Joy Dalton had been wondering how to steer the conversation toward Sharon Sterling's grades. This was their first meeting with the Valerius family, and academic performance was the most direct way to showcase how much more outstanding Sharon was than Aurora Sterling.
But before Joy Dalton could even bring it up, Nancy Nash took the initiative and asked about their grades. This played right into Joy and Sharon Sterling's hands.
Joy Dalton was inwardly delighted but put on a humble front. "Oh, my daughter is nothing special. Her grades in class are just barely passable."
Nancy Nash could immediately tell Joy Dalton was being falsely modest, but she decided to play along. "Oh, listen to you, Mrs. Sterling. Your standards must just be too high."
Joy Dalton smiled, pressing her lips together, then turned to Sharon Sterling. "Miss Valerius is asking about your grades. Why don't you tell her yourself?"
