Chapter 9:
Declan’s eyebrows arched in disbelief. It baffled him how someone as dignified as Elena could be mistaken for a household maid.
Declan was about to correct Benjamin when Elena stepped forward, her voice sharp and her gaze icy. “Rather than worrying about me, maybe you should think about your own future. From what I’ve heard, you’ll end up in jail soon.”
Lately, the Reed Group’s financial situation had collapsed, causing projects to stall indefinitely. Employees went unpaid, work halted halfway, and chaos reigned due to dwindling funds.
Having said her piece, Elena brushed past them and ascended the staircase, treating the Reed family as if they were invisible.
With a cold, unreadable expression, Declan quietly led the Reed family to Alexander.
By now, Declan understood perfectly—the Reed family was clueless that Elena was actually the Harpers’ daughter, whom the Harpers had spent years desperately seeking and recently rediscovered. Benjamin’s and Cecily’s blatant disrespect toward Elena in front of a simple driver revealed exactly how they’d probably treated her all these years.
Inside the grand drawing room, Benjamin forced a humble smile onto his face. “Mr. Harper, could you perhaps clarify why the Harper Group suddenly withdrew from our joint venture? The Reed Group may not be among Klathe’s major enterprises, but we always deliver top-quality work. Partnering with us wouldn’t disappoint you.”
Barely a day before, just after Elena and Cecily returned home, Benjamin had received the crushing call confirming the Harper Group had abruptly ended their cooperation. It was the Reed family’s final lifeline, their last chance to stay afloat.
Alexander had quietly investigated Elena’s life back in Foiclens, uncovering just how poorly she’d been treated by the Reeds. Understandably, he no longer had any interest in keeping ties with the Reed Group.
With billions invested, the Harper Group’s luxurious resort island was Klathe’s most desirable project. Competition had been fierce, and the Reed family was only ever considered because they’d raised Elena for twenty-three years.
Yet, Alexander hadn’t imagined they’d treat his beloved daughter so harshly.
Alexander said deliberately, “This project demands a significant financial backbone—one your struggling little company can’t possibly provide.”
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A sudden dread twisted Benjamin’s insides. Without even a small stake in this venture, bankruptcy was inevitable. “Mr. Harper, surely you wouldn’t abandon us completely. Even the smallest share could save us.”
Alexander stared him down, his voice firm with authority. “And what exactly have you done to earn my generosity?”
Benjamin opened his mouth but then closed it, grasping desperately for something persuasive to say. Realistically, the Reed family held no weight compared to the powerful Harper name. But losing this deal would be catastrophic. Surrender wasn’t an option.
Unable to remain quiet, Cecily blurted out impatiently, “The Harper Group committed to us already. You can’t suddenly go back on your word!”
Alexander slowly turned his eyes toward Cecily. Her impulsive remark suggested she had no idea whom she was addressing.
At that moment, Jolie descended the stairs, catching fragments of their conversation. “Who the Harper Group chooses to work with is entirely our decision—not yours.”
Cecily’s face lit with recognition, leaving her frozen in place. This was the same woman from the mall encounter yesterday. Suddenly, it all clicked into place—this was exactly why the Harper family withdrew their cooperation. Everything pointed back to Elena. Since Elena had gotten herself employed as a household maid, she must have filled Alexander’s ears with lies, sabotaging their deal.
Cecily became increasingly certain as she turned this idea over in her mind. Her anxiety surfaced clearly, alerting Benjamin that something was troubling her deeply. “Have you met Mrs. Harper before?” Convinced that Elena had slandered her, Cecily forced a smile, ready to ruin Elena’s reputation and sway Jolie’s opinion. She said, “Mr. Harper, Mrs. Harper, you’re being misled. Elena is completely unreliable. Her father is just some worthless driver, and her mother is from a backwater town. She’s totally uneducated and tells nothing but lies.”
A chill crept into Alexander’s tone as he said quietly, “Worthless driver?”
Jolie raised an eyebrow sharply. “A woman from a backwater town?”
Cecily nodded eagerly, insisting, “That’s right! You can’t believe a word she says!”
Beside Cecily, Benjamin remained silent, choosing not to intervene. He also believed that Elena and her father were entirely to blame for this mess.
Nearby, Declan and the maids exchanged stunned glances at Cecily’s outburst. Was she out of her mind? How could she openly insult Alexander as worthless and Jolie as some nobody from the countryside right to their faces?
Fresh from her shower, Elena paused midway down the stairs, clearly hearing Cecily’s insulting remarks. The harshness of the insults twisted painfully inside her.
Years of enduring Cecily’s endless spite had numbed Elena to a certain extent. Ever since childhood, whenever Elena fell short of Cecily’s and Benjamin’s expectations, Cecily would invent flaws and spread twisted lies about her behavior.
However, hearing those insults delivered right in front of her parents ignited something fierce within Elena.
Elena descended the stairs, prompting Cecily to jab a finger in her direction. “There! She’s the one—a liar and a thief!”
