Chapter 40:
Confident in his understanding, he dismissed the idea that Wesley had come for him; Wesley’s interest was clearly in Elena.
Having just arrived in Klathe, Elena faced not suspicion but genuine concern from her brother, who worried she might not grasp the full extent of the risks involved.
In his eyes, she saw only care, devoid of any mistrust.
Shaking her head, Elena replied sincerely, “No, he didn’t.”
Wesley did not know Elena at all; the person he was involved with was El.
Opting not to pursue the matter further, Jeffry patted Elena on the head and said, “No matter what happens, you can always come to me, okay?” That unconditional trust left Elena momentarily stunned.
While no one in the Reed family had ever believed in her, everyone in the Harper family did.
For the first time, she experienced the warmth of having a brother.
Her eyes grew moist, and she quietly murmured, “Okay.”
The remainder of the journey passed in silence until they soon arrived back at the estate.
Ailie glanced at Jeffry with a troubled expression, hesitating to speak. Noticing her pause, Jeffry stopped and asked, “Ailie, is something wrong?”
Grateful for his concern, Ailie quickly replied, “Elyse ran out crying earlier. Should we send someone to find her? It’s so dark outside; I’m worried something might happen to her.”
For over a decade, Ailie had served the Harper family, watching Elyse grow up as if she were her own daughter.
Anticipating that Jeffry would send someone to fetch Elyse, Ailie was surprised when he replied indifferently, “No need to look for her. She’s next door.”
Fully aware of Elyse’s habit of retreating next door to vent whenever she was upset, he made that remark without hesitation.
Despite knowing that Elyse had likely complained about him to his uncle and aunt, he chose not to hold it against her.
Deep resentment welled up in Ailie, who thought Jeffry’s distant demeanor was far too cold. Still, she couldn’t shake her concern for Elyse’s safety.
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The Harper family home exuded quiet calm, while the neighboring house owned by Vince buzzed with lively energy.
In Samira’s comforting arms, Elyse wept bitterly and spun exaggerated, spiteful tales about Elena, Jeffry, and Alexander.
Offering gentle consolation, Samira patted her shoulder and said, “Alexander shows too much favoritism toward Elena. Compensating her is perfectly understandable, but giving her company shares? That’s too much. How can he be so unfair? If Elena gets shares, Elyse, you deserve five percent too!”
Vince and his family held only a combined five percent of the shares.
“Elyse, stop crying. If you’re unhappy there, come stay with us,” Samira offered.
Momentarily frozen, Elyse quickly shook her head and replied, “Alex and Jolie raised me. I haven’t repaid them yet. I can’t move out.”
A pained sigh escaped Samira as she murmured, “You’re too gentle—never standing up for yourself, which is why Elena bullies you.”
