Miranda’s expression snapped the moment those words left Felix’s mouth.

“That’s what your father told you?” Her voice turned cold, sharp enough to cut.

Felix shrank back a little but still nodded. “Yeah… Dad said we don’t have to try that hard.”

A flash of irritation crossed Miranda’s eyes.

“Useless,” she muttered, though it wasn’t clear if she meant Felix—or Adrian.

She leaned forward slightly, her tone hardening.

“Listen to me carefully. That kind of thinking is exactly why your father will never measure up to people like Nathaniel.”