?Chapter 295:


    Confusion clouded Matias’s face, taken aback by Javier’s sudden shift in mood.


    Elena bypassed her own home and went straight to the grand Spencer family estate.


    Upon her arrival, Gerald was calmly sipping his tea, with Karen sitting nearby. The moment the butler solemnly announced Elena’s unexpected arrival, a shadow fell over Karen’s usually radiant expression. She muttered under her breath with a scowl, “Why is she here now?”


    Gerald set his teacup down with a soft clink and turned to Karen, his eyes reflecting a mix of surprise and curiosity. “Oh? You know her?” He recalled that Karen was usually seen in thepany of a different girl from the Harper family.


    Karen’s lips curled into a scornful pout. “I don’t know her at all,” she snapped, her voice tinged with disdain. However, a sudden sh of the auction incident crossed her mind, stirring unease within her. Was Elena here to stir up trouble with aint?


    Gerald, a retired military officer with a backbone of steel, always held the younger generation to exacting standards. Karen, adept at ying the role of the dutiful granddaughter, had charmed her way into his good graces, securing frequent visits to the opulent family estate.


    Her eyes shot open in rm at the thought of Elena speaking ill of her to Gerald. Desperate, shetched onto Gerald’s arm, her voice lilting with feigned innocence. “Grandpa, the word is that Elena seems to always pick on Elyse. Honestly, it’s awful. I can’t stand bullies. Perhaps it’s best if we don’t invite her inside, don’t you think?”


    Gerald, unmoved by her theatrics, offered a stern rebuke. “Karen, it’s unwise to make judgments based solely on hearsay. In friendships as in life, blind trust is a perilous path. You must discern for yourself the true character of those you choose to associate with.”


    Due to his growing reservations about Elyse’s recent antics, Gerald preferred that Karen keep her distance from Elyse.


    On the other hand, Gerald found himself impressed by Elena’s dignified demeanor and effortless elegance.


    Pressing her lips tightly together, Karen bristled with frustration, wanting to protest further. But it was toote; Gerald had already signaled the butler to wee Elena inside.


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    Resigned, Karen bit back her words, a n forming in her mind. If Elena dared to use her, she would simply deny everything. After all, without proof, what harm could mere usations cause?


    As the living room doors opened, Elena stepped through with aposed air.


    Gerald greeted her with a warm, teasing smile. “Finallye to see me,” he said, his tone light and yful.


    Unruffled by his jest, Elena returned the smile with equal softness. “Are you upset that I didn’t visit you sooner, Gerald?”


    Gerald, ever appreciative of her candidness, watched as she gracefully presented a gift.


    cing a beautifully wrapped box on the table, she said, “This box of scented candles is my way of apologizing. I hope you’ll like it.”


    Catching sight of the candles, Gerald’s eyes twinkled merrily. The scented candles were more than just a gift—they had be a cherished part of his nightly routine. The first time he lit one, it lulled him into the deepest, most rejuvenating sleep he’d had in ages. Now, it was a nightly ritual, each me kindling tranquility before bedtime.


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