?Chapter 32:


    Alexander took Elena’s hand, his voice both authoritative and affectionate. “I’d like to introduce you to some people.”


    They walked toward the main stage, drawing the attention of everyone present.


    Alexander led Elena to the center of the hall. Once the spotlight shone on them, the stage was awash with light.


    Alexander addressed the crowd. “I appreciate all of youing to celebrate my daughter’s homing. This is Elena Harper, the daughter we’ve been missing for years. Tonight, we gather to wee her back into the Harper family. I’ve already transferred five percent of the Harper Group shares under her name. I hope you’ll look out for her in the days ahead.”


    Elena appreciated her father’s efforts. Yet surprise flickered across her face when she heard about the five percent share transfer. She realized her father was being remarkably generous.


    Alexander responded with a slight nod and gently patted Elena on the head. He had noticed how considerate she had been these past few days. Granting Elena those shares was his way of showing that she was their only daughter, free to live as she pleased. She no longer had to carry the weight of everyone else’s concerns. Never again would she suffer in silence.


    The loving scene onstage struck Elyse like a bolt of lightning. She nearly staggered, unable to believe her ears. Alexander had actually handed over five percent of thepany’s shares to Elena! Five percent meant a substantial annual dividend, and Elyse wondered if Elena even knew how to spend so much money. Why?


    Why give it to Elena and not her?


    Jealousy red in Elyse’s eyes as she stared at the radiant Elena onstage.


    Feeling indignant on Elyse’s behalf, Debby muttered, “She just came home and already grabbed all the attention without a shred of respect for you. Elyse, how about showing her what our rules are all about?”


    Elyse pretended to refuse. “Never mind. I can tolerate her. None of you should cause trouble for her on my behalf…” Her insincere words only fueled the tension.


    Debby discreetly signaled to a nearby waiter, then picked up a ss of red wine and headed straight for Elena.


    Malice flickered across Elyse’s face, unaware that someone was watching her every move.


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    Elena left Alexander’s side and made her way toward a nearby sitting area.


    Debby approached Elena quietly, intending to stage a fake spill of red wine on her. Just as Debby raised her hand, someone “identally” bumped into her.


    Debby eximed, “Hey! Look what you’ve done! My dress…”


    Red wine had sshed directly onto Debby’s face. She tumbled to the floor, the wine mixing with her ck eyeliner until her face looked like a muddled painting. It was utterly ridiculous.


    Debby’s piercing voice drew the attention of many, and Elena noticed themotion as well.


    From afar, Elyse observed the stir and couldn’t help but smirk. She assumed that Elena, that wretched woman, had already been sshed with wine.


    The thought of Elena’s embarrassment brought Elyse a sense of satisfaction.


    Still, Elyse chose not to rush over. Her n was to let everyone see Elena at her worst, then stroll in gracefully so her own poise would stand out. She believed Alexander and Jolie would finally realize who truly deserved their praise.


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