Chapter 234
“Understood, Boss p>
The next morning, as Mira headed to school with the Iron Wolves, she spotted Elara waiting by the building entrance.
“Elara! Didn’t I tell you not to wait for me p>
Mira’s morning routine involved rigorous martial arts training, meaning she always left for school at the last possible second. Walking with someone else slowed her down.
Elara hesitated. “Mira, I really need to talk to you p>
Mira had become her pillar of strength. Following Mira’s advice always seemed to make things better.
“What’s going on? Can’t it wait until we’re at school p>
The two began walking together.
“My mom showed up p>
“Your mom p>
Mira almost blurted out that Elara didn’t have a mother, but stopped herself.
Valerie Lester had abandoned Elara and her father when Elara was only three, right after a devastating car accident left her father severely disabled.
“When p>
“Yesterday. I was tutoring Leo, and she just tracked us down p>
“Did you see her p>
Elara nodded. “She looked wealthy. Dressed in high-end designer clothes, pulled up in a luxury car with her new husband.
They tried to take me away right then and there. My dad refused, and so did I.
She abandoned us when we had nothing—why does she want me now?
I’d rather starve on the streets with my dad than acknowledge her.
But they insisted they’d take me by force, even threatened legal action p>
Mira frowned in thought. “Don’t panic. She’s probably just trying to scare you. I’ll consult a lawyer for you when I have a minute p>
“Did she offer you money?” Mira asked as they kept a brisk pace.
“She tossed my dad a debit card with a hundred thousand dollars on it, but he wouldn’t take it.
He threw it back in her face. Told her she couldn’t buy his daughter p>
“Mira, I’m really scared. They looked dead serious p>
“You’re worried they’ll kidnap you p>
Elara nodded tightly.
“If they try anything, call the police immediately. Wait, I forgot you don’t have a phone. Stick close to me for the next few days, especially outside the school gates and your neighborhood p>
“Okay, I will p>
They reached the academic building shortly after.
“Don’t let this distract you from your exams,” Mira advised gently.
During lunch, Mira made an excuse to split from Liora and Celine, taking Elara to a quiet corner of the cafeteria.
She dialed a corporate lawyer on speakerphone to explain the situation.
“If the custodial parent suffers from a severe ness or disability and is unable to provide adequate care, the non custodial parent can indeed petition to reclaim custody,” the lawyer explained.
Both could hear it clearly on speaker.
Elara’s heart plummeted into her stomach.
“However, based on what you’ve described, there’s no need to worry. For a minor over the age of eight, the court requires the child’s explicit Consent to the custody transfer f she refuses to live with her mother, the petition will be denied.
Both girls exhaled in massive relief.
“Hear that? Her legal threats are entirely empty. You’re safe,” Mira reassured her.
“What are you two whispering about in this dark corner? I’ve been looking all over for you p>
Harvey Rivers suddenly interrupted, strolling over with his signature smirk just as they were standing up.
Sensing a private conversation, Elara quickly excused herself. “I’ll head back to class p>
Mira nodded.
The school grounds were secure; no outsiders were getting in.
“What do you want p>
“That EcoRide company you’re the spokesperson for are they accepting investments p>
“No p>
“You didn’t even check before answering. Don’t tell me you’re a shareholder?” Harvey’s instincts were dangerously sharp.
Mira sidestepped the accusation smoothly. “They’re highly profitable and flushed with cash. They don’t need external funding right now.
Anyway doesn’t your father Rivers family? Why are you meddling in business p>
Harvey arched an eyebrow playfully. “You’re already a self-made woman. Shouldn’t
a man like me try to keep up? Actually, I came to tell you that Rivers Plaza belongs to my family p>