Chapter 102:
Monica’s expression turned serious. She trusted Elena completely, but her faith alone wouldn’t be enough. If this issue were to spread, Elena’s reputation could be shattered.
Leaning in, Monica whispered urgently, “Elena, speak up now or the crowd might side with Elyse.”
Elena’s eyes hardened, reflecting a chilling resolve. She stared down Elyse, who was barely concealing her triumphant smile.
Just as Elena was about to respond, the door swung open, revealing Samira.
Samira’s glare was pointed and hostile as she took in the scene. Elena chuckled mockingly, seeing that Elyse had orchestrated a well-planned ambush involving Samira. Clearly, this was a maneuver to oust her from Leopardex.
Boldly, Samira said, “Elena, you lack even the most basic ethics of a designer—stealing Elyse’s design draft has brought disgrace upon the Harper family! Leopardex, a prestigious brand with a century of heritage, depends on its pristine reputation. If news spreads that its designer plagiarized, who would dare purchase its jewelry? With Bertha absent, I’ll decide right now: Elena, you’re fired. As of today, you no longer work for Leopardex, and Elyse will assume control.”
Rapid and seething with anger, Samira’s words left no room for disagreement.
Elena had never been someone she liked. Originating from a small town, Elena was criticized by Samira as nothing more than a hick—morally dubious and even prone to theft. Samira doubted Elena’s qualifications were genuine, believing that she likely lacked even basic design skills. She was determined that Elena should be exiled back to Foiclens to prevent further embarrassment in Klathe.
Elena cut off Samira sharply. “I did not copy any design. If Elyse is so certain it’s hers, she needs to prove it. Failing that, I will take legal action for defamation.”
Unmoved by Elena’s defense, Samira retorted, “Elyse has no reason to fabricate such a story. It must be you who are deceiving us.”
Since the design never belonged to Elyse, she was unable to produce any evidence.
Bolstered by Samira’s support, Elyse insisted her design draft had simply been lost. “Elena, taking my design draft is one thing—I understand your burning desire for Leopardex—but you have no right to defame me. I’m merely stating the truth.”
Samira regarded Elyse as a daughter and naturally sided with her. She had always believed Elena bullied Elyse, so Elyse’s claim that Elena had stolen her design draft seemed unquestionable.
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After Elena returned to the Harper family, she relentlessly competed for every opportunity. On her very first day back, she sparked controversy with a counterfeit painting; later, she charmed her way into acquiring shares, provoked Bertha into falling ill, and now found herself battling Elyse for control of Leopardex.
Elena’s assertiveness and competitive streak completely clashed with the demure expectations of high society. In her quest to control Leopardex, Elena had even resorted to stealing Elyse’s design draft.
Samira often thought that if Elena were her own daughter, she would have corrected her behavior long ago. Only Alexander and Jolie seemed blind to Elena’s faults, valuing her as if she were a rare gem.
“I trust Elyse’s honesty; she would never fabricate the truth. Elena, do you intend to apologize?”
Samira, who managed the jewelry company under Harper Group, was well-known to Monica.
