?Chapter 1042:


    Given her status as the mayor’s daughter, Ste had her pick of outstanding men. If Wesley truly wasn’t interested, she could easily set her sights elsewhere. Yet, deep down, she knew if Wesley ever did ask, she wouldn’t hesitate to say yes. Nobody else ever seemed to hold a candle to Wesley, at least in her eyes. At longst, her smile finally surfaced, lighting up her face.


    Affection and something sharper flickered in Liam’s gaze as he rested his hand gently on her hair. “Sweetheart, have I ever broken a promise to you?”


    A spark of hope danced in Ste’s eyes. “But Dad, what are you going to do to make him change his mind?”


    With only a knowing grin, Liam brushed off her concern. “That’s not something you need to worry about.”


    Despite her best efforts, Evelyn only managed to gather five hundred million from investors. And the partners agreed to back the Morgan Group solely out of respect for the Harper family name.


    Disaster loomed over the Morgan Group, forcing Jerry to swallow his pride and turn to Jeffry. No one could say what happened behind those closed doors, but when their talk ended, Jeffry reluctantly agreed to a five-billion-dor deal. Even so, Jerry left the meeting with a heavy look etched on his face.


    As dusk fell, the city’s most morous night unfolded—the annual g reserved for the’s upper crust.


    The Harper family arrived, led by Alexander, Jolie, Louis, and Elena. Trailing behind them, Jeffry and Evelyn kept their distance. Evelyn kept her hands at her sides, hardly daring to reach for Jeffry. Her expression was tight, every step betraying her unease.


    This wasn’t just a g—it was the highlight of the season, a chance for the city’s elite to parade their status and for the younger crowd to rub elbows with those in power.


    Invitations had been sent to all four prominent families in the. The Garrett family, the Johnsons, and the Harpers were already mingling—the only family not yet present was the Spencers.


    Among the city’s wealthy dynasties, the Spencer family reigned at the top, and usually they only sent Wesley as their representative.


    Tonight, the room held its breath when Gerald, the family’s patriarch, stepped through the doors himself.


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    Every conversation halted as Gerald strode toward the Harper family, all eyes following his every move.


    Alexander stepped forward and greeted Gerald with deference. “Good evening, Mr. Spencer.”


    With an easy gesture, Gerald dismissed the formality. “Go and enjoy yourselves. I’m here to speak with Elena.”


    Whispers darted through the crowd as shock settled over the guests. What on earth had that Harper girl done to earn Gerald’s personal attention?


    Shock flickered across Alexander’s and Jolie’s faces upon hearing Gerald’s words. The thought that Elena might offend Gerald immediately made them uneasy.


    Clearing his throat, Alexander spoke up carefully. “Mr. Spencer, Elena is still young. If she has offended you in any way, please forgive her.”


    A sharp frown settled over Gerald’s face. Fixing Alexander with a stern look, he said, “Your daughter is bright and always so considerate. How could she offend me? Honestly, I barely have enough time to enjoy herpany as it is. Alexander, you shouldn’t talk about your own daughter that way.”


    Astonishment washed over both Alexander and Jolie as they struggled to process this. Since when had their daughter be so close to Gerald as to earn such a strong defense?


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