" Yulia , we really did have guests last night , " Quincy explained earnestly . " It wasn't on purpose . I didn't mean to turn you away . Please don't be mad . " " I'm not mad , " Yulia said calmly . " Come on . We're best friends - I know when you're mad . " But Yulia's tone remained cool and detached . " I really am not angry ." Quincy could tell she was still upset . " Let me treat you to dinner , " she offered . " No , thanks . I need to go home and practice piano ." " You can practice after ." Yulia was about to say something when she spotted Jake approaching , one hand lazily slung over his backpack strap . He glanced at them and scoffed , " Move it , losers . " Quincy frowned and stood up for her friend . " Jake , that's way out of line ! Yulia's your sister . You shouldn't talk to her like that . " Jake gave Quincy a sideways glance , eyes full of disdain . " None of your damn business . Get lost , bumpkin ." " You- ! " Quincy's face turned bright red . " You're unbelievably rude ! " Jake looked her up and down , then sneered . " And who the hell are you to tell me how to behave ? Country trash like even worth my time ." you isn't Then he turned to Yulia . " You're unbelievable too . No wonder Mom and Dad can't stand you . Your taste is garbage . What kind of idiot hangs out with a hick like her ? " Yulia said nothing from beginning to end . Quincy was on the verge of tears . Her family wasn't rich like the Moores or the other elite circles , but they were still solid middle - class . They had a house , a car , food on the table - comfortably well - off . And yet Jake had the nerve to call her a bumpkin ? It was infuriating . She took a moment to calm herself , then turned to Yulia gently . " Are you okay ? " Yulia smiled faintly . " I'm used to it . " " My heart breaks for you . Having a brother like that ... You should push back . You're his older sister - you have every right to discipline him . Jake's way out of control . " " wouldn't dare , " Yulia said quietly . " Say one wrong word and I get chewed out by my parents . Jake's their golden boy . I'm not even allowed to criticize him . " Your parents are so biased ! " Yulia didn't respond . She'd said enough . Talking to Quincy any further was pointless . " I really do have to practice . If I don't , my mom will start yelling again . " Jake was a little monster , no question - but he wasn't wrong . If she wanted to change her fate , she couldn't keep hanging around people like Quincy . Someone like Quincy had no power , no connections , and no value to offer . If Yulia wanted to improve her life , she needed to make friends with elite daughters from real families - the ones who could actually help her get ahead . In the living room , Grace said to Darren , " Honey , I heard Mr. Errol is throwing his eightieth birthday party tomorrow . Bring me with you . I want to network with the other society wives . " Darren considered it for a moment , then nodded . " Sure . Getting close to them could benefit the company . " " Exactly . " Yulia walked over . " Mom , Dad - I want to go too . " Darren immediately frowned . " What for ? Stay home . " Grace spoke up . " Let her come . She's clearly got no chance with Xavier anymore . There'll be plenty of eligible bachelors at the party . I'll help her find someone decent . " Darren nodded in agreement . " Alright . Whatever you think . " Grace looked Yulia over and said , " Then 'dress up properly tomorrow . Don't embarrass us ." Yulia didn't like the way she said it , but she still nodded . She didn't need the reminder . She would dress her best . " Mom , can I borrow your jewelry set ? " Grace thought for a moment , then waved her off . " Fine . But be careful . Don't damage it - and don't you dare lose anything . " " Got it . " Yulia beamed . It was rare for Grace to be this generous with her . After Yulia went upstairs , Darren said , " We need to marry her off soon . Don't wait too long . Once she's past her prime , the good ones will be gone . " " Of course , " Grace , agreed . " We've spent a fortune on her - good schools , piano lessons , all of it . She has to marry well . That way she can be useful to you and to Jake later . " Darren sighed . " Honestly , Xavier was our best bet . I don't know what that girl did to screw things up with him . He won't even look at her now ." " Forget it , " Grace said . " What's done is done . We can't fix that . " Darren sighed again , heavier this time . The next day at 4 p.m. , Xavier picked Becky up . As they left the clinic together , Mr. John was fuming . His face looked like it had been carved from stone . Becky stuck out her tongue playfully . Xavier took her to get her hair styled and helped her into a new gown . She looked completely transformed . Because of work , she rarely had time to dress up . But when she looked in the mirror , she couldn't help but smile wide enough to show all eight front teeth . " Damn . I look good . " Xavier walked in just in time to catch her narcissistic moment and couldn't hold back a laugh . " Mr. Xavier ." The stylists and makeup artists greeted him respectfully , then quietly left the room .