?Chapter 138:


    The lighter hit the floor with a metallic clink. Jeffry pulled his leg back and stared at Javier with a cold, emotionless gaze.


    Javier stood frozen, his mouth wide open, silent for what felt like an eternity.


    “What are you trying to aplish?” Jeffry asked.


    Javier hesitated, clearly shaken by Jeffry’s presence. “Jeffry, uh…” He stumbled over his words, struggling to exin himself.


    Jeffry took the design notebook from Javier’s grip and opened it to the first page, where “Elena” was inscribed. He frowned slightly. “This is Elena’s design draft. Why do you have it?”


    Javier’s shoulders sagged, his entire posture radiating defeat.


    “Javier,” Jeffry uttered his name calmly, causing Javier to shiver.


    “Jeffry, you’re being unfair. Have you forgotten about Elyse? I’m just so furious. Everyone favors Elena, and Elyse is left feeling miserable. Elyse cares about you all, and yet you allow Elena to kick her out. The vi is huge, there’s plenty of space…”


    “And you thought stealing Elena’s design draft was the solution?”


    “Jeffry…” Javier recognized his mistake, his voice wavering. He saw no other option. Elena was unyielding and difficult to deal with.


    Jeffry nced at Javier, his posture rxed yetmanding. He then returned the design notebook to Elena.


    Looking at Javier, who appeared remorseful, Jeffry said in an even tone, “Now,e here and apologize, Javier.”


    Javier pouted, his eyes flicking toward Elena, his voice rigid as he said, “I won’t apologize. She was the one who mistreated Elyse. Why should I say sorry?”


    Jeffry’s expression grew stern. “Elena didn’t mistreat anyone. Elyse left because she was at fault.”


    Javier said nothing, obviously doubting Jeffry’s words.


    Jeffry’s look was unreadable, his voice still even. “Javier, Elena is my sister. Even if she were at fault, we’d back her up. It’s not your ce to interfere. Understand?”


    Javier couldn’t shake the feeling that he had been unfairly scolded. What kind of spell had Elena cast on everyone? Why did they all side with her?


    Javier stood firm, refusing to apologize.


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    At that moment, Vince appeared, carrying a painting to show Elena. Spotting Javier, he expressed his surprise. “What’s everyone doing here? And Javier, your mother was just looking for you.”


    Relieved to see Vince, Javier saw an opportunity to escape. “Dad, I’m on my way.”


    Javier quickly turned to leave. However, Jeffry’s authoritative voice stopped him in his tracks.


    Jeffry nodded at Vince. “Vince, he can’t go yet.”


    “What’s the problem here?” Vince asked, looking confused.


    Jeffry exined the situation to Vince, who sighed inwardly and threw a disapproving look at Javier. How could his son be so senseless?


    Vince said to Javier slowly, “Alexander has always been prudent. Since he had Elyse move to our house, she must have made some serious mistakes. Why are you interfering?”


    Vince, having little interest in business matters, entrusted everything to Alexander, someone he trustedpletely.


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