Chapter 5:
Elena suddenly recalled that the man before her, Alexander, was one of the three wealthiest figures on Klathe’s rankings.
The Harper family had originally built their empire through real estate. Over time, their ventures expanded into renewable energy, advanced nanomaterials, luxury jewelry, and the entertainment sector. According to conservative media estimates, Alexander’s fortune had surpassed several quadrillions.
Jolie’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Elena, did you know your father before this meeting?”
Elena responded with composure, “I’ve come across his name in articles.”
Jolie wiped her tears away and pulled out a bank card from her pocket. “You’ve been through so much. There’s ten million on this—it’s my gift to you.”
Alexander also presented a card. “This is from me—another ten million.”
Not stopping there, Jolie revealed a small velvet case containing an exquisite collection of emerald jewelry—a necklace, earrings, bracelet, and ring, all intricately designed. This set alone was valued at no less than fifty million.
Elena was momentarily stunned. Her birth parents were offering her extravagant gifts the first time they had met, whereas the Reed family had always disregarded her and never even bought her a simple trinket.
Emotional, Jolie pulled Elena into a tight hug. “My darling, you’re finally home! I’ve longed for this moment for years…”
The warmth of the embrace left Elena uncertain. Was this how parents were supposed to be? Her mother’s embrace was so comforting, something Cecily had never offered. It became clear that her biological parents were nothing like the Reeds.
Alexander was equally excited but managed to keep his emotions in check. “Let’s get in first.”
As the trio stepped into the magnificent estate, Elena noticed a girl around her age.
The girl, Elyse Harper, frowned slightly at the sight of Elena, her gaze flickering with an unreadable emotion.
Elyse had coveted that emerald jewelry set for the longest time, yet it was now handed over to Elena the moment she arrived.
From the instant Elyse saw Elena’s striking features, disappointment settled in.
Let your imagination soar with gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s．çο𝗺
However, as soon as Alexander glanced her way, Elyse quickly replaced her expression with a welcoming smile.
Elyse adopted an amiable demeanor and said to Elena, “You must be Elena, right? I’m Elyse Harper. This estate is vast, so if you ever need anything or feel lost, don’t hesitate to ask me. No need for formalities—this is your home too.”
Elena immediately felt irritated. Why would she need to be formal with Elyse? This was her rightful home. She had noticed that Elyse’s earlier expression had been anything but welcoming, and her words carried the same insincere tone as Sylvia’s.
Elena politely declined. “That won’t be necessary.” She already knew her way around.
Jolie gently squeezed Elena’s hand. “Elena, Elyse is your aunt’s daughter. Her parents passed away when she was young, so we took her in. Aside from Elyse, you have three elder brothers who can’t wait to meet you. I’ll introduce you to them soon. But for now, you must be starving. I wasn’t sure what you enjoy, so I had a variety of dishes prepared for you.”
Jolie wasn’t exaggerating—the dining table was filled with an extensive selection of international cuisine.
Throughout the meal, Alexander and Jolie kept adding food to Elena’s plate.
Elena glanced at the growing pile on her plate, feeling the undeniable sincerity in their gestures. It was a lot of food—far more than she usually ate—but fortunately, her fast metabolism would take care of it. After dinner, Jolie led Elena to a bedroom. “This is a space I personally arranged for you. I hope it suits your taste, but if not, just say the word—I’ll have it redesigned immediately.”
A warmth spread in Elena’s chest. The Reeds had never set up a proper room for her. During their struggling years, she had stayed with an elder. Even after they gained wealth, she had been given only a small, unremarkable room.
Jolie noticed the lone backpack Elena had brought. “Come on. Let’s get you some things you’ll love.”
At Uchison Mall, Jolie held Elena’s hand and headed straight for the jewelry boutique on the fifth floor. It was the only Helena Jewelry flagship store in the country.
Jolie’s tone was gentle. “The emerald set I gave you earlier was a gift from my mother to me. You may not like the design, so let’s find something that suits your taste.”
Jolie couldn’t stop thinking about how little Elena had arrived with—just a single backpack. The idea of her daughter enduring hardship for twenty-three years filled her with regret. She wanted to give her daughter the best of everything.
As they entered the jewelry store, Jolie pointed at a few pieces. “Do you like any of these?”
Elena examined them—they were her own recent designs. “Yes, I do.” These were some of her finest creations.
Jolie immediately instructed the staff to bring them out. “If you like them, try them on.”
Just then, Cecily entered the store with Sylvia.
Sylvia’s eyes narrowed the moment she spotted Elena. What was that wretched girl doing here? She was supposed to be rotting away in the countryside.
