?Chapter 1101:


    The surprises continued—the three Harper brothers had each prepared their own gifts for Elena.


    Jeffry addressed Elena with genuine warmth. “May your Christmas be magical.”


    Ellis presented her with a rare Martian stone, an extraordinary and precious memento. “Wishing you Christmas happiness.”


    Louis handed her a card with an impish grin. “Elena, from this moment forward, you can use this card for any desire. I have plenty of money.”


    These were the most abundant presents Elena had ever received in her life. Her eyshes trembled slightly as she expressed quiet gratitude to her family.


    Louis, radiating eagerness, produced a deck of cards. “Now that we’ve finished eating, gaming time begins. I won’t show mercy to anyone, and whoever loses must remain awake throughout the night as punishment!”


    Alexander and Jolie jumped right into the fun with the rest of the family.


    The game was simple: two people per team. Since there were six Harper family members, they made three teams. Everyone would take turns drawing cards, and whoever had the most pairs at the end won. Naturally, Alexander and Jolie teamed up—that was a given.


    Louis raised his hand right away. “I’m with Elena,” he dered. “Jeffry, you’re with Ellis.”


    Once the teams were settled, they all dove into the game and began drawing cards.


    The game didn’t need brains or strategy—just luck. And that was exactly why Louis loved ying it. If it had been a game of smarts, he wouldn’t have stood a chance with both Jeffry and Elena in the mix.


    Louis puffed up with confidence. “No way I’m losing this time.”


    The first round ended, and Alexander and Jolie had the most matches. Jeffry and Ellis came in second. Louis and Elena? Deadst. Louis groaned loudly. “Again! No way I’m losing every round!”


    But it didn’t stop there. Round after round, Louis and Elena kept losing. Louis was about ready to explode. He side-eyed Elena. “Be real with me—are you throwing the game on purpose?”


    Elena gave him the most innocent look. “Louis, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.”


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


    Louis was convinced she was doing it on purpose, probably to keep things light for their parents, and she dragged him down with her. But no matter how annoyed he was, he couldn’t bring himself to actually snap at her. So he just leaned over and gave her cheek a dramatic little pinch. “You’re the absolute worst, Elena,” he muttered, halfughing, half frustrated.


    Louis had thought that by teaming with Elena, victory was within reach, allowing him to go find Kiera after the game. Thanks to Elena, though, his little n was toast.


    Elena,pletely unaware of Louis’s side n, had just been genuinely unlucky throughout the game.


    Jeffry’s voice broke through the noise, calm but firm. “Hands off.”


    Being the oldest, Jeffry carried a calm but firm presence that always made Louis back off. Louis gave a sheepish smile right away. “Jeffry, rx, I was just joking around with Elena…”


    Jolie had been in high spirits all evening, even with her fragile health. She joined in the fun, but by now she was clearly worn out.


    Alexander noticed the fatigue in her eyes and quietly wrapped up the game so she could rest.


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