Chapter 54
Ingram’s casual greeting. “Elaine” plunged the room into an extended silence that lasted well over five seconds
Elaine watched as Ingram stepped out, dressed impeccably in a tailored suit. Though he was past forty–five, his well–maintained appearance carried an air of refined elegance. There was a scholarly charm to him, and as he looked at her, a smile graced his face
Trailing behind him were Robert and Tracy, both wearing expressions that betrayed their shock.
Elame sighed inwardly, feeling a twinge of helplessness. She had expected Ingram’s appearance to be dramatic, but she hadn’t anticipated him openly acknowledging their past connection in front of the entire Year family.
And with that one world. “Elaine,” the could already imagine the colorful reactions playing out on their faces.
Maintaining her composure. Elaine responded evenly. “Ingram, it’s been a while.”
Her calm reply sparked another wave of stunned silence, even longer than the first
It was Ella who finally broke the tension, licking her lips nervously before asking, “Wait, so Elaine already knows Ingram?” Her voice carried a mix of disbelief and frustration
Even Tucker hadn’t seen this coming. He had no idea his sister had been hiding such a significant
t connection.
Ingram nodded slightly, his smile unwavering. “Elaine and I go way back. I actually came here this morning specifically to speak with her about something important”
Ella was speechless.
Not only did they know each other, but Ingram hadn’t come for Blanca at all–he had come for Elaine
Bianca’s previously triumphant smile faltered as Ingram’s words sank in
She hadn’t expected this twist.
Elaine truly did know Ingram–and they were apparently old acquaintances.
The shock of this revelation rippled through the room. Ella. Tracy, and Robert’s expressions shifted from disbelief to uncase, especially Tracy. She couldn’t help but recall the phone call from the day before when she had smugly bragged to Elaine about Bianca’s connection to Ingram. Now, her feelings were a complex tangle of embarrassment and shame.
Her face was a kaleidoscope of emotions. Unable to hold back, she finally blurted out, “Elaine, why didn’t you tell us you knew Ingram?”
Elaine’s response was calm and detached. “I didn’t think it was worth mentioning. It’s just Ingram”
Her tone was so nonchalant it was almost maddening
someone as influential as Ingram, they rationalized it as some kind of
Although Tracy and the others had no idea how Elaine had come to know so coincidence.
Ingram, sull composed, nodded toward Elaine. “Elaine, let’s continue this conversation inside.”
His commanding presence as a mayor turned the situation on its head, effortlessly taking control of the room.
Flaine nodded and replied. “Sure.
Under the guidance of a servant, Ingram led the way to a balcony overlooking a serene and expansive view. Elaine followed, her expression unreadable
After the servant left, the balcony became a private space for their discussion.
fark in the living room. Ella was left to stew in curiosity and unease. She had no idea what Ingramm wanted to discuss with Elaine, but she dared not
On the balcony, Elaine turned to Ingram with a faint smile. “Ingram, why did you invite me to such an important event like the charity gala? I don’t recall ever telling you I planned to make a comeback.”
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Chapter 54
Ingram chuckled, the faint lines on his face adding to his air of seasoned charm.
“I didn’t kniens,” he admitted, his eyes twinkling with mischief. I was bluffing. That’s why I deliberately mentioned you in front of Bianca. I figured she’d relay my words back to you
“And who would’ve thought–you really are making a comeback.”
Elaine gave him a deadpan look Gunning old fox, she thought, utterly unimpressed.
Half an hour later, Elaine and Ingram returned to the living room.
Ella and Tracy had no idea what the two had discussed, but they dismissed it as inconsequential. What important matters could Elaine possibly have to discuss with someone like Ingram!
Ella, meanwhile, was preoccupied with her own agenda. She was determined to have Elaine wear the dress identical to Bianca’s, ensuring Elaine would serve as a perfect foil at the gala.
To her surprise, Elaine agreed without any resistance.
Tucker, however, was painfully aware of their grandmother’s true intentions. Ella wanted Elaine to be nothing more than a shadow to Bianca. To spare his sister’s feelings, he had refrained from telling her the truth.
Bus the thought of his own family treating Elaine this way was too much for him to bear,
Sporting Elaine admiring the gown, Tucker stormed in and snatched it from her hands
“Elaine, you can’t wear this dress,” he said, his voice unsteady with cinction
Why not?”
Elaine’s calm, steady gaze, illuminated by the light, was unnervingly beautiful.
Holding the gown tightly. Tucker struggled to contain his frustration. He couldn’t accept the way his sister was being treated.
Breathing heavily, he managed to say, “You just can’t. That’s all there is to it
Elaine’s expression turned cold, and a mocking laugh escaped her lips. “Tucker, who do you think you are? What gives you the right to tell me what to do!”
She took the gown back from his hands, her gaze sharp and unyielding “To me, you’re no different from Shawn- or any other member of the Years family, for that matter”
Her words were like a blow to Tucker’s chest.
“Elaine.” he began, his voice strained.
Elaine’s expression remained icy. “Do you really think I don’t know? Don’t know that Ella treats me as nothing more than a stepping stone for Bianca—a foil to be trampled on, discarded the moment it’s convenient?”
Her tone was devoid of emotion, sending a chill through Tucker’s heart
So she knew. She had always known.
Elaine’s lips curled into a smirk, her striking features taking on an almost dangerous allure. In a low voice, she murmured, “Bianca has been the star for far too long. It’s time for her to step aside.”
With
a quiet laugh, she added, “If Ella wants me to be a supporting character so badly, I’ll grant her wish. But she’d better not regret.
With that. Eline left the room, gown in hand, leaving Tucker standing there in stunned silence.
By 3 pm, the charity gala was in full swing.
The cry’s media outlets had already taken their positions, ready to capture every moment.
The gala began with a cello performance, a piece that would be auctioned for charity, with the proceeds going to schools in unpoverished areas.
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Chapter 54
The cells was none other than Bianca of the Yeats family–a top–tier celebrity adored by the public.
