Chapter 6 An Unexpected Encounter

Sylvia nudged her mother. "Mom, isn't that Elena over there? The jewelry here starts at a fortune, and she doesn't have a dime. How could she possibly afford it? Could she have found herself a wealthy benefactor?"

Cecily followed Sylvia's gaze, her expression souring instantly. "Just our luck. We introduced her to decent men before, but she turned them all down. She must've found that destitute village unbearable and resorted to being a kept woman. She's nothing but an embarrassment to the Reed family!"

Cecily's mind drifted to recent events-the powerful Harper family from Klathe had unexpectedly reached out for a business partnership. That was the Harper family, for crying out loud! Their interest in working with the Reeds was a statement in itself. It meant the Reeds weren't just making a name for themselves in Foiclens. They were catching the attention of elites in Klathe. If this deal went through, their influence would expand beyond Foiclens, elevating them into high society.

Because of this, Cecily was more convinced Elena brought anything but fortune to the Reeds. Not long after they kicked her out, the Harper family approached for partnership.

Cecily's eyes darkened with contempt. She wouldn't allow Elena to tarnish the Reed family's reputation in Klathe.

Rolling her eyes, Cecily raised her voice. "Elena, do you even know where you are? This isn't a place for broke bumpkins like you."

Elena looked up, locking eyes with Cecily and Sylvia. What a small world.

A smirk tugged at Elena's lips. "If you two can be here, why can't I?"

Sylvia's voice dripped with condescension. "Oh, come on, Elena! The cheapest piece here costs at least a million. Have you forgotten you're no longer part of the Reed family? Your real parents are struggling to make a living. Nothing here is within your reach."

Cecily had come with five million today to pick out jewelry for Sylvia's upcoming engagement party with Darren.

Feigning consideration, Sylvia turned to the store clerk. "That woman doesn't have the money for anything here. You shouldn't waste your time entertaining her."

Cecily waved her hand dismissively. "Just get rid of her already. Can't you tell she's out of place? She's ruining our shopping experience."

The store clerk froze, stealing glances at Elena and Jolie. Were the two newcomers morons? That was Jolie from the Harper family... Not just this boutique-the entire mall belonged to the Harper family. Who in their right mind would dare to kick them out?

Before the clerk could say anything, Sylvia suddenly snatched the ruby pendant from Elena's grasp.

Bang! Everyone in the store was stunned. The ruby pendant, worth ten million, crashed onto the floor, leaving a visible scratch.

Sylvia's breath caught, unease flashing across her face. That jewel had to be worth a fortune... Would she have to compensate for it? But then a thought struck her-Elena had been holding it first. If someone had to pay, it should be her.

Sylvia immediately turned defensive. "Elena, how could you be so clumsy? You couldn't even hold onto it properly."

Cecily caught on quickly, her voice sharp. "If you can't afford something, you shouldn't be touching it. Now that it's damaged, how do you plan to pay for it?"

Elena had dealt with her fair share of foolish people, but these two were on another level.

"Do you think everyone here is blind? Sylvia scratched the pendant, and now you're trying to pin it on me?" Elena pointed at the surveillance cameras above. "You do realize there are surveillance cameras, right?"

Sylvia's face drained of color. She had completely forgotten about the store's security cameras.

Cecily, however, wasn't ready to back down. She decided to use her status to pressure Elena. "Elena, you were the one who broke it. Don't try to twist the truth. Is this how we raised you? If you admit your mistake now, I might reconsider and let you stay in Foiclens. Otherwise, you can kiss this city goodbye and rot in that backwater village forever."