?Chapter 232:


    Gerald’s gaze darkened slightly, his face unreadable, as he gave a curt nod in response. Seeing his reaction, a few onlookers exchanged nces, shaking their heads disapprovingly.


    “A young woman dressing like that for Mr. Spencer’s birthday banquet? She clearlycks proper upbringing.”


    “And to approach him so boldly, as if she doesn’t notice his indifference? She has no sense of decorum.”


    Unaware of the hushed criticism, Elyse assumed the attention she received was admiration. Convinced she looked breathtaking, she felt a surge of pride. The money she had spent on her appearance had been worth it—she was certain she had outshone everyone, especially Elena. Elena’s outfit was in, nothing remarkablepared to hers.


    Elyse’s grin widened as her gaze swept the room. Noticing that Wesley had yet to arrive, she turned toward Karen and greeted her warmly. “Karen! You’re finally back! I’ve missed you so much. That trip abroad really did wonders—you look even more stunning now!”


    Hearing this, Karen responded with a soft smile, “Elyse, you look lovely as well.”


    Elyse lowered her eyes shyly, oblivious to the displeasure on Gerald’s face.


    Someone in the crowd discreetly leaned toward Alexander and murmured, “Mr. Harper, isn’t the young woman standing near Mr. Spencer from your family? Her choice of attire today…”


    The speaker trailed off tactfully, allowing Alexander to pick up the implication without forcing the matter.


    Hearing this, Alexander and Jolie, who had been engaged in conversation with other guests, turned their heads toward Gerald’s side, expecting to see Elena.


    Jolie’s eyes widened in shock. “What on earth is Elyse wearing?” It waspletely inappropriate. In the past, Jolie had always helped Elyse select her outfits for such asions, ensuring nothing like this ever happened.


    Alexander’s expression hardened, his displeasure evident. Elyse bore the Harper family name, and her appearance tonight was an embarrassment.


    The couple moved toward Elyse. Alexander exchanged pleasantries with Gerald while Jolie subtly addressed Elyse, “It’s a bit chilly tonight. Here, take this shawl—you don’t want to catch a cold.” Jolie held out her own shawl.


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    But Elyse failed to grasp the message. “That’s not necessary, Jolie. I’m perfectly fine,” she replied, pressing her lips together, a hint of annoyance in her tone.


    Elyse assumed Jolie wanted to diminish her presence so Elena could shine.


    Realizing that subtlety wouldn’t work, Jolie made her point clearer. “There are a lot of elders here. Your outfit isn’t exactly appropriate. You should cover up a little.”


    Elyse stiffened, scanning the room. Only then did she catch the disapproving stares directed at her. She froze, her smilepletely gone. How could this be? Why wasn’t anyoneplimenting her? Karen had just praised her for her beauty—so why was the room filled with judgment instead of admiration?


    After Alexander and Jolie approached Elyse, others began to recognize her. Since Elena had left such a refined impression earlier, it was only natural thatparisons arose.


    “The real daughter certainly carries herself with elegance. She’s graceful and knows how to dress for the asion—unlike this woman, whocks even the most basic sense of decorum.”


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