?Chapter 512:


    “You—” Rage made Darren’s chest heave, his breathing ragged and uneven.


    With dangerous calm, Elena asked, “Still not leaving?”


    Through gritted teeth, Darren yielded, fearing that this unpredictable woman might actually follow through on her threat to bankrupt the Griffiths family. He had no choice but to retreat—for now. But he wouldn’t give up!


    As Darren walked away, having taken only a few steps, an unexpected voice called out to him, “Mr. Griffiths, want to cooperate?”


    Darren turned around to find a woman dressed in expensive clothing.


    Elyse’s lips curved into a friendly smile.


    “Who are you?” Darren asked, puzzled.


    “Elyse Harper,” she replied, each step toward him measured and deliberate.


    Elyse? Though her name meant nothing to him, the Harper surname and her presence here could only indicate one thing—she was connected to the Harper family. With practiced ease, he straightened his attire and shifted to his most charming demeanor. “Elyse, what did you mean by cooperation just now?”


    “Exactly what it sounds like,” Elyse responded coolly. “I know you like Elena. I can help you.”


    Darren wasn’t naive enough to ept such an offer blindly. “And what do you want in return?” Nothing came without a price—especially not help from a Harper.


    The artificial warmth faded from Elyse’s face. “I hope Elena stops bothering the person I like. If she marries you, I’ll bless your union.”


    Understanding illuminated Darren’s mind instantly. Elena had cultivated enemies within the Harper household. This woman, Elyse, harbored obvious resentment toward her.


    “But Elena has a misunderstanding about me now,” Darren ventured. “I can’t even get close to her. Do you have a way to help me?”


    Something dangerous flickered behind Elyse’s carefullyposed expression. “You don’t need to worry about that. I’ll create opportunities for you. Once our n works, Elena will have no choice but to marry you…”


    The final forty-eight hours of Elyse’s residence at Hillside Manor had begun. Javier returned from his esports match only to hear of Elyse’s impending departure from Samira.


    gα?ησν????s brings your imagination alive


    Though Samira expected distress, Javier merely lowered his head in silence.


    “Javier, aren’t you going to talk Alexander out of demanding Elyse leave?” Samira asked, perplexed by hisck of reaction.


    Javier shook his head firmly. “This time, Elyse went too far. Grandma’s health is fragile, and everyone is trying to preserve her happiness. Yet Elyse, for her own selfish reasons, exploited Grandma’s affection to nder Louis and Elena. If Grandma’s condition deteriorates because of this, I won’t forgive her.”


    Samira stood stunned. These words from Javier seemed utterly foreign.


    Javier said, “Mom, Elyse isn’t as innocent as she appears. Don’t let her deceive you anymore.”


    After a thoughtful pause, he added, “Especially regarding Elena—staypletely uninvolved.”


    Even Javier recognized it—Elyse harbored a distinct dislike for Elena. Shepulsively measured herself against Elena in everything.


    Samira almost suspected an impostor had reced her son. His maturity was startling.


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