Chapter 7 Can't Afford It

Cecily believed she could easily manipulate Elena. Unbeknownst to her, Elena's biological parents were not humble farmers but recognized billionaires from Klathe. Elena had no intention of remaining in Foiclens.

Elena gave a small smirk and said, "Some people never seem to learn until it's already too late."

Elena's composed demeanor and scornful look instantly infuriated Cecily. "Elena, you ungrateful-"

Elena cut in, "I'll give you two options-buy it or involve the police."

Elena knew the ruby in question had once adorned foreign royalty. Its deep, blood-like color testified to its significant worth, and it was valued at fifty million.

Sylvia panicked at the mention of police since she was in the wrong. Plus, she was on the verge of an engagement to Darren and wanted to avoid any complications.

Sylvia whispered urgently to Cecily, "Mom, Elena isn't going to back down, and she certainly can't purchase it. We should just buy it."

Sylvia figured the ruby was significantly smaller than the emerald Cecily had previously gifted her, leading her to estimate its value at no more than one or two million. It was well within their means to purchase it... Additionally, the Reed family was about to partner with the Harper family in Klathe, a move that could greatly enhance their social standing and potentially allow them entrance into Klathe's elite circles.

Despite her reluctance, Cecily was persuaded by her daughter's plea and hesitantly took out a card. "How much is it? We'll take it. It's just a little ruby. Our Reed family isn't lacking-"

The sales clerk calmly replied, "Fifty million."

"What? What did you just say?" Cecily's arrogance disappeared instantly, her eyes widening in shock.

The sales clerk smiled. "Fifty million. Would you like to proceed with the card?" She reached for the card in Cecily's hand.

However, Cecily gripped it tightly, refusing to let go. Fifty million... She had only five million in her account, which Benjamin had allocated solely for Sylvia's engagement ceremony to Darren. There was no way she could come up with fifty million!

Cecily clung tightly to her card.

Growing impatient, the sales clerk asked, "Madam, how are we supposed to process the transaction if you don't release the card? Or perhaps the account doesn't have sufficient funds?"

Confronted with reality, Cecily burst out angrily, "Elena, you ungrateful wretch! You scheming slut! You orchestrated this!"

Jolie, who had been observing, finally realized that this woman was the one who had raised Elena for twenty-three years.

Jolie had believed that the Reeds, though not among the most wealthy, had treated Elena decently, prompting her to persuade her husband to extend a partnership with the Reeds as an acknowledgement of their efforts in raising Elena. Only now did she understand the mistreatment her daughter had endured.

Typically composed and refined, Jolie was burned with anger. "Madam, watch your language. You damaged the jewelry first and then insulted Elena. Your arrogance and this unreasonable display-are you trying to intimidate us?"

In Klathe, the Harper family was not to be trifled with. Jolie would not allow such treatment of her beloved daughter!

Noticing Jolie's luxurious appearance, Cecily tried to tarnish Elena's image further to prevent Elena from making a favorable impression. "Madam, don't be fooled by her. She's inherently rude. We've taken care of her for twenty-three years, during which she's been nothing but trouble. Now, as my family's company prepares to partner with the Harper family and move from Foiclens to Klathe, she shamelessly insists on staying with us, refusing to go back to her shabby home..."

"Enough!" Jolie couldn't bear to hear more. She was a good judge of character and knew for sure her daughter was nothing like what Cecily had insinuated despite their limited interactions. Moreover, the partnership with the Reed family had been her idea, initially intended as a way to repay them for raising Elena. She never expected them to treat Elena so poorly.

"The collaboration between the Reed family and the Harper family is hereby terminated," Jolie declared firmly.

Cecily was left speechless, her face a picture of shock.