Chapter 348

• I smiled, though behind my calm exterior, I was mentally grinding my teeth. The things I put up with for the sake of optics.
• Still, I kept my tone composed and gracious. “You’re absolutely right, Mother. Business does have its ups and downs.” I let a small pause settle between us before shifting the conversation, casually, like a knife sliding through silk.
• “Oh, by the way… Do you and Grand Princess Hazel split the profits from The Gilded Tower evenly? Did you sign a formal agreement when you launched the business? And since the opening how often do you review the financial statements?”