Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 61 - Chapitre 70

Most of the articles were about fashion events or charity galas. Victoria smiled in every photo, wearing expensive dresses and jewelry. But when Elena looked closely, she could see the same strain that was visible in Jack's face. The perfect smile didn't reach Victoria's eyes.One article from six months ago caught Elena's attention: "Victoria Kaelthorn Opens Up About Fertility Struggles."Elena clicked on it, curious despite herself.The article was an interview where Victoria discussed her three miscarriages after James was born. "It's been incredibly difficult," Victoria was quoted as saying. "I want to give my husband more children, but my body keeps betraying me. The doctors have told me it's unlikely I'll ever carry another pregnancy to term."Elena felt a strange twist in her stomach. Victoria was going through the same thing Elena had gone through. Being unable to give Jack the children he wanted. Feeling like a failure as a wife.But then Elena remembered something. Victoria

"An opportunity to do what?" Elena asked, though she already knew."To eliminate the next heir," Weston said bluntly. "If your mother died in childbirth and the baby died too, then Margaret would have no direct heirs. Eventually, when she died, everything would come to me as the last surviving family member."Elena felt sick. "So you arranged for me to be stolen and declared dead.""I paid the hospital administrator to give Margaret a different dead baby," Weston admitted. "A baby who had actually died in childbirth that same night. I took you and gave you to the orphanage director, paying her to hide your real identity.""And my mother?" Elena asked. "Did she really die in childbirth, or did you kill her too?""No, that was real," Weston said quickly. "Your mother really did die from complications. I didn't kill her. I just took advantage of the situation."Elena wanted to hit him. This pathetic old man had destroyed so many lives just for money. "Do you have any idea what you did? M

More people crowded around, all wanting to introduce themselves. Elena shook hands and made polite conversation, all while being very aware of Victoria hovering nearby like an anxious puppy.A beautiful woman in a silver dress pushed through the crowd. "Miss Elena, I'm Sophia Laurent. I represent several art galleries in Vaelthorne City. I'd love to discuss the possibility of you investing in the arts.""Art is always interesting," Elena said diplomatically. "Though I'm more focused on practical business ventures at the moment.""Of course, of course," Sophia said quickly. "But perhaps just a small meeting? Coffee sometime?"Everyone was pitching her. Everyone wanted her money, her connections, her approval. Elena understood now why Victoria had been so desperate to get her here. Having the Masked Queen at your party meant everyone important came and tried to impress you.Elena was scanning the crowd when she saw him.Jack.He was across the room, talking to two older men. He wore a p

Elena's heart raced, but she kept her voice steady. "I don't believe so. I'm sure I would remember meeting you, Mr. Kaelthorn.""Please, call me Jack," he said with that charming smile. "And yes, I suppose you're right. I would definitely remember meeting someone like you."Was he actually flirting with her? Right in front of his wife once more?Victoria must have noticed because she quickly changed the subject. "Miss Elena, you mentioned at the reception that you're considering investment opportunities in Vaelthorne City. What type of investments interest you most?"Elena took a sip of her soup before answering. It was delicious, some kind of lobster bisque. Lobster. Of course. The same expensive food Mrs. Kaelthorn had eaten while Elena knelt on the floor."I'm interested in sustainable growth opportunities," Elena said. "Companies with solid foundations and realistic business plans. I'm not interested in propping up failing businesses that made poor decisions."She saw Jack and Vic

Mrs. Kaelthorn finally approached, using her cane to part the small crowd around Elena. "Miss Elena needs some breathing room," she announced in a voice that brooked no argument. "The rest of you can send your proposals through proper channels."The crowd reluctantly dispersed, though several people cast longing looks back at Elena.Mrs. Kaelthorn sat down in the chair next to Elena with a heavy sigh. "Vultures, all of them. No manners whatsoever."Elena found this amusing coming from one of the rudest women she had ever met. "They're entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship requires a certain level of aggression.""There's a difference between aggression and desperation," Mrs. Kaelthorn said, her cold eyes studying Elena's masked face. "Most of the people here tonight are desperate. Their businesses are failing or stagnating and they see you as their salvation.""And what about your family?" Elena asked directly. "Are you desperate?"Mrs. Kaelthorn's jaw tightened. "We are experiencing tempor