[ Rats. But the compliments -- well they make her preen a bit. So there is light at the end of the tunnel. Raina will get out of this shitty situation and become something grand -- the angel her grandmother promised. She smiles, genuine and touched, after his words. ]

Well, you must be a man of great intelligence and power yourself. I don't tend to waste my time on things that are beneath me.

[ Raina's ambitions will only lead her upward. ]

Am I doing well in this world? I mean, am I influential...?