?Chapter 41:


    Ever since the fake painting incident, Samira’s impression of Elena had soured.


    Now, learning that Elena had purposely forced Elyse to wear an unttering dress and had even incited Alexander to hand outpany shares, Samira’s dislike for her deepened further.


    Had she known Elena’s true colors, she would have advised Alexander and Jolie against bringing her back.


    Javier interjected, “Exactly, Elyse, you should tell Uncle that Elena is no good!”


    Tears streaked down Elyse’s face, making her look utterly pitiful.


    “Elena has suffered so much before. She must think I’m trying to steal Alex’s and Jolie’s affection. Don’t worry about me—today, I’ll just let Elena have her way so that Alex and Jolie won’t be troubled. Though my parents are gone, with your care, I’m already very content,” she murmured.


    A heavy sigh escaped Samira.


    Undoubtedly, Elena was a true troublemaker.


    Still, Elyse remained understanding and held no grudges against her.


    “Elyse, your grandmother has a deep affection for you. I can’t imagine that Alexander would ignore her wishes!” Samira eximed, unaware of the triumphant smile ying on Elyse’s downturned face.


    Bertha’s frail condition required daily heart medication, confining her mostly to quiet rest.


    In the still hours before dawn, Samira, preupied with the fact that Alexander had granted a five percent share to Elena, wandered in search of Bertha.


    Lowering herself to help Bertha into a sitting position, Samira said, “Bertha, if you weren’t so unwell, you would have attendedst night’s banquet.”


    Observing Bertha’s response carefully, Samira noted every nuance.


    Having reached nearly eighty, Bertha had witnessed a lifetime of events, making Samira’s hidden motives transparent to her.


    Once assisted into a sitting position, Bertha coughed lightly and said with a weary voice, “I’m old andck energy. It’s best if you handle the family affairs on your own.”


    Such a response proved intolerable to Samira. She found Bertha’s casual dismissal unsatisfactory.


    Without Bertha’s participation in the conversation, Samira worried how she could ever secure those shares for Elyse.


    After pouring a ss of water, Samira continued, “You are the elder, and we all ought to heed your words. Even if Alexander’s status has shifted, he should still remain respectful toward you. Elyse is your granddaughter. That poor girl has suffered immensely, living at the mercy of others and enduring hardships in silence. You cannot neglect her.”


    Typically, Bertha was cared for by nurses and maids, and Samira rarely attended to her personally. Her early morning visit today was as rare as a blue moon.


    Sensing something was amiss and learning it involved Elyse, Bertha became visibly unsettled.


    “Has something happened to Elyse?” she asked.


    Samira, seeking to manipte Bertha, purposefully overstated the situation.


    She exined, “Ever since Elena returned, she has despised Elyse, not only excluding her but even forcing her to wear an unttering dress at the banquet. Elyse tried not to worry you and kept her suffering hidden. Had I not seen her in tears, I would never have realized the extent of her pain. You may not be aware, but…”


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