?Chapter 114:


    Elyse couldn’t bring herself to meet Jeffry’s and Elena’s prating gazes, instead appealing desperately to Jolie.


    Jeffry cut through her protestations with surgical precision. “Elena hasn’t actually said anything yet. Why are you so anxious? Your guilt is written all over your face. Elena, who was responsible for ndering you?”


    Elyse was terrified. If Jeffry ever uncovered that she was the person responsible for harming Elena, she was doomed.


    In the, Jeffry was the embodiment of youthful achievement, having established his business empire without relying on familial ties. He was not a man to be trifled with.


    Jeffry’s piercing gaze carried an unmistakable edge. A shudder ran through Elyse before she could stop it. Among the three Harper sons, Jeffry was the one she dreaded most. His ever-present, genial smile gave him the air of an affable man, yet whenever their eyes met, she felt as if he could see straight into her soul. No matter how much effort she put in, he always remained distant. In his presence, any pretense she wore felt meaningless.


    Elyse lowered her head, hershes casting a shadow over her eyes, masking the storm of emotions within. If Elena revealed she was the mastermind, how could she possibly defend herself?


    Jolie asked with urgency, “Elena, who’s behind this? Don’t be afraid. No matter who it is, your dad and I will stand by you. We won’t allow anyone to disgrace you like this ever again!”


    Jolie inwardly berated herself for not protecting her daughter well enough. Elena had finally reconnected with the Harper family, only to be met with one ordeal after another. After all the hardships Elena had endured with the Reed family, returning to the Harpers should have meant happiness—but instead, she was still bullied.


    Jolie felt she and Alexander had failed as protective parents. Even those with the greatestposure had limits. She vowed to make whoever had orchestrated this cruelty suffer miserably.


    Elena met Jolie’s worried stare and wondered about her decision once the truth surfaced. Elyse had plotted against her multiple times, and she had let it slide for the sake of the Harper family. But this time, a decision had to be made—her or Elyse. If Alexander and Jolie couldn’t bring themselves to let Elyse go, then she would move out of Harper Manor. She had no shortage of properties in her name. She had plenty of ces to go.


    Elena withdrew her gaze and said, “The one who leaked those nderous articles to the press is Ruby, the former head of design at Leopardex. She was dismissed a few days ago.”


    Jeffry’s tone was even. “Why would she target you?”


    Elena answered without hesitation, “Because I was the one responsible for her dismissal, and she wants revenge.”


    Jeffry nodded slightly, his expression unreadable. He didn’t question Elena’s reasons for having Ruby fired—he had already passed judgment.


    Elyse secretly exhaled in relief, betting Ruby would never dare betray her. She had just been letting her fear get the better of her. Elyse lifted her chin, a small smile forming—only for it to freeze midway.


    Elena narrowed her eyes at Elyse, a smirk ying at her lips. “You shouldn’t have breathed a sigh of relief,” Elena remarked, her voiceced with meaning.


    Before Elyse could react, Elena produced a recording device. From the speaker, Ruby’s voice emerged. When asked who had given the order, she clearly uttered the name—Elyse.


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