Chapter 153:
Cecily saw nothing excessive about her request. She failed to realize that despite the Harper family’s wealth, there was no reason they should be expected to provide for her.
“Fifty million means nothing to your wealthy family, Elena. Surely, you wouldn’t be so miserly. The Reed family has taken care of you for over twenty years. Now’s the moment for you to show your gratitude. If you can’t even spare this amount, then raising you was worth less than keeping a pet.” Cecily spoke bluntly and without tact. To her, the Reed family had provided for Elena, making it only fair for her to return the favor. Even a pet could fetch a price—so how could a person be worth less?
As these thoughts ran through her mind, Cecily felt a fresh wave of resentment. What right did the Harper family have to throw her out? She had raised Elena on their behalf. They should be eternally grateful to her. Without the Reed family, Elena wouldn’t have survived. Elena had been fed, clothed, and housed—how could she claim she had been mistreated?
The more Cecily considered it, the more convinced she became that Elena must have badmouthed the Reed family to the Harpers. With this in mind, Cecily’s eyes burned with hostility as she stared at Elena.
Elena’s lashes lowered, masking her thoughts.
Cecily’s outburst was met with nothing but silence.
Frowning, Cecily’s voice grew sharper. “Hey, I’m speaking to you! Don’t act like you didn’t hear me. Do you think ignoring me will let you walk away without paying up? I know you have money with you. Don’t even think about leaving without handing it over!”
Nearby, Darren’s expression darkened slightly. Though he wasn’t fond of Elena either, he found Cecily’s behavior crude—like that of a market hag. With one hand in his pocket, his heavy gaze landed on Elena. Sylvia, noticing his focus, grew uneasy. She quickly stepped forward and clung to his arm. “Darren, what are you looking at?”
Feeling her soft touch, Darren finally shifted his attention. He masked his distaste well, forcing a polite smile. “It’s nothing…” Yet after a brief pause, he couldn’t stop himself from asking, “Is your family really that desperate for money?”
Darren recalled Sylvia had mentioned Elena’s biological parents were from a humble background and that Elena had worked as a maid in Klathe. How could someone in her position possibly produce fifty million? The Reed family must be utterly crazed with greed.
At this, Sylvia stiffened, visibly uneasy. She could tell Cecily’s loud demands had displeased Darren.
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With passersby now glancing their way, Sylvia felt the sting of embarrassment. But no matter how humiliating the scene was, the money mattered far more. After all, it wasn’t her reputation on the line.
Biting her lip, Sylvia wore a conflicted expression. “Darren, you know about my dad’s company. But don’t take it the wrong way. Even though we’re struggling a bit, my mom wouldn’t ask Elena for money because of that. My mom’s just hurt. Ever since Elena left for Klathe, she’s done nothing but bring trouble to our family. She even destroyed the Reed family’s partnership with the Harpers.”
Sylvia’s face reddened with emotion, her gaze locking onto Darren, seeking sympathy.
She was convinced her explanation was solid.
However, Darren’s expression turned odd as he processed her words. That didn’t justify Cecily’s demand for money. Did that mean if the Reed family had an issue with him, they’d try to extort cash too? His lips pressed into a firm line, his expression unreadable.
