Chapter 8
Elaine was clearly shattered this time.
“Elaine, no matter what, I’ve got your back.” Mavis said with a reassuring smile, trying to ease the tension.
Not long after, Shawn saw Elaine’s announcement on Twitter. First, she posted about stepping down from the film role he had arranged for her.
as if that w
Then, as
wasn’t shocking enough, she declared she was temporarily retiring from the entertainment industry
“What the hell? She turned it down?” Shawn’s voice rose in disbelief.
He couldn’t wrap his head around it. He’d gone out of his way to give her a high–profile opportunity, and she’d not only rejected it but publicly announced it, dragging his reputation down with her.
It was a slap in the face, plain and simple.
This is spiraling out of control, he thought bitterly.
He believed Elaine must have been out of her mind to publicly turn down such a massive role. It was reckless, career–damaging, and humiliating
for him
The mood in the house turned icy.
Tracy, however, was furious. Her voice cut through the tension like a whip. “What the hell is she playing at? Sure, we messed up this one time, but does it really call for this?
me now? She’s got too much attitude–can’t even take a
“She even turned down the great opportunity her brother handed her! What, is she blaming me little damn criticism!”
Shawn silently agreed. Yes, they’d wronged her, but this? This was childish and completely over the top
Tve been bending over backward to make things right, and Elaine’s out there playing the damn victim. Bianca would never pull shit like this, he thought.
If Elaine wanted to push everyone away, Shawn wasn’t going to coddle her anymore.
Harlan, the second brother, didn’t know all the details, but that didn’t stop him from adding fuel to the bre
doesn’t she?”
He leaned back in his chair, smirking. “So, what’s our little troublemaker done this time? She really knows how to make a scene,
Shawn rubbed his temples, his patience wearing thin. “Enough, Harlan Don’t make it worse. She’s already blocked my number. Try getting in touch with her yourself–find out what the hell she’s thinking”
Harlan chuckled. “Oh, rd love to hear what her problem is this time. What’s she mad about now?”
Shawn sighed, exasperated. “It’s Finley Scott. Elaine has always been overly suspicious. Bianca and Finley have been broken up for ages, but she still thinks there’s something going on between them
“The Scouts and our family have been close forever–of course, there’s going to be some interaction. But Elaine? She blows every little thing out of proportion.”
His tone grew sharper as he continued. “So when Bianca fell into the pool, Mom and I assumed it was Elaine who pushed her. Turns out it was just an accident. But Elaine she’s still holding a grudge.”
Harlan snorted, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, of course,
e, it’s about Finley. Bianca and Finley were the perfect couple–childhood sweethearts, everyone’s favorite golden pair.
“If Elaine hadn’t shoved her way in, Bianca would already be married into the Scott family, living her dream life. But no, Elaine just had to screw everything up*
This vouce hardened as he continued, “Blanca’s been through so much. And now Elaine has the nerve to a
act like she’s the victim? It’s fucking
embarrassment. Ever since she
Harlan’s disdain for Elaine was palpable. To him, she was nothing but a nuisance–a source of constant drama and em had come into their lives, the’d done nothing but stir up trouble,
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Chapter 8
Her flashy makeup, her shady friends, her sharp tongue–it all screamed chaos. She couldn’t compare to Bianca, who was graceful, accomplished. and adored by everyone.
Having a sister like Elaine! It was humiliating to him.
And as far as Harlan was concerned, Elaine had no business being with someone like Finley
Only Bianca was worthy of him. No matter what Elaine had done for the family in the past. Harlan’s loyalty would always lie with Biança.
In the corner, the housekeeper listened to their heated conversation, her chest tightening with sympathy for Elaine
It’s not her faul, she thought. They’re the ones w
he ones who’ve be
been unfair to her
start.
The truth was, if Elaine hadn’t been switched at birth, Finley would’ve been her rightful fance from the sta
The only reason the Scouts had pulled away was because they’d learned Blanca wasn’t a biological Yeats.
That’s when the Yeats family had scrambled to push Elaine into the arranged marriage instead.
They only ever cared about Bianca and the “injustice” she faced. Sure, it wasn’t her fault she’d been switched at birth, but it wasn’t Elaine’s fault either.
The Years family always coddled Bianca ar the slightest hint of trouble, but they had never ever shown Elaine the same care.
The housekeeper had seen it all over the years–the countless times Elaine was hurt or wronged, but not once deserved
did she get the sympathy she
The Years family’s blatant favoritism was sickening, even to her, just a housekeeper.
But at the end of the day, it was their family drama. As an outsider, she had no place to say anything.
Bianca stepped in with her gentle voice. “Come on, Harlan just reach out to Elaine, okay? This whole thing was just a misunderstanding. It’s not Shawn or Mom’s fault. We just need to explain it to her properly.
Harlan Yeats smirked, his tone light but laced with sarcasm. “Well, since my sweet little sister is asking, how could I say no?” Still, deep downs, he was surprised. When did Elaine become so bold?
Instead of calling her. Harlan shot off a text [Eltine, seriously? Still this perry? Always making a fuss over nothing. And now you’ve even blocked Shawn‘
Harlar: What the hell is wrong with you? We didn’t raise you to be so damn ungrateful. Bianca already gave up Fuiley for you–what more do want? How much more do you think she should suffer for your sake? You’re unbelievable||
When Elaine saw the text, she blinked. Then, as if on cue, a bitter laugh slipped out. She realized something she’d forgotten to block him.
But instead of stinging like it used to, his words barely even registered. No tears, no pain. Just cold, quiet indifference,
Bianca was the cherished darling of the Yeats family, while Elaine was nothing more than a thom in their side
The deeper their love for B Blanca, the fiercer their disdain for Elaine. And no one embodied that contrast more
Elaine could already picture his self–righteous smirk as he sent the text, fully expecting her to grovel and apologize, just like she used to.
Not this time.
Without a second thought, she added him to her blocked list.
That night, Harlan waited for a reply. And waited. But nothing came
By the time he realized she wasn’t going to respond, it was too late–he’d been blocked
more than Harlan
“Un–fucking–believable,” he muttered, equal parts furious and stunned. His anger simmered until it boiled over.
e next morning, he was ready to coufrout her, to make her listen, to demand an explanation. But Elaine was already gone.
After leaving the Morgan estate, she had decided to return to Floren Village–the quiet, remote place she still called home.
you
Bx
D
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Chapter 8
Harlan searched for her everywhere, including the company, but she was nowhere to be found. Then it hit him: Cheryl Brown. Elaine’s best friend might know where she was
He sped to the Browns house, barely pausing to knock before demanding. “Where’s Elaine? Is she here with you?”
Cheryl took one look at him and laughed coldly. She’d already heard everything from Elaine a few hours earlier.
You’ve got a lot of nerve coming here. Cheryl said, her voice sharp and cutting. “Elaine’s gone back to Floren Village, Isn’t that what you wanted?
“She’s
‘s out of your way for good now. No more ‘embarrassing you or your perfect little family. Go ahead–cherish your precious Hianca. Congratulations. You got what you wanted
Her last line was soaked in sarcasm, hitting Harlan like a slap to the face.
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