?Chapter 160:


    “Do you take me for a fool?” Elena scoffed. Did he even believe his own lies?


    Darren let out a strained chuckle, already regretting that their past connection had soured so badly. “Elena, trust me, I mean it. We’ve known each other forever—why would I ever do anything to hurt you?”


    Raising an eyebrow, Elena let out a sharpugh. “You said you were harmless? Even a stray dog wouldn’t buy it.”


    His forced grin faltered, stiffening into something awkward and almost ridiculous. The mask was slipping. Fine. If sweet words wouldn’t work, threats would. His voice dropped,ced with a quiet warning. “I suggest you make this easy on yourself before things get difficult.”


    “I’ve always been one to resist—I don’t bow to pressure or persuasion.” Elena crossed her arms, her stare cold as she locked eyes with Darren. For an instant, Darren’s expression twisted. He wasn’t skilled at deception. After only a few verbal shes, his temper red, unable to keep up the act. “You’re in my territory now. Do you really think provoking me is a smart move?”


    Elena lifted a brow, unfazed by his attempt at intimidation. Not even the head of the Griffiths family could rein her in, let alone Darren.


    Realizing there was no point in keeping up appearances, Darren dropped the pretense altogether. He looked down at her with disdain. “Don’t get ahead of yourself just because you’ve attached yourself to a few influential men. At most, you’re just an amusement.”


    He smirked, his voice dripping with contempt. “To put it simply, you’re nothing but a decoration—a walking, talking doll, no different from those who sell themselves. And those loaded old men you rely on? They’re way past their peak. Do you really think they can satisfy you?” His remarks were crude, soaked in arrogance and filth.


    Most young women would feel humiliated and furious after hearing such words.


    But Elena wasn’t easily rattled. Her reactions were always measured andposed. She parted her lips slightly, her voice smooth and steady. “If you’re that interested, why not find out for yourself?”


    “You—” Darren was infuriated. His hand twitched as if to strike, but after a moment’s hesitation, he clenched his fist and lowered it. Grinding his teeth, he suppressed his fury. “Climbing into Mr. Johnson’s bed has certainly made you bold. The Johnsons are one of the most powerful families in the. Do you really think they’ll let you in? Don’t delude yourself. Mr. Johnson isn’t young—he’ll eventually marry someone of proper standing. And when that happens, you’ll be cast aside. You’d reconsider now if you have any sense. Otherwise…”


    Darren’s voice dropped, his toneced with warning. “Otherwise, even I won’t be able to save you.”


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    Elena didn’t interrupt him.


    Darren misinterpreted her silence as intimidation. His lips curled into a smirk, but just as he was about tough, he saw her raise her phone. The screen disyed an ongoing call—Aldin Griffiths, his grandfather.


    Elena spoke coolly into the phone, each word deliberate. “Aldin, you heard everything.”


    Aldin’s hoarse, apologetic voice came through the speaker. “Elena, I failed to raise him properly. I sincerely apologize.” Then, his tone hardened. “Darren Griffiths, get back home at once!”


    Even through the phone, Darren could feel the weight of Aldin’s fury. His body stiffened, shock shing across his face. When had Elena even made the call?


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