Chapter 23:
Alexander cast a glance at Declan, who immediately stepped forward to clarify the situation. “Mr. Harper, I did present them with a settlement, but they turned it down.”
“When was that?” Cecily frowned.
Declan looked at Cecily with nothing but disdain. After all the cruelty she had shown Elena, she still had the audacity to demand payment? He had never encountered anyone so shameless.
Declan explained, “When I arrived to take Miss Harper home, Mr. Harper had prepared the deeds for twenty-three commercial properties and twenty-three estates, along with twenty-three high-end jewelry pieces, keys to twenty-three luxury vehicles, and a bank card loaded with two hundred thirty million. I personally handed them over, and you rejected the offer.”
It finally dawned on Cecily. That seemingly rundown van and muddy boxes weren’t filled with farm produce but with… Regret hit her like a tidal wave. If only she had known, she would have taken everything without hesitation.
Throwing all dignity aside, Cecily bared her greedy nature and stretched out a hand. “Then give them to me now! I’ll take them!”
Alexander’s expression darkened. “Now you want them? Too late.”
Witnessing how the Reed family behaved, the Harpers felt even more compassion for Elena.
Louis declared, “Elena, from this moment on, I’ll be your shield. If anyone dares to disrespect you, I’ll make sure they regret it!”
Jeffry chimed in, “Just say the word, and I’ll make it happen.”
Even Ellis, usually the aloof one, spoke up. “There are a lot of fascinating things at the research center. Next time, I’ll bring you something interesting.”
Nearby, Elyse clenched the couch in frustration. Never before had these three treated her with such warmth. She had spent over two decades growing up with them, yet now, they showered Elena with all the care and attention she had longed for. She felt she had become invisible ever since Elena appeared.
Jealousy burned within Elyse. She couldn’t accept that the bond she had nurtured with them for so many years could be so easily eclipsed by Elena.
Over the years, Vince and Samira had suggested making Elyse part of the family legally several times, but Elyse had always refused.
Lɒtєѕτ chɑρτєrs ιn g𝓪l𝑛ovє𝓁𝓈.𝑐𝓞𝓂
Elyse only wanted one thing—to be recognized as Alexander’s daughter. He was the Harper Group’s CEO, and his three sons were outstanding in every way. Only a family of their caliber was worthy of adopting her. She had fought for years to secure her place in their world, and she wasn’t about to surrender now. In her mind, she was the true daughter of the Harper family.
Elyse spoke gently, her voice seemingly carrying an air of reason. “Alexander, Jolie, no matter what, the Reeds raised Elena for over twenty years. They may not have done much, but they did put in the effort. Shouldn’t we at least let them sit down and discuss this?”
A faint smirk appeared on Elena’s lips. Elyse never missed a chance to disgust her. Had Elyse conveniently ignored the cruel insults Cecily and Sylvia had hurled moments ago? If Elyse wanted to act virtuous, she was free to do so.
Elena had no interest in playing along. “I’m not as understanding and patient as you. If you want to listen to their nonsense, go ahead.”
“Elena, how could you say that?” Elyse’s voice was soft, her eyes red-rimmed with feigned hurt. “I was only thinking of you. They did raise you, after all. I had no other motives…”
