Unfortunately, although handling this matter covertly was necessary, it also meant Emilia's actions didn't really deter anyone else from approaching her.
Both Dixie and Emilia handled them as gracefully as they could, while trying to appear neither overbearing nor subservient.
The ones who did come were the minority, however. Most adults remained separated from the younger generation, mingling between themselves instead.
Emilia could tell that none of them attached any real importance to her. Not to mention the ones who didn't even bother, this also included the ones who did come over to greet her.
Mrs. Rotschchild was not an exception in her attitude, she was just too blunt and forward with expressing it.
And indeed, although she was still the 'center of attention' among the adults, their remarks were anything but pleasant.
"Hoho, Mrs. Sullivan, are you not going over to greet our shining little star over there?"
The one speaking was the wife of a large-scale transportation company's head, Mrs. Porter. And the lady she was facing was the wife of a major political figure who had once even taken the seat of 'Minister of Finance'.
It was no joke to say that even top figures like Mr. Black would have to treat her with respect.
Compared to her husband, who was eloquent and careful with his words, Mrs. Sullivan was known for being brash and caustic, speaking her mind openly without a care for the repercussions.
It had to be said that Mr. Sullivan knew how to turn the public opinion in his favor, because even his wife's brash behavior ended up casting him in a positive light. The public image he had built was of a good husband who let his wife do as she pleases, even when it might cost him his career.
"Tsk, don't be ridiculous. It's just the second daughter, not even worthy of being a mistress for my son."
Mrs. Porter laughed, though there was some envy deep within her as she thought of how even what this lady considered unworthy was already unattainable for her. Because even a one percent share in the White Deer Corporation was worth more than her husband's entire fleet of trucks.
No matter how little Mr. White cared for this second daughter of his, he wouldn't let her go completely empty handed, right?
"Ahahahaha… you're as ruthless as ever, Mrs. Sullivan. If that little doll heard you, she'll probably go bawling about it straight to her Daddy. Wouldn't that be bad?"
Mrs. Sullivan scoffed, not even bothering to mask her disdain. "Will Mr. White even care? If he cared about her, he wouldn't expose her to public scrutiny like that, would he?"
And it was clear from her tone that even if he did hear about it and held it against her, she wouldn't really care. After all, anyone not in the ruling party was as good as a peasant to her.
Mrs. Porter chuckled nervously. "True, which one of us cannot make our children a public figure if we want? But it brings more harm than good."
Mrs. Sullivan nodded. "The top of the top in the business world are there for a reason, after all. Mr. White is so ruthless, even to his daughter. My husband would never do such a thing to his family. Really, you people are far too 'cutthroat', there's no bottom line at all."
Although the barb was aimed at Mr. White, as part of the business circle herself, Mrs. Porter still felt a little miffed. Even so, her rebuttal had to be carefully worded so as not to offend this mighty lady, otherwise, all her bootlicking for the past few months would completely go down the drain.
"Well, you can't blame him. She's just a spare, second daughter. When will she even be of use? He treats his real daughter very well, and that's all that matters."
Mrs. Sullivan smirked. "Speaking of her, I heard your son's been trying quite hard to get an executive position at the White Deer's? Could it be... you plan to win her over? Tsk tsk, aiming quite high, aren't you?"
Mrs. Porter felt her back break out in a cold sweat. 'How does she know that?!'
"D-Don't joke around, Mrs. Sullivan. That rebellious son of mine is just seeking his own path, and wants to build his career by himself. It has nothing to do with us."
"Ah, since Mrs. Porter says so, it must be true. Let him do as he pleases then, I guess I don't need to help him, after all."
"H-Help? You can help?"
Mrs. Sullivan smiled confidently. "Who do you think I am?"
==========
Even if Emilia heard them, however, she wouldn't find their words so strange.
After all, it was true that she was only the second daughter. Even if the control of the White Deer family didn't fall into the hands of the eldest 'son-in-law' in the future, it would still not be hers. Just based on this alone, her true 'value' among the elites dropped by a significant margin.
To these people, she was at most a pretty little doll who could be handed out a small chunk of shares, and it wasn't even guaranteed if it would be 0.1% or 5%. Either way, White Deer's decisions had nothing to do with her.
Even this little publicity stunt of rescuing trafficked children was probably just the White Deer using her as a puppet. How could attracting so much attention be a good thing for such a young girl?
Just like Mrs. Sullivan, most of the top echelon thought that Mr. White's decision to use his second daughter in this publicity stunt just goes to show how little he cared for her well-being. Instead, Samantha was clearly the one being nurtured as the one who will take over his business in the future.
There was no need to cater too much to this disposable little doll.
Of course, the younger generation was free to form their own opinions and plan out their own moves.. After all, this could also be considered a learning experience for them.