?Chapter 35:


    Elyse kept her voice gentle as she addressed the gathered group. “I’m sorry for themotion, everyone. Debby, let’s get you into something dry.”


    Elena watched Elyse walk away, her eyes flickering with thought. This was the celebration her parents had arranged in her honor, and she refused to let people like Elyse and Debby spoil it. She nned to deal with Elyseter.


    After the onlookers dispersed, Elena thanked the girl who hade to her aid.


    The small ruckus did nothing to dampen the party’s mood. Gatherings like this were meant for men to form alliances and for women to show off their elegance.


    Hoping to impress the Harper family, nearly all the guests had prepared gifts for Elena. Yet, some less-than-sincere guests looked down on her and whispered among themselves.


    “She’s from Foiclens and probably hasn’t seen anything nice. I picked out an unwanted piece of green ss from my old stash.”


    “I just grabbed something from a thrift stall. She won’t know the difference.”


    This insincere group shoved their gifts toward Elena. “Take it.”


    Elena opened the packages and immediately recognized the fake items. Giving cheap gifts was one thing, but handing out fakes was downright disrespectful. They were clearly set on insulting her.


    One person even asked, “Do you like it? We got it especially for you. It fits you perfectly.”


    They exchanged nces andughed behind their hands.


    Elena ced the gifts aside without losing herposure. Trouble seemed to find her whether she wanted it or not. These people weren’t sincere in their gift-giving; they were only present because their elders demanded it.


    Right in front of Elena, they began discussing among themselves.


    “I had nned on going to the Imperial Club today. I even heard Wesley would be stopping by tonight, but my dad forced me to attend this event instead, so I ended up missing him.”


    “Are you serious? It’s been ages since Ist saw Wesley. Is he really showing up at the Imperial Club tonight?”


    “I’m certain he’s there. My sources never fail me. Why, are you hoping to get close to him too?”


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    “Let’s be honest—who wouldn’t want Wesley? Even without his position as the Spencer family’s leader, his appearance alone is dashing.”


    Wesley stood out not only for his high status but also for his striking appearance. The girls’ faces brightened as they talked about him, their eyes filled with admiration.


    Elena thought back to herst encounter with Wesley and had to admit his appearance was undeniably striking.


    At that moment, a red-haired girl suddenly called out to Elena, “Hey, don’t tell me you’re thinking about Wesley too. I’m telling you right now—he’s totally out of your league, so don’t even try!”


    Elena met her re with a calm expression, revealing no trace of emotion.


    An uneasy hush followed, and the girl stepped back, unsettled by Elena’s formidable aura. “Why are you staring at me? You think I’m wrong? Wesley would never go for you, so forget it! He wouldn’t just reject you. He wouldn’t even look your way!”


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