Chapter 1326:

Darin’s eyes narrowed, his tone turning icy. “Miss Alvarado, please watch what you say. Ms. Harper is my boss and Helena’s chief designer. She doesn’t need anyone to fight her battles; she’s more than capable. If anything, you’re the one who was caught with a counterfeit, and now you’re lashing out. Maybe instead of stirring up gossip, you should do your homework next time and avoid falling for scams.”

Fury flashed across Judy’s face. “Who do you think you are, talking down to me like that?”

Unfazed, Darin met her glare. “Just stating the facts, Miss Alvarado. If you want empty praise, ask your friends—they’ll probably say anything if you throw around a couple million on a knockoff.”

“Shut your mouth!” Judy snapped, breath coming in angry bursts as her hands curled into tight fists. How could he stand there and call her gullible enough to waste two million on something fake? Humiliated and fuming, she looked ready to fire back.

“What’s going on here?” A voice, cool and unyielding, cut through the tension.

Judy froze and turned around, only to find Shawn standing a short distance away, his expression unreadable. The moment she recognized him, her demeanor changed completely.

In a heartbeat, her tone softened, and she put on a helpless face. “Shawn, thank goodness you came. They’re ganging up on me. You have to step in!”

Shawn barely spared her a glance, clearly unmoved by her theatrics. A flush of embarrassment crept up Judy’s cheeks as Shawn completely brushed her off.

Shawn’s expression shifted as he faced Elena, his icy exterior giving way to real warmth. “Sorry I wasn’t here sooner.”

“Wait,” Judy blurted out, confused. “Shawn, are you two acquainted?” She couldn’t get it. She and Shawn had gone to school together, and her own father worked as a secretary for Shawn’s father, so why had she never heard of any connection between Shawn and Elena?

Shawn didn’t spare Judy so much as a glance. Instead, he moved a step closer to Elena, his voice turning soft. “Are you alright?”

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Elena’s lips curled into a teasing smile. “I’m fine. Just a little annoyed by someone who refuses to leave me alone.”

Relief washed over Shawn, and his shoulders loosened as he gave a quiet nod. “Don’t worry. I’ll handle it.”

Catching a glimpse of him, Elena couldn’t help but notice how much taller he looked now. She arched an eyebrow but didn’t comment, simply folding her arms and watching with interest.

Meanwhile, Judy fumed at being left out, jealousy twisting inside her. She tried again, raising her voice. “Shawn! Are you ignoring me? This woman’s causing trouble. Why aren’t you doing anything? Make her leave!”

Judy had always gotten her way and fully expected Shawn to scold Elena and Darin on her behalf. After all, she was supposed to marry Shawn.

Ignoring Judy’s outburst, Shawn summoned security.

Judy shot Elena a venomous glare. “You might call yourself Helena, but you’re still going to be thrown out like trash.”

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