Chapter 471: Elena Rejects the Hales

Elena Ward pulled on a turtleneck sweater and grabbed a pair of jeans. The reflection in the mirror showed a pale face with faint shadows under her eyes.

"Victor Hale is here," she murmured to herself.

From the stairwell came Victor's hearty laughter: "Nathaniel! What a blessing that our families are uniting through marriage!"

Elena froze mid-step, her nails digging into her palms.

"Adrian, why didn't you tell me sooner that Elena is Victor's daughter?" Nathaniel Stone's voice held confusion.

"Dad, this matter—" Adrian Stone began, but was interrupted by a sickly sweet female voice.

"Brother Adrian, it's only natural that Sister holds resentment. Father has missed her all these years."

Elena's lips curled into a cold smile. Camille Hale had arrived, as expected.

She descended the stairs slowly, and all eyes in the living room turned toward her. Victor stood up, visibly moved, while Camille fluttered toward her like a gaudy butterfly.

"Sister!" Camille grabbed Elena's hand, tears glistening in her eyes. "I should have recognized you sooner..."

Elena yanked her hand back as if touching something filthy.

"Who are you calling 'sister'?" Her voice was icy. "My parents were Thomas and Margaret Ward of Pinehaven Village. Don't claim kinship where there is none."

Adrian stepped forward. "Elena hasn't had breakfast yet. We should—"

"Elena!" Victor choked out, blocking her path with trembling hands. "I know you hate me... but blood ties can't be changed!"

His eyes reddened as he reached out shakily. "Your father failed you... You've suffered all these years..."

Elena stared at the middle-aged man's "heartfelt" performance, her stomach churning.

"I came today to discuss the wedding with your in-laws," Victor wiped his eyes. "My daughter's marriage must be a grand affair!"

A mocking smile played on Elena's lips. This father-daughter reunion act was truly over-the-top.

She knew exactly what Victor was plotting—using this "reconciliation" to climb the social ladder through The Stone family.

Too bad she wasn't the naive fool from her past life.

"Mr. Hale," Elena enunciated each word. "My wedding requires no interference from outsiders."

Victor's face stiffened. Camille rushed forward. "Sister, Father truly—"

"Shut up!" Elena snapped. "Call me 'sister' one more time, and I'll make sure you never speak again."

The air turned frigid.

Adrian wrapped an arm around his wife's shoulders, his gaze frosty as it swept over the Hale father and daughter. "You should leave now."

The cracks finally showed in Victor's loving facade. He hadn't expected this country-raised daughter to be so formidable.