Chapter 139:
Seeing the defiant look on Javier’s face, still refusing to admit his mistake, Vince scolded him sharply. “Javier! You’re growing more and more rebellious. How could you treat Elena like that? Apologize right this instant!”
Javier’s composure shattered as he yelled, “Apologize my ass! You just keep demanding I say sorry! Don’t you see how terrible she is? I won’t apologize! Not now, not ever!”
The sharp sound of a slap echoed through the air.
Vince’s face showed clear disapproval. “All these years, your mother has spoiled you. You may have grown taller, but you certainly haven’t gotten any wiser!”
“Dad, how could you hit me?” Javier stared at Vince, disbelief written all over his face. Never before had Vince raised a hand to him. And now, Vince struck him because of Elena.
Javier pointed at Elena, hissing, “She’s Alexander’s daughter, not yours. I am your son, and yet you hit me for her?”
Vince’s frustration was unmistakable. How he wished he could knock some sense into Javier. Over the years, he had tolerated Javier’s relationship with Elyse, but Javier was stubbornly foolish. Elyse had often complained to Samira and gained her sympathy.
Vince had turned a blind eye to Elyse’s tricks, understanding her youth and the heartbreak of losing her parents.
When Elyse’s misdeeds reached Vince, he understood Alexander’s anger. Greed, he believed, would lead to ruin. Elyse had let her ambitions run wild, even targeting Elena, the true daughter of the family who had raised her.
Since Elyse was the only child of their late sister, Vince and Alexander had committed themselves to her care and ensuring she had all she needed. Yet Elyse wrongfully coveted Elena’s rightful place.
If it weren’t for Bertha and Elyse’s late mother, Vince would never have tolerated Elyse in his home—especially since she had influenced both his wife and son.
“That’s enough! Aren’t you embarrassed enough? Apologize right now!” Vince snarled at Javier.
Javier appeared reluctant.
Vince struck Javier lightly with a scroll, and feeling embarrassed, Javier quickly raised his hand to block the blow.
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The scroll unfurled, revealing a painting that was now partially damaged. Vince carefully rolled it back up.
Turning to Elena, Vince said, “This painting was meant for you. I mentioned wanting to gift you one. When I saw this at the auction today, I thought it would be perfect. Since it’s damaged now, come with me to the study and choose another.”
Elena declined, but Vince firmly insisted she come with him to the study.
Jeffry chimed in, “Go ahead. Vince means well. I’ll come with you.”
With little choice, Elena followed them next door.
Vince’s study was specially designed to preserve artwork. He didn’t remove paintings from the walls but opened a safe and took out several paintings.
“These are my treasured pieces. Elena, which one catches your eye?” Vince laid them out carefully, revealing a total of five paintings.
Elena glanced at them but didn’t choose any.
