?Chapter 816:


    That was when Elena realized how dry her throat was. Between Moises’ energy and her nonstop talking, she hadn’t stopped to take a sip. She hadn’t even noticed that Ellis had slipped away and bought her a bottle of water.


    She smiled. “Thank you.”


    When they got home, Elena’s phone rang—Mauricio was on the line.


    The moment she picked up, his voice came through, loud and theatrical. “Sweetheart, you won’t believe this—someone giarized your work!”


    Mauricio sounded furious. “They’re saying some writer named Lena copied your novels. You’re such a mystery that they couldn’t reach you, so they came to me instead. I’m livid—who would be dumb enough to steal from you?”


    Elena pulled the phone slightly away, his loud voice ringing in her ears.


    “Calm down—the ‘Lena’ they’re talking about is me.”


    Surprised, Mauricio raised his voice. “Wait, you’re Lena? You operate under two pseudonyms? So, there was no giarism—it’s all been a misunderstanding?”


    Mauricio was taken aback, having never considered that Helena and Lena were actually the same person. Helena was already well-regarded, but discovering Elena also wrote as Lena, another esteemed author, added to her charm.


    Overwhelmed by the revtion, Mauricio dered, “Elena, you’re a genius!”


    Elena modestly responded, “Oh, Mauricio, you tter me.”


    However, Mauricio felt his admiration was justified. Changing the subject, he asked, “Helena, why did you rush off so abruptly from the ball? I didn’t get a chance to bid you farewell. And how did youe across Earle, that formidable figure? His presence alone terrifies me!”


    The night of the ball, the moment the gunshots echoed, mysterious men in ck had swarmed the scene. Chaos erupted, and as the well-dressed guests fled, Mauricio scarcely reacted before Elena escaped through a window.


    Reflecting on that night still caused Mauricio to shudder. Concerned, he warned Elena, “I’ve heard he’s still on your trail. Please, take care.”


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    “Do you know him?” Elena asked.


    Mauricio shook his head, but then realizing the limitations of a phone call, he said, “No, I don’t know him personally. But in Avaloria, Earle’s reputation precedes him. He leads Shadow, the most ndestine assassinwork. He’s a major arms dealer and a top figure in the global drug trade. He’s a man with vast influence, and he’s not someone you want as an enemy.”


    Surprised by Earle’s dogged pursuit, Elena hadn’t anticipated such tenacity from him, considering theirck of personal animosity. Remainingposed, Elena said, “Thanks for the heads-up, Mauricio.”


    Mauricio replied, “Don’t mention it. With the giarism usations now resolved, I feel a weight has been lifted. I need to get back to my film crew, but let’s catch up moreter.”


    “Goodbye.” With that, Elena ended the call.


    The whirlwind of rumors was finally settling down. Earlier today, Sylvia had identally made a statement that cleared up some misunderstandings about Elena’s academic credentials, and now Elena aimed to stop the rumors for good.


    Elena logged into the social media profile she hadn’t used in ages. Under her alias Helena, she crafted a new post.


    “In response to the ongoing rumors, I must rify: There has been no giarism. Both Lena and Helena are pseudonyms I use. Legal…


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