?Chapter 27:


    Then, turning to Elena, Alexander added, “Elena, I’d like you to reim the Harper name. From now on, you’ll be Elena Harper. Are you willing?”


    Elena had no attachment to the Reed surname, so the answer was easy.


    Meanwhile, Cecily and Sylvia returned home, humiliated. They found Benjamin looking drained. “More workers protested at thepany today. How did your meeting with the Harpers go?”


    Benjamin realized they needed financial help from the Harper family immediately—without it, their business wouldn’t survive.


    Cecily hesitated, her pulse quickening under Benjamin’s stern gaze, but before she could respond, Sylvia spoke up first. “Dad, we didn’t get the chance to see Samira today. Thepany’s situation is urgent, and waiting isn’t a solution. Maybe I can ask Darren for assistance?”


    Benjamin nodded approvingly. “You’re thoughtful, unlike Elena, who never thinks about helping this family. We should’ve sent her back to her broke home ages ago.” If they had, none of this would have happened.


    Sylvia smiled softly. “I’m your daughter—it’s only right for me to step up.”


    Pleased with her attitude, Benjamin’s contempt for Elena deepened.


    Cecily, weighed down by unease, avoided his gaze. If he discovered they hadpletely alienated the Harper family today, his fury would be unbearable. Thankfully, Sylvia had diverted his attention.


    Sylvia reached out to Darren. The moment the call connected, her voice trembled with emotion. “Darren, I need your help…”


    Catching the distress in her tone, Darren’s protective nature immediately took over. “Sylvia, don’t cry. I’ming right now!”


    Thirty minutester, Darren pulled up in front of the Reed residence. As soon as Sylvia saw him, her eyes filled with tears, her fragile appearance easily stirring a man’s instinct to protect her.


    “Darren, you’re the only one I can rely on. Elena has…” She let her voice trail off intentionally.


    Darren scoffed. “She’s causing trouble for you again, isn’t she? You’re the true daughter of the Reed family. She spent over two decades living a life that wasn’t hers, and now she still has the audacity to interfere!”


    Without knowing what had really happened, Darren immediately assumed Sylvia had been wronged by Elena. Lowering his voice, he tried tofort Sylvia. “Whatever she’s done, don’t worry. I’ve got you.”


    At this, Sylvia’s lips curved into a smile. This was what she wanted. As long as she yed the victim, Darren’s heart would always belong to her—unlike those cold-hearted men from the Harper family.


    Seeing the anger flicker in Darren’s expression, Sylvia felt a sense of triumph. In the end, Darren’s affection was hers. So what if Elena had be part of the powerful Harper family? That didn’t mean Darren wanted her.


    Sylvia hated Elena with every fiber of her being. That woman had stolen the life of luxury and privilege meant for her, forcing her to grow up in poverty.


    Elena possessed elegance, beauty, and an undeniable presence. She carried herself with effortless grace, always poised no matter the situation.


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