?Chapter 1043:


    A hush fell over the banquet hall as Gerald’s irritation lingered in the air. Elena spoke up, her tone calm but gentle. “Gerald, you haven’t fully recovered yet. Was it really necessary for you to attend this banquet?”


    Gerald’s mood lifted instantly. His frown melted into a warm smile. “You never showed up at my ce, so I figured I’de and find you myself.”


    The softness in his voice stunned everyone, drawing looks of disbelief and murmurs through the room. Rumors about Gerald’s reclusive nature had circted for years. Even the most persistent gift-givers rarely got past his gates. Yet here he was, making a public appearance just for Elena.


    No one could quite believe it. Even the Harper family could hardly grasp what was happening.


    Looping her arm through Gerald’s to offer support, Elena teased, “But didn’t we just share lunch yesterday?”


    Laughing softly, Gerald shook his head. “That was yesterday. Today’s a whole new story. Besides, that scamp Wesley hasn’t shown up all day, and you didn’t visit either.”


    Leaning closer, Jolie whispered urgently to her husband, “Do you have any idea what’s going on here?”


    Alexander’s answer came with a slight shake of his head. “I’m as lost as you are. Let’s see how this ys out.”


    With every gesture and word, Gerald shifted the spotlight onto Elena. People in the crowd began to see her in a new light. If Elena could win over the elusive Gerald, then perhaps she truly stood a chance of joining the Spencer family—and bing Wesley’s bride. A union between the Spencer family and the Harper family would eclipse any alliance the Garrett family or the Johnson family could muster.


    Tonight, Gerald might have shown up for Elena’s sake, but social obligations were inescapable as guests lined up for his attention.


    Gerald, worried Elena might be bored, leaned over and encouraged her to mingle and enjoy herself.


    Restlessness crept in as Elena took in the crowd and noise. Seeking a breath of fresh air, she slipped away with a ss of water, finding a quiet spot beside a tall window. No sooner had she settled than a sh of silver streaked toward her face.


    With quick reflexes, Elena’s arm shot up to shield herself, and she twisted out of the de’s path. A sharp crack rang out as the ss slipped from her hand and smashed on the floor, blood welling on her skin where the shattered pieces had grazed her. ncing down, she spotted a de sunk deep into the wood right where she’d been standing. If she’d hesitated, it would have been fatal.


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    “Who’s hiding back there? Step out now!” Elena’s voice rang out, cold and steady.


    A shadow peeled away from the darkness, revealing a tall man in a ck leather jacket.


    Suspicion narrowed Elena’s eyes. “Who are you?”


    A gravelly voice answered her, “My name is unimportant. You only need to know I’vee for you and Wesley.”


    The threat was unmistakable. It dawned on her instantly—this man had to be Scarface, the assassin who sent chills through the criminal underworld. While she kept her voice calm, her hand inched toward the holster at her waist. “Scarface, right? The one who wants Wesley dead. Why target me, too?”


    A mocking snort escaped Scarface, his re sharp as a de. “Catching you is the easiest way to draw Wesley out.”


    Lately, he’d been lurking in the, watching and waiting for his chance to strike. It didn’t take long to see how much Wesley valued her. Using her as bait was his only path to sess. Patience had worn thin, pushing him to make his move here and now.


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