?Chapter 238:


    Darren’s gaze followed Malcolm’s gesture and rested on no one but Elena. His eyes widened, a realization striking him. Could it be…


    His jaw ckened in disbelief. Could Elena actually be Miss Harper? This thought sent a sharp jolt racing through his heart, his body tensing, rigid as stone.


    Darren swiveled toward Sylvia, incredulity etching his features. “Didn’t you mention she came from some destitute rural family? How is she here at such a grand event?”


    Sylvia, caught in her deception, guiltily dropped her gaze.


    Darren, reading her evasive demeanor, pieced the puzzle together. Sylvia had known all along that Elena was a Harper and had deliberately kept him in the dark. What a remarkable fiancée Sylvia turned out to be!


    A bitter taste filled his mouth as he clenched his teeth. If only Sylvia had confided in him sooner, he might have avoided the blunder of offending Elena entirely. Yet, here they were, in the middle of Gerald’svish birthday banquet, where making a spectacle was not an option. He would have to confront herter.


    With a searing look at Sylvia that could have melted steel, Darren masked his fury with a practiced smile and turned to Elena. “So, you’re Miss Harper? That’s fantastic! I’m truly happy to see you doing so well!”


    Initially, Darren regretted his earlier rudeness but swiftly saw an opportunity. Realizing Elena’s true identity could be the key to mending the fractured ties with the Spencer family, he began to adjust his strategy.


    Elena’s face remained an impassive mask, her cool demeanor unshaken even as Darren approached her, a too-bright smile stretching across his face.


    “Elena, given our past rtionship, you would do me a favor, wouldn’t you?” Darren said, his voice smooth but the word “rtionship”nded like a weight. “Could you perhaps have a word with Wesley? There seems to have been a minor misunderstanding, a slip by someone at the Griffiths Group. It shouldn’t affect the cooperation.”


    His smile didn’t reach his eyes, which glinted with a mix of desperation and calction. Today marked Gerald’s grand birthday celebration, and thest thing anyone desired was a scene. He was certain the Harper family shared this sentiment. He and Elena had once been engaged. That alone was reason enough for her to help him. If she refused, he would expose their past for everyone to see.


    In the, the aristocracy held their reputations above all else. The mere whisper of Elena being engaged and then cast aside would tarnish her standing among the elite. Which of the prestigious families would then regard her with the same esteem?


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    A sly smile yed on Darren’s lips, his gaze sharp with an unspoken menace.


    Elena caught the drift of his implications immediately. Seriously? He thought intimidation would work on her? He was sorely mistaken. Darren’s voice, far from hushed, had already snagged the attention of nearby onlookers. This, coupled with Malcolm’s effortless charm, drew even more eyes to their tense exchange.


    Elena remained silent, prompting Darren to lean in, his voice low yet edged with coercion. “Elena, after more than twenty years of friendship, would you really deny me such a trivial favor? Should this get out, people might whisper that you’re nothing but cold and heartless.”


    “We grew up together, like childhood friends. Have you really forgotten about me now that you’re back with the Harper family?” Darren pressed Elena.


    The surrounding crowd turned their attention to Elena upon hearing this.


    “Miss Harper had a childhood sweetheart? I’ve never heard of this guy. Which family does he belong to?”


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