?Chapter 226:


    Elena shrugged with cool indifference. “You’ve done plenty of stupid things already—one more won’t make a difference. Just keep your eyes open from now on. Don’t act like such a fool. It’s truly embarrassing to watch.”


    Without waiting for his rebuttal, she glided out of the game room.


    Javier, who moments ago had been drowning in mncholy, felt his spirits instantly ignite with indignation at Elena’s cutting remarks. His earlier disappointment evaporated. He bolted after her, his pride wounded. “Who are you calling a fool? I’m not stupid—you stop right there!”


    Elena dismissed him with a flick of her wrist. “Whoever identifies with it, I guess.”


    Javier stood frozen, watching her disappear down the hallway. He punched the air in frustration.


    Javier finally trudged home and found Elyse in the living room. She had clearly been waiting for him, having realized the damage her earlier words had caused. Her eyes followed his movements with careful calction.


    Observing his expression, Elyse poured him a ss of water. “Javier, I only said those words because I was afraid they’d find out about your thefts. You’re not misunderstanding me, are you?”


    Javier didn’t take the ss. Elyse imed it was for his sake, but a hollow feeling still lingered in his chest. Yet, he didn’t know how to argue with her—he never did. So, he forced himself to say, “It’s fine, Elyse. I don’t mind.”


    Without meeting her eyes again, he turned and headed upstairs, each step heavier than thest.


    Samira emerged from the kitchen, brow furrowed in confusion. “Dinner’s ready. Why did he go upstairs?”


    She was about to follow him upstairs to call him back to the table, but Elyse gently caught her arm. “Javier’s in a bad mood. I’ll bring his dinner upter.”


    Samira looked at Elyse with warm approval. “You’re so thoughtful. You really make things easier for me.”


    Elyse smiled faintly and then seized the opportunity. “Samira, for Gerald’s 80th birthday, can I go with you?”


    Elyse used to apany Alexander and Jolie to countless gatherings in the. But now, as more members of the Harper family drifted away from her, she had no choice but to seek Samira’s support.


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    Elyse never cared much for social events, often dismissing them as trivial. However, this asion was different. It was Gerald’s grand eightieth birthday, an event that would attract the most influential figures. And Wesley was bound to be there. Her obsession with Wesley made skipping the celebration impossible.


    For an entire month, Elyse had meticulously prepared, investing a fortune in a luxurious gown she had purposely kept unworn, reserving it for this night to captivate Wesley’s attention. Over the past month, she focused on exercise, strict dieting, and numerous beauty treatments, all in pursuit of a glowingplexion. Elyse had a natural olive undertone butcked the glow she envied. Elena, on the other hand, possessed an effortlessly radiantplexion. Since Elena’s return to the Harper family, Elyse constantly felt overshadowed. Whenever they stood side by side, Elena’s rosy skin exuded grace, making Elyse appear dull inparison.


    Elyse never voiced her frustrations, but deep down, they gnawed at her. She had always enjoyed a privileged life, so why couldn’t she have the same refined features as Elena? Lately, she yed the role of a heartbroken woman, keeping a low profile. Yet in reality, she frequently visited high-end beauty clinics.


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