Samantha looked at Emily, her stern expression softening slightly. She even took the initiative to ask, "Think again—how many points did Jack score on the college entrance exam?"
"Around 1,600, I think? I'm not entirely sure," Emily replied hesitantly.
"Well, that's not bad." Samantha nodded, refraining from excessive praise. A moment ago, she had looked at Emily and Jack with nothing but disdain.
If it had been Knox, Maverick, or Tatiana who made top scholars at Alnewgo, she would have sung their praises without end.
Nevertheless, this was enough to shock the women sitting around them. They had all witnessed Samantha's earlier contempt for Jack and Emily—how she had practically wanted to kick them out on the spot.
And now, here she was, actually complimenting Jack. For someone as proud as Samantha, this was almost unheard of.
A ripple of envy spread through the room, but Samantha paid it no mind. To her, this once-dismissed relative was now someone worth keeping an eye on. The thought lifted her mood, just a little.
After all, even the most powerful family needed exceptional heirs to carry on its legacy.
If Maverick, Jack, Tristan, and Knox became accomplished men, the Lycan family's future would be secure.
"A child's future is the family's future," Samantha said. "It's important to focus on his development. I believe universities here are better than Alnewgo University. If Jack wants to transfer, I can have Norman speak with the dean of Lightfield University."
The women at the table were stunned once again—Samantha herself offering to help the younger generation.
It was clear that her view of Jack had shifted from disdain to recognizing his potential.
Over at the table where Jack and Knox were seated, the mood had shifted entirely.
It was no longer calm.
Knox had always held a grudge against Jack. After the humiliation he suffered earlier, his anger boiled over—he felt utterly disgraced.
His pride had taken a blow. He was already thinking about how to turn things around. Without that, how could he keep his place among his peers?
Just as Jack reached out to take a piece of duck, Knox suddenly moved to snatch it first.

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