?Chapter 231:


    Using the Johnson name as a shield, Erin had frequently caused disturbances without a second thought. She feared no one—except Malcolm. Beneath his refined exteriory a ruthless streak, capable of putting his own kin behind bars.


    Rather than berating orying a hand on Erin, Malcolm simply remarked, “Seems like you have too much free time. How about working at mypany?”


    “I’m not free at all!” Erin protested, shaking her head with fervor. Like hell she was stepping foot in his workce. She’d rather drop dead! Just as Erin was about to turn away, Malcolm’s voice stopped her. “Leaving already? You’ve forgotten something.”


    Hearing this, Erin instinctively checked her pockets—her phone was still there. Confused, she frowned and hesitantly asked, “What exactly do you mean?”


    With a slight tilt of his head, Malcolm gestured toward Elena.


    Erin’s expression darkened. It was clear what he wanted—an apology. Why should she apologize? She loathed the idea, but defying Malcolm was out of the question. Begrudgingly, she muttered, “Sorry.” Only then did Malcolm allow Erin to leave.


    The brief interaction went unnoticed by most, but two people, who had their eyes on Elena the whole time, saw everything.


    Sylvia was torn between keeping Darren from noticing Elena and satisfying her own curiosity about her. Earlier, seeing Elena troubled, Sylvia had secretly rejoiced. Finally, someone else couldn’t stand Elena’s aloof demeanor. She had hoped the red-haired woman would teach Elena a lesson. Yet, against all expectations, Malcolm had stepped in and effortlessly dismissed the red-haired woman.


    Sylvia didn’t know who Malcolm was, but from his polished appearance, it was obvious he held status. Dressed in a finely tailored gray suit without a tie, his shirt cor casually undone, Malcolm exuded effortless elegance. The sapphire cufflinks on his wrist glinted with every movement. Silver-framed sses rested on his face, his lips curved in a refined, faint smile. His presence and charm easily outshone Darren.


    Sylvia clenched her jaw. Why did a man of such caliber defend Elena? Meanwhile, Elyse observed Elena and Malcolm, envy burning in her gaze. Since when had Elena gotten close to Malcolm?


    Elyse had looked forward to seeing Elena humiliated, but instead, she witnessed a moment that left her fuming with jealousy. Malcolm was the embodiment of sophistication and charm, the kind of man many women longed for. What had Elena done to earn his favor? To make matters worse, even the youngdy Malcolm had brought along seemed to share a close bond with Elena. How had things shifted so dramatically in just a few days? Had everyone in the lost their senses? What made Elena so remarkable?


    Elyse was certain her outfit was far more eye-catching than Elena’s today. Just as Elyse’s frustration reached its peak, she caught sight of a youngdy helping Gerald walk out. A smirk yed on her lips. Humph. Elena wouldn’t be basking in attention for long. Her good friend, Karen Spencer—the eldest daughter of the Spencer family—had finally returned from her overseas vacation.


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    Lifting the hem of her dress, Elyse took her time strolling over.


    Elyse strode toward the gathering, a bright smile on her face. “Mr. Spencer, happy birthday.”


    The instant she walked over, eyes flickered in her direction, lingering on her revealing outfit. Gerald’s birthday celebration had drawn a crowd of respected guests, mostly elders, all dressed with propriety. Yet, Elyse stood outpletely out of ce. Her choice of clothing was far from appropriate, yet she carried herself with confidence, weaving through the attendees without hesitation.


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