?Chapter 108:
Ruben and Louisa’s curiosity radiated through the room, drawing everyone’s attention to Elliana.
The Evans family boasted exceptional talent, but making significant achievements at just ten years old? That had been Cole’s domain. Until now, no one else had reached such heights.
Who would have imagined that Elliana, once dismissed as an ugly nobody, would aplish such an impressive feat?
Unable to reveal the authentic story behind everyone’s inquiries, Elliana kept her exnation simple. “I just enjoy sketching and experimenting with different drawings. Never thought much about it, really. A family friend, Mr. Norris, submitted my work to the contest.” The Mr. Norris that Elliana mentioned was actually Leonel Norris, Adah’s father.
Elliana’s mother, Rita, and Adah’s mother, Sally Norris, had been close friends years ago, which meant Leonel and Rita knew each other well, and their families maintained strong connections. After both Rita and Sally passed away, Leonel asionally visited the Jones estate to check on Elliana’s well-being.
Now that Elliana had attributed her sess to Leonel’s intervention, none of the Evans family questioned her exnation.
After hearing Elliana’s ount, Ruben nodded with genuine admiration. “No mentor, difficult upbringing, and yet you’ve achieved remarkable sess at ten through sheer determination. You’re truly extraordinary!”
Noticing Jeff’s sullen expression, Ruben struck him lightly with his cane. “Elliana became a star at ten years old. You’re eight, doing nothing but eating, sleeping, and ying around. What a disappointment!” Jeff was stunned. How had he be the target of criticism simply for remaining quiet?
Ruben showed no concern for Jeff’s wounded feelings. He turned toward Irene, his voice firm and unwavering. “Tomorrow, transfer all your responsibilities to Elliana. She manages a major brand. She’s more than capable of leading our household. No need for an extensive transition period.”
Upon hearing this directive, Irene’s heart sank with reluctance, but she dared not object, responding obediently, “Yes.”
Irene had managed the Evans household for years. Now, surrendering control to Elliana, someone she had always looked down upon, felt like a bitter pill to swallow.
?????????????? ?????? ?????????ν????????????
Elliana swallowed. She would have to follow her own instructions, and the mere thought constricted her chest.
Elliana felt no enthusiasm about assuming leadership, but Irene had been a constant source of aggravation since day one. To prevent further conflict, she preferred not to leave Irene in a position of power, so she epted the offer without resistance.
After settling the leadership transition, Ruben smiled warmly at Elliana. “Come upstairs with me, Elliana. I have several private matters to discuss.”
“Certainly,” Elliana replied. She rose from her seat and assisted Ruben up the stairs.
Once Ruben departed, Irene exhaled deeply and immediately shot Louisa a venomous re.
Louisa had previously avoided Irene’s wrath, but today she responded with a sly smirk. “Why are you looking at me that way, Irene?”
“Hmph!” Irene scoffed derisively. “Do you think you can suddenly disrespect me now that I’ve lost my position?”
“Where is this hostilitying from?” Louisa asked, feigning innocence.
“Drop the pretense! I may have lost the matriarch title, but I can still put you in your ce. Mind your behavior, or you’ll face consequences.”
“That’s rather harsh,” Louisa remarked with coolposure. Unlike the temperamental Irene, Louisa maintained herposure, choosing her words carefully.
Even threatened by Irene, Louisa avoided direct retaliation. Instead, she turned toward Bertram. “You witnessed everything, Bertram. I never disrespected Irene, yet she’s attacking me unprovoked. Are you going to allow this behavior?”
Bertram had never appreciated Irene’s blunt, argumentative manner. Shecked the refinement and elegance of his first love.
Being called out by Louisa before everyone made Bertram flush with embarrassment. He directed an icy stare at Irene. “If you’re restless, go take an evening jog. Stop creating drama like somemon fishwife!”
Irene began to protest, but Bertram’s severe expression silenced her instantly.
Louisa had clearly identified Irene’s vulnerabilities and exploited them masterfully, leaving Irene defenseless. Bertram offered no support whatsoever.
Humiliated by Bertram’s cutting remarks, Irene fought back tears as she hastily retreated upstairs.
Louisa allowed herself a subtle, satisfied smirk. After enduring years of Irene’s mistreatment, this moment of retribution felt particrly gratifying.
She recognized that Irene harbored intense dislike for Elliana and resented relinquishing control. With Elliana’s Rosa revtion, Louisa seized the perfect opportunity to deepen Irene’s wounds, and her strategy seeded brilliantly.
Everyone observed the power struggle between Irene and Louisa, yet nobody dared toment.
“I wonder how Cole is managing. Did he encounter any difficultiesst night?” Trinity suddenly interjected.
Trinity, unwilling to let Elliana bask in her Rosa fame, cleverly mentioned Cole to redirect everyone’s attention.
Humiliated by Bertram’s cutting remarks, Irene fought back tears as she hastily retreated upstairs.
Louisa allowed herself a subtle, satisfied smirk. After enduring years of Irene’s mistreatment, this moment of retribution felt particrly gratifying.
She recognized that Irene harbored intense dislike for Elliana and resented relinquishing control. With Elliana’s Rosa revtion, Louisa seized the perfect opportunity to deepen Irene’s wounds, and her strategy seeded brilliantly.
Everyone observed the power struggle between Irene and Louisa, yet nobody dared toment.
“I wonder how Cole is managing. Did he encounter any difficultiesst night?” Trinity suddenly interjected.
Trinity, unwilling to let Elliana bask in her Rosa fame, cleverly mentioned Cole to redirect everyone’s attention.
.
.
.