?Chapter 294:


    His mother’s warning echoed in his mind—that indulging women too much only led them to take him for granted.


    He had poured effort into winning Elena’s favor, yet she showed no appreciation. Now, as he dered his refusal to continue this fruitless endeavor, fear flickered across her face.


    A smug smile curled Darren’s lips as he leaned closer, his voice a low drawl. “As long as you understand your mistake, I’ll forgive you—”


    Abruptly, Elena spun around and delivered two sharp ps across his face.


    Stunned, Darren gaped at her, disbelief and indignation shing across his features. “How dare you—”


    He was cut off by another stinging p, his head snapping back from the force.


    A metallic taste flooded his mouth, his words slurring. “You’re crazy…”


    With swift precision, Elena seized the hand he had ced on her arm, twisting it with such force that Darren’s face paled.


    A sickening crack echoed as she jerked sharply, dislocating his shoulder with a jolt of pain.


    Tossing his arm aside with disdain, Elena’s frown clearly dismissed any remaining pretenses.


    Darren’s arm hung uselessly, his face ashen, beads of sweat forming on his forehead as a silent scream twisted his features.


    His eyes, fiery with unspoken fury, locked onto Elena’s icy gaze. She spoke with a frigid, merciless edge. “Quit fooling yourself! This is thest time I’m saying it—I don’t like you!”


    This time, as Elena strode away, Darren remained rooted to the spot, his gaze glued to her retreating figure—slender and resolute against the waning light.


    Elena, that stubborn, ungrateful bitch, hadpletely dismissed his damn offer.


    He had humbled himself before her, and not only had she rejected his gestures, but she had met them with defiance. Who in their right mind would choose to be with someone like her? Yet Darren was convinced—one day she woulde to him, regret etched across her face.


    Upon entering the grandeur of Hillside Manor, Elena was met by the rigid postures of Javier and Matias. As their eyes locked with hers, their bodies tensed in a mix of respect and subtle awe.


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    Admiration glimmered in their eyes—Javier was particrly struck by her audacity and grace under pressure. Matias shared the sentiment.


    Javier offered a deferential nod. “Elena.”


    Elena acknowledged him with a nod, her demeanor cool and unbothered by the earlier confrontation. She moved through the manor with ease, undisturbed by the kind of danger that might have unsettled others.


    After she passed, Javier exhaled heavily, his relief palpable. Seeing Darren looking so wrecked, Javier couldn’t help but feel lucky—at least Elena had held back when she struck him. Firmly, he resolved never to cross her wrath.


    Matias, still awed, turned to Javier with eager eyes. “Elena is truly remarkable. How she handled that… I wish I had that kind of effortless skill. Javier, could you ask her to mentor me?”


    Javier’s expression darkened with a flicker of possessiveness, irritation creeping into his tone. “I’ve had enough of this game. Approach her yourself if you want.”


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