Chapter 757
Elysia made a special effort to dress a bit more formally for her meeting with Tarquin, opting for an ensemble that screamed understated elegance. It was a gift from Tarquin himself, from the same exclusive tailor he frequented. This was not your run-of-the-mill brand; it was a high-end, bespoke service where money alone couldn’t secure you an appointment.
To Daphne and her clique, who couldn’t spot luxury unless it was branded across the front, Elysia’s outfit might as well have been picked up from a thrift store. They scoffed at her, convinced she was living in squalor.
Without uttering a word, Elysia found herself the target of Daphne’s ridicule. “You here for a job interview with the Bradford Group? What, you think this is some kind of shelter for strays? As if they’d let just anyone in. This is the Bradford Group, the cream of the crop, not some place for trash like you p>
Her posse chimed in, questioning Elysia’s qualifications. Daphne sneered, “She dropped out after a year of college. Doesn’t even have a degree.” Laughing, another added, “High school diploma and she thinks she can get into the Bradford Group? Dream on. Even us with our fancy international degrees don’t have it easy p>
A third remarked, “Saw security stopping her earlier. With her background, she’s hardly fit to step through the door p>
Daphne, feeling superior, went for the jugular, “And where’s your little mistake? Too ashamed to bring him along? You should’ve gotten rid of it when you had the chance, you p>
Her taunt was cut short by a slap that echoed through the air, leaving a red mark on her face.
Elysia, breathing heavily and eyes ablaze, stood her ground. “My ties with the Thorne family were severed the day I married! You may have raised me, but we both know the truth of how I was treated. My conscience is clear. I owe the Thorne family nothing!
I’ve had no dealings with you for six years. To me, you’re nothing more than strangers now. If you dare try to harm my child, I will fight you with everything I have. Never underestimate a mother’s love p>
With that, Elysia turned to leave, wanting no further conflict with the Thorne family. Yet, the sight of them still stirred a deep ache within her. “Trash, stay right where you are!” Daphne screeched, as her friends blocked Elysia’s path.
“Think you can hit me and just walk away? Who do you think you are?” They lunged at Elysia, intent on grabbing her by the hair, but a sudden force sent them sprawling to the ground, nursing their wounds and cursing under their breath.
Their anger dissipated into shock upon seeing Tarquin. He wrapped his arms protectively around Elysia, his gaze burning with fury as he faced Daphne and her crew.
“The courage she has comes from me! What are you going to do about it p>