?Chapter 29:


    At the vi’s entrance, Elyse arrived just in time to see the stream of business cars and hear the cheerful chatter inside. She turned to Ailie McCoy, the housekeeper. “What’s all themotion? What are Alexander and Jolie up to?”


    Ailie pursed her lips, hesitating for a moment.


    Elyse narrowed her eyes, sensing something was off.


    Ailie finally replied, “Mr. and Mrs. Harper are selecting gowns and jewelry for Miss Harper’s uing banquet.”


    Elyse’s face darkened, irritation settling deep within her. Alexander was always preupied, barely giving her any attention no matter how hard she tried to please him. But now that his real daughter was back, he was personally involved in even the smallest details of her life.


    Noticing Elyse’s tense expression, Ailie tried to reassure her. “I’m sure Mr. and Mrs. Harper care about you too. They just feel sorry for what Miss Harper went through, so they’re making it up to her. There’s still plenty of time.”


    Yes, there was time… Time to figure out how to get rid of Elena once and for all. Elyse steadied herself and stepped inside.


    Elyse had assumed they were simply picking out a few dresses. But the moment her eyesnded on the sheer number of luxury items filling the room, her patience snapped. They clearly doted on Elena.


    Overjoyed by her parents’ enthusiasm, Elena casually selected a single set of diamond jewelry, setting the rest aside. She decided she would repay her parents’ generosity in a unique way when the time was right. Elena wasn’tcking in money—her bank ount had so many zeros it was almost impossible to count. umting wealth had be second nature to her.


    Jolie, noticing Elena’s modest dress, brought out an exquisitely designed ck gown with an elegant cut. She looked at her daughter with hope in her eyes. “Elena, how about this one?”


    Elena wasn’t particr about clothes—any dress would do. Still, since her mother had chosen it, she nodded. “I like it.”


    Right after Elena voiced her approval, another voice came from the doorway. “This dress looks stunning. I’ve actually never tried wearing a ck gown before.”


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    Elyse approached and ran her fingers over the smooth fabric and ornate embroidery. It was clear that the most elegant items were reserved for the true daughter of the family.


    Elyse touched the dress briefly, her face a mix of wistfulness and envy, though her tone was gracious. “If Elena wants it, then of course it’s hers.”


    Her gentle manner caught Jolie’s attention, making her realize they might have neglected Elysetely.


    With some hesitation, Jolie asked, “Elyse, do you like this dress too?”


    Elyse, always thoughtful, replied, “It’s fine, Jolie. I’ll just choose one from what Elena doesn’t want.”


    For a moment, Jolie seemed unsure how to respond. She had cared for Elyse during Elena’s absence, and strong feelings had grown between them.


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