?Chapter 233:


    “Since this woman showed up like this at an event like Mr. Spencer’s banquet, I can only imagine how she behaves in private.”


    “I’ll be warning my daughter to steer clear of her. I don’t want her to pick up bad habits.”


    “Elena is a delight—poised and dignified.”


    Elyse’s face lost all color as the whispers reached her ears.


    Just moments ago, Elyse had carried herself with poise and assurance. Now, however, her posture wilted, weighed down by the scrutiny of lingering, disapproving stares.


    She swiftly snatched Jolie’s shawl, pulling it over her shoulders in an attempt to conceal her exposed skin.


    In her haste, her fingernails scraped against Jolie’s hand, leaving behind a faint red streak.


    Elyse was so absorbed in her own distress that she failed to realize she had identally hurt Jolie.


    With the shawl wrapped tightly around her, Elyse strode off alongside Karen.


    Alexander’s expression darkened as he gently grasped Jolie’s shoulder, his voice low and concerned. “Does it sting? Let me take you to get some ointment.”


    Jolie gave a subtle shake of her head and stopped him. “It’s fine, just a small scratch.”


    Letting out a quiet sigh, Jolie watched Elyse’s retreating figure, disappointment flickering in her eyes. “How did Elyse change so much? She used to be so sweet, but now… She’s bing harder to understand.”


    Despite Jolie’s insistence, Alexander still led her to apply some ointment. His demeanor remainedposed. “Elyse has grown up. She has to deal with the oue of her choices. You don’t need to concern yourself with it.” Jolie didn’t respond.


    By now, most of the guests had arrived, filling the grand hall with the soft clinking of sses. The rich aroma of champagne and fine wine mingled with the scent of luxury perfumes.


    Men in impably tailored suits and women draped in dazzling jewelry exchanged polite words beneath the shimmering lights, a perfect disy of the’s elite society.


    Endless adventures await on gα?ησν????s


    Elyse’s eyes held a faint redness, her expression forlorn.


    Karen’s brows knit together. “Elyse, why are you upset? Did someone mistreat you? Just tell me, and I’ll handle it.”


    Elyse shook her head, her tone filled with feigned consideration. “It’s your grandfather’s birthday today. My issues aren’t important. I don’t want you to be…


    Elyse said, “I’m upset because of me.” Her words subtly hinted that someone had, in fact, wronged her.


    Unlike Theo, who had never been in Gerald’s good graces, Karen—the only daughter of the Spencer family—had been doted on since childhood. She was adored by not just her parents and uncle but also Gerald himself. Naturally, she had developed a bold and assertive personality.


    Karen seized Elyse’s hand. “Just tell me who it was. Was it that country bumpkin cousin of yours?”


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