Chapter 159:
Just as Elena prepared to head back to Klathe, a familiar voice called out, “Elena.”
She turned toward the voice and locked eyes with Darren. He stood nearby, casually leaning against a car door, a cigarette resting between his fingers. As she faced him, he blew out a ring of smoke, clearly having waited for her.
Darren raised an eyebrow at Elena, his lips mouthing words. Suddenly, Elena’s eyes turned cold and distant.
Darren mouthed a question—did you miss me?
Truthfully, Darren wasn’t unpleasant to look at—in fact, some might even call him handsome.
But to Elena, he was nothing short of repulsive. Those piercing eyes of his churned her stomach. Her lips curled into a scornful smirk. “Miss you? Not in a million years.”
Elena narrowed her eyes slightly. Had Darren lost all sense? An engagement banquet was on the horizon for him, yet here he was, wondering if she had missed him.
From a few steps away, Darren couldn’t quite catch Elena’s words, but he noticed how her lips curved mid-sentence. That was enough. His grin stretched wider, basking in a sense of triumph. Before, she had barely acknowledged his existence, carrying herself with untouchable grace. But now? With the Reed family casting her aside, she had no safety net. Only men. Men like Malcolm were rare gems. Who was to say Elena hadn’t already warmed the beds of countless wealthy men?
Compared to them, Darren saw himself as a far better option. He was confident in his charm. Just a small gesture, and Elena seemed caught in his web.
Darren flicked the cigarette from his fingers, grinding it into the pavement before striding toward Elena. His smirk dripped with disdain. He looked down on her—a woman without status but with questionable history. Beneath him. Yet he had other plans for her. His gaze trailed over her striking features and tempting silhouette. No doubt she had become a prize among wealthy men.
Lately, Darren had exhausted his efforts forging ties in Klathe, finally securing a connection with the Spencer family. Joseph had verbally agreed to work with the Griffiths, but the deal wasn’t sealed yet. That had been gnawing at Darren—until now. With Elena’s beauty, Joseph would certainly take interest. It wasn’t hard to imagine luring her into a deceptive medical procedure, making her seem untouched before delivering her to Joseph on a silver platter. Then, the contract would be a done deal.
The thought darkened Darren’s grin. With a few confident strides, he stopped before Elena. “Elena, ever since the last time we spoke, I’ve been searching for a way to clear things up. That day… I lost my temper and said things I didn’t mean. The truth is…”
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He lowered his head slightly, gazing at Elena with fake affection. “How have you been? I’ve been worried. The world is full of opportunists, and I don’t want you to get hurt.” His unwavering gaze feigned concern.
If Elena had been the type to fall for such performances, she might have appreciated the effort. But his exaggerated act couldn’t hold a candle to Elyse’s dramatics.
Unmoved, Elena regarded him as if he were a complete fool. “Get to the point.”
Her detached tone caught him off guard for a split second.
“Speak.” Elena’s brow furrowed with impatience.
Darren’s throat tightened as he swallowed his irritation. Soon enough, she’d regret underestimating him. Once she was handed over to Joseph, she’d learn her place. Forcing a smile, he pressed on. “No matter what, I still care about you. I don’t want to see you struggle. Come with me. I’ll make sure you’re taken care of.”
