Valerie finally stepped forward, placing herself half a step in front of Jester.
"Stop," she said firmly." I will not allow you to speak like that about my family, or about me."
Ivanka studied Valerie for a long moment.
Then she smiled cold, satisfied.
"You're free to be angry," she said. "But in the end, you're still here because of the Duke's generosity."
She tilted her head.
"And don't misunderstand generosity doesn't always last."
Silence fell.
Jester looked at Valerie, then back at Ivanka.
"If you think stepping on others will secure your position," he said quietly, "you've chosen the wrong targets."
Ivanka did not respond. She merely looked at them both for a moment, then turned and walked away with calm, measured steps as if she were the one who had won the exchange.
Only after Ivanka had gone did Valerie realize her breath was shaking.
Jester looked at her.
"Does she do that often?" he asked softly.
Valerie did not answer right away.
She only gave a small nod.
