?Chapter 686:


    The assistant wasted no time, hurrying to execute the orders. Despite their efforts, the ripple effects were inevitable—the Harper Group’s stock took a noticeable hit.


    Amidst the chaos, Jeffry dialed Elena’s number.


    Louis nced at Elena’s phone screen and remarked, “Seems like Jeffry knows what’s going on. He’s probably worried sick about you. You should answer.”


    Jeffry, like Louis, doubted Elena had any affection for the blond man and was more concerned she was being taken advantage of. Once assured Elena was fine, he kept his words to a minimum.


    Jeffry faced a pressing dilemma. An urgent meeting loomed on his schedule. His brow furrowed with concern as he considered postponing it to meet Elena in person. However, the assistant intervened with a pragmatic reminder. “Mr. Harper, today’s meeting involves key government officials and is crucial for our new energy project. Miss Harper is safe here in the, away from immediate danger. We should prioritize the meeting, and I will handle the media fallout in the meantime.”


    The Harper Group was on the brink of a monumental breakthrough with its innovative new energy venture, making today’s assembly exceedingly vital. Sleep had eluded Jeffry, his thoughts consumed by the project’splexities.


    With a resolute nod, Jeffry hardened his expression, the decision clear in his cold eyes. “Do whatever it takes to control the situation,” he instructed sternly, determination etched into his features.


    Relieved by his decision, the assistant exhaled quietly. The sess of this project could redefine the Harper Group’s future, catapulting thepany into a new era of innovation and influence.


    The swift intervention of both the Harper Group and the Spencer Group had effectively quelled the storm surrounding Elena’s scandal. The swirling rumors that once flooded the inte had now been carefully wiped clean.


    Yet, whispers of Elena’s tumultuous private life had already spread through the upper echelons of the society, prompting numerous influential families to reconsider alliances with the Harper family. Given her reputation for promiscuity, who knew what kind of diseases she might be spreading? The prospect of marrying her now seemed more a shame than an advantage—a potential blemish on the family’s reputation.


    Even Ellis, who rarely kept up with family matters, caught wind of the news and made a special trip back.


    I??е$т ￠#αp?êяs Iи galnoνels


    At the Harper residence, the atmosphere was somber.


    Louis and Ellis positioned themselves on either side of Elena, while Alexander devoted his attention to Jolie, whoy pale and weakened from her illness.


    Elena decided it was best to keep this matter from their parents.


    “Ellis, weren’t you supposed to be at that seminar with the experts? What brought you home?” Elena inquired, her tone cool and collected. Her nonchnce seemed to ease some of the worry etched on Ellis’s brow.


    He rubbed his forehead, fingers pressing against the weight of sleepless nights. “I needed to see for myself that you were alright. I’ll be heading back to the research institute soon.”


    “Soon,” he answered, his fatigue evident in the shadows under his eyes and the slight stoop of his shoulders.


    Observing Ellis’s worn appearance, Elena could tell that despite his words, he was genuinely worried about her. He was a man of few words, but always there when she was in trouble.


    “Ellis, look after yourself, okay? Don’t burn yourself out worrying about me—I’m doing perfectly well,” Elena assured him softly, her gaze tender.


    Ellis responded with a gentle ruffle of her hair, a simple gesture filled with unspoken meaning.


    .


    .


    .