Chapter 224:

Louis noticed her hesitation and smirked. “A deal’s a deal. What’s this? Can’t handle defeat?”

Even Evelyn, who had been chatting amicably with Elyse earlier, now looked at her with contempt. If Elyse couldn’t accept losing, she shouldn’t have played in the first place.

Evelyn frowned disapprovingly. It was Elyse who had insisted on playing, denying her the chance to play with Jeffry. Now that Elyse had lost, she was reluctant to honor the bet. How shameless. Evelyn scoffed. “Exactly. If you can’t handle the outcome, why play at all?”

Elyse cared deeply about her image, and Evelyn’s disdain cut into her pride like a dagger. Forcing a smile, she said, “This bracelet was custom-made for my wrist. It wouldn’t fit Elena properly. It’s not that I refuse to hand it over—you’ve misunderstood…” Her eyes misted as she slipped into her usual act of silent suffering.

Knowing Javier might still sympathize with her, Elyse deliberately glanced his way.

But no matter how long she stared, Javier didn’t come to her defense like before. Instead, he lowered his gaze, avoiding her completely.

The Morgan and Harper siblings all watched Elyse closely.

Elyse had no intention of giving the bracelet to Elena. Still playing the victim, her eyes glistened as she said, “Javier, you understand me better than anyone. Jolie gave this to me, and it holds sentimental value. Elena, you already receive so many gifts—Alexander, Jolie, your brothers—they all dote on you. This bracelet would mean nothing to you, but to me, it’s priceless. Do you really want to take this as well? When you came back to the Harper family, I moved out. Everything that once belonged to me is now yours. I’ve never contested anything—I just want to keep this one thing…”

Tears slid down onto the bracelet as Elyse spoke.

The scene was truly dramatic.

Elena hadn’t expected Elyse to sully her own image in front of everyone at this point.

Elyse’s words were cleverly crafted to paint Elena as possessive and cruel, making it seem like Elena had driven Elyse away just to have the family all to herself.

If Jeffry had feelings for Evelyn, then Evelyn might eventually become Elena’s sister-in-law. And what woman would want a sister-in-law like that? With just a few remarks, Elyse planted the seed of discord between Elena and Evelyn. Some things never changed. Elyse was still Elyse.

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Before Elena could respond, Louis couldn’t hold back any longer. With a mocking laugh, he said, “Wow, I’ve never seen someone dress up their inability to accept defeat as something so dignified. Elyse, you should really consider a career in acting—you’d have better luck than in design.

No one forced you to put that bracelet up as a bet. You did it on your own. No one dragged you to this table. You joined willingly. You played, you lost, and somehow that makes Elena the villain? You’re crying and making a scene, so tell me—what exactly did Elena do wrong? Are you saying anyone who plays against you has to lose? What a ridiculous notion.”

Louis was known for his sharp tongue—his criticisms stung without a single insult, making his words all the more compelling.

Evelyn’s initial annoyance toward Elena faded instantly. Louis had a point—Elyse lost the game, yet she twisted the situation to make Elena look like the aggressor. It was pure manipulation.

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