?Chapter 246:


    Karen, ever the loyal best friend, didn’t hesitate to back Elyse up.


    “Precisely. I’ve seen mentions of Luna’s Whisper overseas. It’s a recent release from Malcolm’spany. And here’s Elena, hardly back from her little hometown, daring to im ties with Malcolm’s innovations. It’s beyond foolish, isn’t it, Malcolm?”


    Karen turned, her words like arrows aimed at Malcolm, who was seated at the second table, suddenly the center of attention.


    Malcolm, feeling the weight of expectant gazes, locked eyes with Wesley. Wesley’s intense stare carried an unspoken plea—he wanted Malcolm toe to Elena’s defense.


    Amused by the subtle threat in Wesley’s silent request, Malcolm was about to respond when Marlon interjected sharply, “That’s impossible!” His expression was grave and serious.


    Karen’s lips curled into a sly grin, relishing the unfolding drama. Elena had unwittingly provoked the formidable Johnson family. With Marlon furious, it was clear Elena would face consequences soon.


    Moments ago, Gerald’s praise had lifted Elena, overshadowing Karen—the Spencer family’s treasured daughter. Adding fuel to the fire, Elyse had been badmouthing Elena to Karen.


    Karen’s disdain for Elena was no secret, and now, as she watched Elena seemingly unsettle Marlon, a smug grin spread across her face, satisfaction thick in the charged atmosphere.


    With a triumphant tone, Karen dered, “See, she couldn’t have possibly improved any form—”


    “Miss Harper would never lie!” Marlon cut Karen off sharply, his voiceced with indignation. “She’s a master of her craft, well-versed in both medicine and pharmacology. She’s not the type to boast or exaggerate.”


    Karen was momentarily stunned, her smile faltering, eyes wide with disbelief. Wait—what exactly had Marlon just said? That Elena was exceptionally…


    Talented in medicine? Why was he defending someone she considered a chatan?


    With a puzzled frown, Karen challenged Marlon. “What are you suggesting, Mr. Johnson?”


    Beside Karen, Elyse mirrored her frown, fists clenched in silent frustration. She had expected Marlon to chastise Elena, not defend her!


    Unperturbed, Marlon borated. “Just a few days ago, my daughter suffered a severe asthma attack. We were caught off guard, with no medication at hand. It was Miss Harper’s quick thinking and exceptional medical expertise that saved her life.”


    Furthermore, the herbal bath Elena had prescribed was astonishingly effective. While Kiera remained unable to speak, she began to discern faint sounds.


    Overwhelmed with gratitude toward Elena, Marlon had been searching for the perfect moment to express his appreciation. When he witnessed Elena being unjustly maligned, he felt no kindness for her nderers.


    Marlon’s voice resonated with calm assurance as he addressed the gathered crowd. “If Miss Harper appreciates the scented candle Luna’s Whisper, then we, the Johnson Group, are prepared to gift her the exclusive form.”


    “What?” The room fell into stunned silence, followed by a chorus of incredulous gasps.


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