?Chapter 71:


    Elena had turned them down.


    Teaching didn’t interest her.


    And as for her credentials—


    Elena finally spoke. “I didn’t study in Foiclens.”


    Feigning surprise, Elyse raised an eyebrow. “Wait, Elena, are you saying you never even went to college?”


    She had been right all along—Elena did not have a degree.


    What qualifications did Elena have topete for Leopardex?


    Even Samira looked taken aback.


    Her expression shifted to one of increasing disdain. “You didn’t go to college? Even if you had terrible grades, you could’ve just bought your way in. Forget about Leopardex—even T Jewelry requires a degree for employment. If you show up like this, you’ll only bring shame to the Harper name.”


    Samira then turned to Bertha. “Bertha, are you seriously considering handing Leopardex to Elena? Elyse actually studied jewelry design at the Arts University—why not let her take over? She’s clearly the better option.”


    Bertha didn’t acknowledge Samira’s suggestion.


    Instead, she turned to Elena. “Elena, is there a particr school you’d like to attend? If you prefer, you can study first and take over the businesster.”


    “Bertha—”


    Samira frowned.


    “That’s enough.”


    A sharp nce from Bertha silenced Samira immediately.


    Concern was evident in Bertha’s gaze as she looked at Elena. Something about it reminded Elena of She Reed—the only person from the Reed family who had ever truly cared for her.


    Elena’s expression softened. “It’s alright, Grandma. I actually earned my Ph.D. from Imperial University three years ago.”


    At sixteen, Elena—under the name Helena—had enrolled at Imperial University, securing multiple international awards. Shepleted her studies in just four years and was awarded a Ph.D. ahead of schedule.


    “Imperial University?!” Samira gasped. “That’s one of the top universities in the world. How could you have possibly gotten in?”


    Elena was only twenty-three—how could she already hold a Ph.D.? It didn’t make sense. She had to be lying.


    Elyse’s lips pressed into a thin line, her tone serious. “Elena, there’s no need to fabricate your academic history. Do you really expect us to believe that? Getting into Imperial University is already a challenge, let alonepleting a doctorate. You’re insulting our intelligence by making such a im.”


    Rather than arguing, Elena simply held up her phone, disying her graduation certificate.


    The text on the screen was crystal clear.


    “Take a good look. If you still can’t read it, maybe you should get your eyes checked.”


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