Chapter 563

Fanny cast a puzzled glance at Ariana, who subtly shook her head in response. Then, turning her gaze toward Flora, Ariana spoke in a measured tone, "Today is Mrs. Harper's birthday celebration. I'd advise you to mind your words, Miss Lewis. Choose them carefully." Her words served as a pointed reminder of the occasion. In such settings, if Ariana were to engage in a public altercation, it wouldn't be her or the other party who'd suffer embarrassment—it would reflect poorly on the hosts. That's why even those with deep-seated animosity maintained surface-level civility at others' social events. Not that Ariana feared offending Mrs. Harper. But should a conflict with Flora erupt, regardless of the reason, the blame would inevitably fall on her shoulders—this much she understood perfectly well. So she kept her temper in check, opting instead for a composed warning about proper decorum. From Ariana's perspective, Flora's presence here could mean only two things: either she had some connect