?Chapter 34:


    Debby believed her n was perfect, but Elena proved to be a tougher opponent.


    Elena responded calmly, “That ne is from a Helena line released five years ago—a discounted piece for loyal members, not a premium model. Given how worn it is, I doubt it’s worth more than a hundred thousand.”


    Debby could only stare at Elena,pletely taken aback. How did Elena know so much about Helena’s jewelry?


    Debby quickly tried to cover the ne, but a few bystanders had already recognized it.


    “That’s definitely an old freebie. I have one just like it at home.”


    “Trying to pass off a giveaway as something top-tier? Which family did she crawl out of?”


    “Scamming guests at Mr. Harper’s gathering—she’s ying a dangerous game.”


    Meanwhile, sses clinked andughter echoed around the banquet hall. Elyse noticed the cluster of people forming nearby and assumed everyone had just witnessed Elena’s moment of embarrassment. In her mind, the worse Elena looked, the more grace and dignity she herself would project.


    Wearing a polite smile, Elyse slipped through the crowd. “Elena, what’s going on with you…”


    “Debby, how is it that it’s you?” The scene unfolding was not at all what Elyse had envisioned, and her astonishment slipped out.


    Elyse instantly realized her mistake.


    As Elyse feared, Elena calmly asked, “What did you expect?”


    A brief flicker of unease crossed Elyse’s face, but she quickly shifted to a concerned tone. “Elena, I wasn’t implying anything else. When I saw the crowd gathering, I got worried for your safety. I’m just d you’re all right.”


    Elyse then turned her gaze toward Debby, silently questioning her. Debby’s cheeks reddened as she struggled for words. Admitting she had been caught in a lie was out of the question.


    Acting quickly, Elyse suggested, “Your dress is soaked. Let’s go and get you changed.”


    Eager to escape, Debby nodded immediately.


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    All the while, Elena watched Elyse’s performance. Elyse had known Debby nned to harm her, yet waited until now to appear, likely hoping to see her humiliated. If Elyse had genuinely cared, she would have given a warning beforehand.


    “Stop.” Elena’s tone was indifferent as she asked, “You’re leaving without even apologizing?”


    Those nearby began whispering. Debby bit her lip, keeping her head lowered.


    “Isn’t she from the Scott family? I heard they’re not doing so well.”


    “It might be a freebie from Helena, but it’s still made of quality diamonds. Pretending it’s more valuable is embarrassing.”


    Knowing her family would be furious if they found out, Debby frantically nced at Elyse for support.


    Elyse inwardly chastised Debby. If Debby hadn’t been so obedient, she wouldn’t have bothered with her in the first ce.


    At Elyse’sck of any intent to intervene, Debby grew anxious. “Elyse, I only did this for—”


    Elyse interrupted her. “Elena, Debby wasn’t trying to cause trouble. It’s not proper to leave a guest in drenched clothes, so let’s not make a scene…”


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