She said, “No problem. I usually invite Elisa to join me at social gatherings, but she declines. She believes those people are hypocritical and feels too lazy to engage with them.
“But everyone is two-faced in every circle—that’s the reality. For those who can benefit you, you should go all out to win them over. As for those who may not be beneficial and are easily offended, it’s best not to upset them. And for those who can’t help you and are of lower status, you can act superior without worrying about offending them.
“You just have to understand that everyone prioritizes their own interests. Don’t trust others too readily. It’s important to be cautious, but don’t harm others either. If someone tries to harm you, don’t tolerate it. Confront them boldly and make it clear that you’re not someone to be trifled with.”
Serenity nodded repeatedly.
“Why didn’t you ask Zachary to bring you along?” Mrs. Stone inquired, curious.
Since Serenity had come to see her today, Mrs. Stone realized that Serenity was trying to integrate into Zachary’s social circle in hopes of securing a future with him.
After a moment of silence, Serenity responded, “Zachary is quite domineering. I wouldn’t be able to see others clearly if I attended gatherings with him.”
Zachary would be protective of her, meaning no one would dare to provoke her in his presence. Consequently, she wouldn’t be able to discern whether those people were worth befriending.
Since she wanted to be with Zachary for the long haul, she knew she would have to attend social events alone at times in the future. If she couldn’t understand those people, she might easily be deceived or manipulated in those situations.
Serenity was eager to test her ability to adapt to a circle filled with hypocritical and scheming individuals. After…
After some reflection, Mrs. Stone remarked, “That’s true. While the upper classes may appear well-educated, they are often hypocrites. Their actions frequently contradict their words, and some individuals will openly deceive you.
“They are also xenophobic and reluctant to allow others into their social circles. Many wealthy women desire to associate with those from affluent families, but they are often looked down upon.
“The status of the Yorks is evident. As the eldest daughter-in-law of the York family, they may not overtly act against you, but they could secretly conspire behind your back. Since you’ve chosen to commit to Zachary for life, you must learn to navigate these challenges independently. You also need to develop strategies to defend yourself, ensuring you remain formidable even without Zachary by your side.
“This approach will help solidify your high social standing in Wiltspoon, which will be beneficial when you take charge of the Yorks’ household and strive to become a capable wife to the head of the family.”