Chapter 2:
Sylvia loathed Elena’s distant attitude the most, as if nothing in the world concerned her. What made it worse was how Elena, supposedly a descendant of a lowlife, could possess such breathtaking beauty.
Sylvia couldn’t wait for Elena to return to that remote village, where endless labor under the scorching sun would strip away her refined elegance. There was no way Elena would remain as arrogant as she was now.
Cecily, already bitter over Elena supposedly taking Sylvia’s rightful place in the household, grew even more enraged after hearing Sylvia’s provocative words. She patted Sylvia’s back comfortingly. “Elena wouldn’t dare, not after she has stolen your identity! Someone like her, hailing from a humble background, wouldn’t even be worthy of serving Darren, let alone becoming his fiancée!”
In truth, Elena was just as much a victim in this ordeal, yet Cecily placed all the blame on her. If Elena had a choice, she would have severed all ties with the Reed family.
Darren was the only son of the Griffiths family, the wealthiest in Foiclens and among the elite in Klathe. Although the Griffiths weren’t in the top hundred, they were still leagues ahead of the Reeds.
Elena and Darren had grown up together, naturally leading to their engagement. Elena once believed his feelings were genuine, but the moment the truth came out—that she wasn’t truly a Reed—Darren turned his back on her. Not only did he end their betrothal immediately, but he also became involved with Sylvia.
Elena’s face remained expressionless. “I want nothing from the Reed family, including a fiancé of your choosing.”
She turned to leave, but Sylvia’s voice stopped her. “If you don’t care about anything from this family, then open your bag and prove it. Don’t act like you don’t want anything while secretly taking things with you.”
Cecily immediately chimed in, “Exactly! Your village is dirt poor—stealing even one piece of our jewelry could feed your family for years. Elena, don’t think you can steal from the Reed family to support those rural parents of yours!”
Sylvia stormed forward and yanked Elena’s bag open, only to reveal something astonishing. An emerald necklace tumbled out.
Sylvia wasted no time exclaiming, “Isn’t this the necklace my mom gave me? How did it end up in your bag?”
Sylvia couldn’t hide her smirk. She knew Elena wouldn’t leave empty-handed when there was so much wealth within reach.
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Cecily snatched the necklace. “You filthy thief! Do you know what you’ve done? This piece was designed by the world-famous Helena Walsh! I paid five million for it. You truly are nothing more than a hick’s daughter. I’m calling the police!”
Benjamin’s expression darkened with fury, his glare sharp enough to cut. “What do you have to say for yourself?” His gaze at Elena held nothing but cold hostility.
Sylvia pretended to mediate while fueling the fire. “Dad, Mom, don’t be too harsh. Elena must have really liked the necklace and took it without asking. Since she wants it so badly, I won’t argue over it.”
Cecily’s anger only escalated. “Not only did she steal your life, but now she wants a five-million-dollar luxury necklace? If we let her off, she’ll bring nothing but disgrace to the Reed family! This design is one of Helena’s limited creations, each with a unique serial number. I have to report this to the authorities!”
Sylvia feigned concern. “Mom, if you involve the police, Elena will end up in prison. Won’t that destroy her reputation?”
“A thief like her belongs behind bars. She needs to learn her lesson. It would be best if she rotted in jail forever, sparing the Reed family from any future humiliation!” Cecily retorted viciously.
Benjamin said nothing, silently agreeing with Cecily’s decision. It was better to see Elena locked away than to have her tarnish their family’s name.
Elena met Cecily’s vicious glare and Benjamin’s apathetic stare. For twenty-three years, she had called them Mom and Dad. She had once been grateful for the Reed family’s upbringing and didn’t want to think too badly of them. But now, she realized they were far worse than she ever imagined. They truly wanted her to struggle behind bars. Whatever affection she had left for the Reed family completely vanished.
