Chapter 1291:

Celeste’s eyes narrowed as she studied Elyse. “A slick talker, just like your worthless father. Always armed with a barrage of words for every one of mine.”

Elyse responded with a serene smile, subtly shaking her head. “You’re misunderstanding my intentions. I’m simply asserting my innocence.”

Celeste’s expression twisted into a derisive sneer, her eyes glinting with a complex, unreadable emotion as they locked onto Elyse. After a moment of silence, Elyse ventured cautiously, “I understand you’re also a victor of the Swan Cup. Perhaps we could exchange perspectives on the event, if you’re agreeable.”

Celeste arched an eyebrow skeptically. “You believe yourself qualified to engage in conversation with me?”

Elyse met her skepticism with unwavering resolve. “Yes, I do believe so.”

“Your confidence borders on arrogance,” Celeste retorted, her tone dripping with disdain. “You truly are your father’s daughter, inheriting his exact disdainful traits.”

“Enough already!” The sudden, commanding voice cut through the tension like a blade. “Celeste, do you think I’m dead or something? If you’ve got an issue, deal with me directly—not my granddaughter. She doesn’t even know your name, yet here you are, bullying her like some playground tyrant. Honestly, at your age, it’s disgraceful.”

All eyes turned as another elderly woman emerged from the crowd, her presence demanding attention. It was Felicia.

Clad in a striking dark red dress, intricately embroidered, her eyes magnified by old-fashioned reading glasses, Felicia exuded authority with every purposeful step. She moved to Elyse’s side, positioning herself like a guardian hen shielding her chick from a predator.

With her voice thick with contempt, Felicia confronted Celeste, her tone leaving no room for rebuttal. “Take a good hard look at yourself, Celeste. By what right do you harass my granddaughter, expecting her to bend to your whims? Do you really think you deserve such deference?” Felicia’s voice was sharp, her presence unyielding.

Celeste’s eyes sparked with rage as she growled, “I was addressing her, not you. Who gave you the authority to judge me? Disappear. Vanish from my sight. I can’t stand even a glimpse of you.”

Felicia’s anger flared in response. “You don’t wish to see me? Well, the feeling’s mutual. Your presence shaves years off my life.”

Elyse, alarmed by Felicia’s words, quickly grabbed her arm and frowned. “Don’t curse yourself like that! Don’t you know words like that invite bad luck?”

Felicia’s anger softened as she noticed Elyse’s genuine concern. Taking Elyse’s hand tenderly, she said, “Oh, dear, you’ve been pushing yourself too much. You look thinner since your trip abroad—it breaks my heart.”

Elyse shifted uncomfortably under Felicia’s sudden warmth, her eyes darting toward Pearce in a silent plea for help.

Pearce caught her cue and stepped forward. “Grandma, perhaps this isn’t the right moment. Shouldn’t we focus on resolving Celeste’s issue first?”

Felicia scoffed, casting Celeste a disdainful look. “Her? Why not just throw her out? She’s worthless. Does she really deserve our respect?”

Celeste’s expression darkened at Felicia’s harsh words, her fury barely concealed. . . .