Chapter 24:
Louis cut in sharply. “Did you not hear the vile things they just said? If you actually cared about Elena, you’d keep quiet.” His harsh words silenced Elyse.
Samira, watching the Reed family, felt her last shred of patience slip away as she stared at the painting. With an icy tone, she snapped, “You fooled me with a forgery and still expected my help? Keep dreaming.”
Cecily gritted her teeth, shaking her head in denial. “I swear, this painting is real! Elena, just because you’ve moved up in the world doesn’t mean you should turn your back on us. I know we’re not as wealthy as the Harpers, but we never let you starve. How could you…” Tears streamed down Cecily’s face as she put on a show of sincerity, determined to smear Elena’s name.
Because of the unfolding scene, Javier’s dislike for Elena deepened. He despised people like Elena. Elyse had merely shown concern, yet Elena had responded with mockery.
As someone who had grown up alongside Elyse, Javier couldn’t stand to see her treated this way. With a cold expression, he scoffed, “Elena says it’s a fake, and you all just take her word for it? Mom, you’re being ridiculous. Even Dad, a professor in literature, couldn’t confirm its authenticity. What makes you think she can?”
Not satisfied, Javier turned to Elena and added, “You’re ungrateful. They gave you a home, and now you’re trying to ruin them…”
“Javier Harper.” Jeffry shot Javier a chilling look, making him stiffen and fall silent.
Javier’s words, however, made Samira hesitate. Indeed, if even an expert in literature couldn’t determine whether the painting was genuine, how could Elena possibly know? She had never even heard of any so-called lotus mark.
Just as uncertainty crept in, Jeffry spoke with confidence. “There’s a simple way to settle this. We’ll retrieve the painting from the Spencer family and compare them side by side.”
Without another word, he pulled out his phone and called Wesley.
Jeffry briefly summarized what had happened at the estate. While a painting worth tens of millions might be a prized possession for most, to the Spencer family, it was nothing more than a decorative piece. Jeffry initially assumed Wesley wouldn’t mind lending it out.
However, Wesley insisted, “Let Elena come and get it.”
Jeffry frowned. “Why does she have to go herself?”
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Wesley replied simply, “I won’t hand it over to anyone else.”
The call ended, leaving Jeffry confused. What exactly was Wesley planning?
Elena remained unfazed. “Jeffry, I’ll go pick it up.” To her, it was a straightforward errand, no different than a short walk.
Jeffry nodded. Since Wesley had made it clear that only Elena could retrieve the painting, there was no point in arguing. It seemed inevitable that Elena would have to go herself.
Jeffry stood up. “Spencer Manor isn’t far. I’ll go with you.” The two of them left together.
The Spencer estate was even more expansive and older than the Harper Manor. Clearly, their arrival was anticipated, as the wrought iron gates opened just as Jeffry’s car arrived. Elena got out alone and rang the doorbell.
A seasoned butler answered and silently guided her to the third floor, where Wesley’s study was located.
This time, Elena got a proper look at Wesley.
