lifted. Among the earlier relatives, there had been one polished young woman—barely memorable. New Year's Eve meant Floyd had invited extended family, so Evelyn kept her expression neutral.

"Cousin?"

The woman stepped forward, sweetness dripping from her voice. "I've been studying abroad, so I rarely visit for the holidays. But before I left Montecito, I came every year. I'm Alexandra. We practically grew up together—"

Evelyn wracked her brain. No recollection. Still, she smiled. "Right. Alexandra."

Alexandra beamed. "You remember! That makes this easier."

Her attention snapped to Leo. "Is that a tiger?"

Oh my God. People keep horses, birds, even monkeys—but the Sterlings have a tiger?

Rich people hobbies are on another level.

Evelyn laughed. "It's an AI robot. Not real." She tapped Leo's head. "Say hello."

Leo reluctantly poked its head out, blinking cutely. "Greetings, Madam."

Alexandra flinched. "Madam? Just 'Miss' is fine—"

She reached for Leo, but the tiger went rigid, playing dead in Evelyn's arms. Alexandra's hand hovered awkwardly mid-air.

"Can I... hold it?"

Evelyn hesitated.

Reluctantly, she passed Leo over. Alexandra cradled it eagerly, stroking its fur. A thought flickered—I should take this home.