?Chapter 298:


    With a slow, deliberate motion, Elena arched an eyebrow and finally relented, pouring the tea with a grace that felt almost condescending. As Karen reached eagerly for the cup, her excitement quickly soured—the cup was disappointingly half full.


    She spoke with a hint of usation, her brows knitting together. “Elena, is this some kind of joke? It’s barely half full!”


    Unruffled, Elena responded with cool calmness. “Miss Spencer, traditionally, tea is poured to seven-tenths full to show respect and courtesy.”


    Karen’s eyes narrowed, her voice cold and sharp. “This isn’t seven-tenths. You’re deliberately trying to make fun of me!”


    Karen knew she had wrongly used Elena the other day, but she hadn’t expected Elena to still hold a grudge against her. Such pettiness!


    Elena slowly met Karen’s fiery gaze, her lips curling into a subtle smile. “I poured seven-tenths for Gerald, but for you, six-tenths. It’s customary to pour less for those who are younger—a gesture of respect.”


    Taken aback, Karen processed Elena’s words, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.


    Gerald had been quietly observing the exchange. His voice was measured, his disappointment thinly veiled. “Elena, your understanding of etiquette impresses me. It seems my granddaughter still has much to learn. Karen, when ites to making friends, be thoughtful. Surround yourself with people like Elena—someone who’s knowledgeable.”


    Gerald was hinting that Karen should not associate with someone like Elyse.


    The weight of her grandfather’s judgment silenced Karen. She understood the unspoken admonition in his tone.


    Determined and resentful, she resolved to unveil Elena’s facade and reveal her true character to Gerald, convinced that Elena was not as impable as she appeared.


    Elena’s visit served a purpose beyond merely cing Karen in an ufortable position. After all, Karen alone wasn’t worth the expenditure of her time and effort.


    Her true objective was to cultivate a favorable impression with Gerald, thereby creating an avenue to discreetly inquire about her mentor’s whereabouts.


    There existed a potential connection between her mentor and Gerald—whether as allies or adversaries remained unclear.


    Discover fresh chapters gαlnσνe??s


    For now, Elena could only carefully drop subtle hints, methodically unveiling the information she sought.


    After engaging Gerald in pleasant conversation for a while, Elena gracefully took her leave.


    The moment she crossed the threshold of the gate, hurried footsteps approached from behind as Karen pursued her.


    “Elena, stop right there!”


    Elena paused mid-stride.


    Karen stood trembling with barely contained fury, her lips pressed into a thin line. “Don’t think I’m afraid of you. I refrained from exposing you earlier only because I didn’t wish to spoil Grandpa’s mood.” Her eyes narrowed challengingly. “Do you dare topete with me? If I win, you must never set foot here again!”


    “And if you lose?” Elena pressed.


    Karen faltered momentarily, caught off guard. The possibility of defeat hadn’t crossed her mind. How could she possibly lose to someone like Elena?


    .


    .


    .