Reaching the elite

Gracelyn was busy with her plan. She had to succeed, for the prize was too alluring.

Re-accepting that shameless daughter of hers would bring Nathaniel Woods into the family. What luck that she attracted his attention, right? After all, the Clayton and Woods families were supposed to be close. If only that old geezer hadn't kept his distance, they would have known the old Mr and Mrs Woods. But, since things went how they went, she had to come up with a way on her own.

«Steve, we should call her again,» she said. «Maybe she changed her mind.»

«What are you talking about, my dear?» Mr Clayton muttered while turning the page of the newspaper.

«Lara.»

«Oh. You think our daughter will take our apologies?»

At the word daughter, Gracelyn's lips twitched. However, she didn't say anything. There were more relevant issues at hand.