Chapter 163:
His words sent a ripple of shock through those present.
Elena’s gaze slowly lifted to meet his, catching the flicker of amusement in his eyes. Hah! He truly enjoyed stirring up chaos. How had she failed to notice before that he thrived on meddling in other people’s business?
As their eyes locked, to the onlookers, it resembled an exchange laden with unspoken emotion.
Darren’s hands curled into fists, his pulse quickening. Damn it! He had miscalculated. He had assumed Elena was nothing more than Malcolm’s fleeting amusement, yet here they were, exchanging lingering looks in full view of everyone. If Elena revealed what he had just said, he’d have made an enemy out of Malcolm.
Darren kept his gaze trained on Elena, fearing that she might reveal something that jeopardized his career.
Bill narrowed his eyes, studying Elena intently. There was something familiar about her. The longer he observed, the clearer the recognition became.
Then, realization struck like a bolt of lightning. Slapping his thigh, Bill widened his eyes slightly. Wasn’t she the one being cast aside by the Reeds, Elena? And yet, she had connections to Malcolm?
The Reed family’s construction firm had long been a rival to Bill’s, with their paths crossing frequently.
Bill had heard Elena had been cast aside to a backwater village—so, how had she ended up associating with Malcolm? Plus, wasn’t she once engaged to Darren, that useless fool?
Bill nearly chuckled. If the Reed family discovered they had thrown away a chance to be linked to the powerful Johnson family, wouldn’t they be filled with regret? And
Darren—he had wasted no time severing ties with Elena as soon as the Reed family realized they had raised the wrong child, only to turn around and propose to the real Reed daughter. How ironic! He had discarded Elena, and now she was in the orbit of someone far more influential. Not only that, but even in looks, Malcolm was leagues ahead of Darren.
Those who recognized Elena couldn’t help but sneer at the foolishness of both the Reed and Griffiths families.
The tension in the air heightened as everyone awaited Elena’s response.
Elena withdrew her gaze and replied evenly, “What do you think, Mr. Johnson?”
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Aside from business dealings, what else could possibly exist between them? Since Malcolm seemed intent on leading people to misunderstand, she tossed the question back at him, leaving it in his hands.
Malcolm’s smirk remained, his tone deliberately casual. “Whatever you say it is, that’s what it is.”
Darren, who had been on edge, clenched his jaw. Seriously? Flirting in front of everyone? His mood soured instantly. Unable to contain himself, he spoke up. “Elena, I was just joking earlier. You won’t hold it against me, right?”
Darren’s gaze bore into hers, a silent warning lurking behind his expression. With a subtle wink, he tried to remind her—Sheila was still in the Reed family’s grasp.
Malcolm’s eyes flickered between Darren and Elena before he remarked, “You both seem well-acquainted.”
Darren stiffened, momentarily at a loss for words. Malcolm’s interest in Elena was clear. If he discovered the broken engagement, would Malcolm take action against him? Speaking now felt dangerous.
