?Chapter 230:


    Darren wasn’t entirely sure it was Elena. He had been about to take a closer look when Sylvia diverted his attention. But Sylvia had a point—without an invitation, no one could breach the banquet’s security. Even he had only secured attendance because Chasen couldn’t make it, and he had purchased their invitation. Elena, a mere nanny, surely wouldn’t possess one. Even if Malcolm held her in high regard, he wouldn’t escort her to such a prestigious gathering.


    This realization eased Darren’s tension. “I must have been mistaken.”


    Once inside the banquet hall, Alexander found himself besieged by guests eager to exchange pleasantries.


    Elena, averse to such social obligations, slipped away from her parents and discovered a secluded corner to collect herself.


    Jeffry, as the’s rising star and the Harper family’s heir apparent, naturally drew crowds of admirers and couldn’t extricate himself. Louis, despite his distaste for socializing,manded celebrity status, with socialites flocking to him for autographs.


    Elena plucked a ss of champagne from a passing waiter’s tray and sipped it delicately.


    Without warning, a shadow loomed over her. “Why are you here too? What dreadful luck,” said a haughty voice dripping with contempt.


    Elena looked up to find herself confronted by a crown of mboyant red hair—an old acquaintance. At the Harper family’s return banquet, this red-haired woman had presented her with a piece of green ss. Elena remained motionless, merely casting an indifferent nce in her direction.


    The red-haireddy bristled with indignation. “Didn’t the Harper family instill any manners in you? You sit there like a statue when addressed. Your grasp of etiquette is nonexistent.”


    Elena’s response cut like ice. “When a person of substance speaks to me, I respond ordingly.” The implication hung in the air—the red-haired woman failed to meet such criteria.


    Stunned by Elena’s audacity to slight her, the redhead’s temper ignited. “Do you have any idea who I am? How dare you address me with such disrespect! Tread carefully, or I’ll ensure your social demise in the’s elite circles!”


    Just then, Malcolm approached, Kiera’s delicate hand nestled in his. Overhearing the threat, his voice hardened. “How fascinating. I wasn’t aware youmanded such influence.”


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    The red-haired woman, who had been brimming with arrogance just moments earlier, spun around at the sight of Malcolm. Instantly, her confidence crumbled, leaving her speechless and subdued.


    As Malcolm loosened his hold, Kiera wasted no time rushing to Elena’s side.


    Elena reached out and gave Kiera’s head a light, reassuring pat. A faint blush spread across Kiera’s cheeks as she offered an awkward smile.


    Malcolm took in their brief exchange before shifting his focus to the red-haired woman. “Erin Johnson, is this what Remy instilled in you? Causing trouble outside and acting like a delinquent?”


    Erin quickly shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. “No, that’s not true…”


    Erin had been an orphan until Remy, moved by her unfortunate fate, chose to take her in. However, his demanding career often kept him upied, leaving little opportunity to rein her in.


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