?Chapter 492:


    Though Alexander had halted his swing, Jolie inspected both Elena and Louis for any harm, and seeing them uninjured, she finally allowed herself to rx.


    Understanding her husband’s intentions, Jolie still found the potential harm to the children unbearable. She grasped Alexander’s hand and turned to Bertha with a gentle question. “Might there be some misunderstanding? Louis also grew up under your watch. He may be headstrong, but he’s not one to harm his own family.”


    Recalling Bertha’s earlier words about Elyse’s upbringing, Jolie highlighted that Louis was equally Bertha’s grandchild.


    Earlier, as Alexander had been poised to act, Bertha couldn’t bear it either. Bertha’s tone softened significantly. “Elena is cherished by you all, so I don’t fret over injustices against her. However, Elyse has no parents to defend her. If I don’t stand up for her, who will? I once thought the younger generation’s disputes were trivial, but Louis’ actions had humiliated Elyse publicly and cost her the opportunity to audition. This goes beyond mischief. It’s outright bullying!”


    Jolie’s expression tightened slightly. Bertha’sbeling it as “bullying” seemed an extreme assessment.


    Stung by Bertha’s harsh words, Louis felt too disheartened to defend himself. He might have let the usation pass, but Elena was unwilling to let the misunderstanding stand.


    Elena stated, “Grandma, whatever Elyse told you, the situation isn’t as you think. Uncovering the truth is easy…”


    Elyse’s head snapped up as she fixed her gaze on Elena. “What do you n to—”


    Elena pulled a business card from her pocket, nced at the number, and dialed without hesitation.


    Panic set in for Elyse as the phone rang. Whom was Elena dialing? Could there actually be proof in her possession?


    Elena switched the phone to speaker mode, and the voice of a bewildered Kenton filled the room. “Miss Harper, what brings you to call? Have you changed your mind and decided to audition?”


    The Harper family watched Elena, unsure of her intentions.


    Elena asked, “Kenton, is Elyse someone you recall?”


    Kenton’s voice carried a note of disgust. “Elyse? The person who made you renounce the female lead? Is she troubling you once more? In my extensive career, I’ve never seen such an irrational individual—she used me of ying favorites. I refuse to coborate with her ever again!”


    G  a lno  ve ls . is where the magic begins


    Elena’s response was subdued. “Thank you for your time, Kenton. I’ll let you be now.”


    Elena then disconnected the call. Words were unnecessary. The reality had beenid bare. She didn’t need to prove herself. Kenton’s testimony was endorsement enough.


    Elyse’splexion lost all color as Kenton’s words sank in, a dread settling over her. She stuttered in her defense, “I… That’s not the truth. She might have conspired with the director! Grandma, you said you believed me!”


    Bertha stayed quiet, reflecting deeply.


    Alexander spoke up. “Mom, it’s gettingte. Perhaps you should get some rest.” The strain of the dispute had visibly worn Bertha down. She ascended the stairs, fatigued and weak.


    As Elyse attempted to follow, Alexander blocked her path. “Elyse, you’re an adult now. It’s time to own up to your actions.”


    Alexander’s expression hardened at Elyse, his demeanor authoritative. “Only those who love you will be taken advantage of. Your grandmother needs her peace, so refrain from disturbing her.”


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