Chapter 193:
Secretly, Ethel threatened Kiera, warning that her father would disown her if she misbehaved.
This left young Kiera deeply scarred, believing any disobedience would cause her father and older brother to abandon her. Terrified of being alone, she obeyed every command from Ethel.
As a result of this deception, Marlon had mistakenly believed that Kiera was fond of Ethel, which allowed Ethel to keep control over her. If Elena hadn’t uncovered the truth today, Kiera might have spent her entire life living under Ethel’s threats.
Elena’s expression hardened. She had encountered desperate people before, but never someone willing to sabotage their own survival so recklessly. Ethel enjoyed a lavish lifestyle funded by Marlon’s money while mistreating his daughter behind his back.
At the sight of Kiera’s gestures, Ethel frowned. “What nonsense is that useless girl saying now?”
Seeing Elena’s simple clothes and unfamiliar face, Ethel underestimated her. She threatened Kiera, “Your father stopped caring about you a long time ago. Without me, you’d have nowhere to go! If you don’t behave, I’ll throw you out!”
Kiera trembled, lowering her head, too frightened to speak.
Ethel brazenly threatened Kiera in Elena’s presence, confident that Kiera’s muteness and her status as the overlooked daughter of the Johnson family would keep her suffering hidden. Unbeknownst to Ethel, Elena not only recognized Kiera, but also knew Malcolm.
Elena tried to call Malcolm, but the underground parking’s poor reception stopped the call. She glanced toward the exit and discreetly slipped her phone into her pocket.
Kiera’s fingers slowly relaxed, loosening their grip on her sleeve.
Just as Kiera was about to give up and follow Ethel, a gentle hand suddenly grasped hers.
Kiera froze, her dark eyes widening as she followed the line of the wrist to meet Elena’s gaze.
Seeing this, Ethel stepped forward confidently, hands on her hips, her voice dripping with arrogance. “How dare you meddle in my family’s affairs? If you want to avoid trouble, get lost. This concerns the Johnson family!”
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Elena let out a mocking laugh. “What a coincidence. I’m actually here to see Marlon. And you are…? How exactly are you related to him?”
Ethel’s expression shifted, a brief flash of unease crossing her eyes. “W-what? You’re here to see Marlon?”
Her heart skipped a beat. Could this woman really be acquainted with Marlon? That would be a complete disaster!
“Who are you, and what business do you have with Marlon?” Ethel demanded, her sharp eyes scrutinizing Elena with a mix of suspicion and intrigue.
Elena maintained her composure, firmly holding Kiera’s hand while keeping her other arm relaxed by her side.
Though Elena appeared calm, her senses were heightened, alert to her surroundings and ready to protect Kiera if Ethel’s men dared to act.
“I prefer to discuss that directly with Mr. Johnson,” Elena stated, her face betraying no emotion.
