Chapter 375:
Family matters? Elena scoffed. She had long disassociated herself from the Reed family. She responded coldly, “Your ignorance astounds me. The moment you disowned me, I ceased to be a part of the Reed family. This video is tangible evidence, and everyone here has seen your actions. You’ve attempted to extort me, and I have both witnesses and proof. Since you haven’t learned from your mistakes, perhaps a stint in jail will teach you better.”
Just as Elena was about to contact the police, Sheila appeared from among the spectators.
Sheila walked up to Elena, her hair gray and her face marked by the passage of time, and sighed deeply.
When Elena saw that Sheila was unharmed, a sense of relief washed over her. She was glad to see Sheila safe and sound.
Sheila grasped Elena’s hand, her voice gentle as she said, “Dear, please listen to me and stop this conflict, alright?”
Elena’s eyelashes fluttered as she fought back her surprise. She maintained a composed facade, but her tone was cold. “Sheila, I don’t want to cause trouble,” she responded. “It’s the Reeds who have crossed the line.”
Surprisingly, Sheila, who had always shown Elena affection, begged, “I know you mean well. If you really don’t want to cause trouble, then please just agree to what Benjamin is asking, okay?”
This was the moment the last bit of warmth Elena had for the Reed family faded.
Oblivious to Elena’s internal shift, Sheila kept saying, “Today is Sylvia’s wedding day. Let’s avoid creating a spectacle and becoming the subject of gossip.”
Elena pulled her hand away. She faced Sheila, the only member of the Reed family who had ever shown her kindness. Now, even Sheila sided with them, urging her to relinquish half of her family’s wealth to the Reeds.
Elena was torn between disappointment and detachment. She was not a Reed, but Sheila was.
Elena looked down, her lips pressed firmly together, choosing silence.
The onlookers interpreted her silence as permission.
Cecily let out a sigh of relief, having been worried that Elena might actually call the police, but it seemed to have been just a threat.
Cecily remembered how in the past Elena had threatened police action but never followed through. Clearly, Elena’s only skill was making empty threats. Once they delivered her to Perry, she wouldn’t dare cause any more trouble. Perry, with his severe manner and unsettling reputation, was not someone to be provoked lightly.
Find your next story at gⱯlnσν𝓮𝓁s．𝓬o𝗺
Cecily clenched her teeth, resolute in her intention to teach Elena a lesson so severe that she would never again think of involving the police.
Benjamin’s furrowed brows eased slightly, his anger subsiding. He chuckled inwardly. Elena was finally being sensible! Involving the police would surely alert the Harper family, complicating any claims to their assets.
Benjamin casually said to Elena, “Out of respect for Sheila, let’s set this aside today. The wedding is about to commence, so don’t just linger here. Go upstairs and assist Sylvia with her bouquet.”
He even pretended to be generous, all while refusing to give up on scheming against Elena.
Among the Reeds, Elena only valued Sheila. Now, the Reeds’ manipulation made her realize Sheila might not be as caring as she had given credit for.
Elena’s smile was slow to form and devoid of any real warmth. Perhaps this was better. With nothing left to hold her back, she lifted her head and fixed her steady gaze on the Reed family. Benjamin was hypocritical, Cecily secretly pleased, and Sylvia inwardly gloating.
.
.
.