Chapter 1585 She and I? Impossible
Ann had a sinking feeling about who was behind this. Only Elara had the power and influence to orchestrate something this elaborate and ruthless.
While Emily despised her too, Emily's methods were always direct and confrontational. But whenever Elara was involved, the schemes became insidiously cruel and calculated—and this time, they had gone even further.
What could Ann possibly do? She had no connections, no background, and certainly no evidence to prove anything. Her only option now was to avoid Elara entirely, to stay out of her sight and pray their paths wouldn't cross again.
A wave of helplessness washed over Ann. Everything connected to Paul left her feeling utterly powerless and defeated.
What Ann didn't know was that Elara was facing complications of her own.
Elara had been hospitalized for two days, during which she learned that Connie had been arrested. But Connie was vehemently protesting her innocence, claiming that Ann had ordered her to poison the drinks, insisting that Ann couldn't bear the thought of other women around Paul.
When this accusation reached the Reed family, they were absolutely furious. They immediately contacted the police department, demanding that Connie face the full consequences of her actions. Simultaneously, they turned their wrath toward Ann, the supposed mastermind behind it all, and prepared to strike against S.M Corporation.
Alex intervened just in time. He hadn't set foot in the Reed home for years, but he made a single phone call that stopped them cold.
"Go ahead and try," his voice was ice-cold through the receiver. "Let's see how long the Reed family survives once Raymond and Selena return."
In Silver Bay City's elite circles, there was one unspoken rule: you could cross anyone except Raymond. Though he was currently wanted by the authorities, everyone knew he could return to power at any moment, more dangerous than ever.
His corporate takeovers were legendary—swift, merciless, and executed with the precision of a master strategist.
The man never played by conventional rules, and when he had fought for Selena, a woman with no background or connections, he had turned the entire city upside down. There was nothing he wouldn't do for those he protected.
Now that word had spread about Raymond's protection over S.M Corporation, no one dared make a move against the company. But surely they could still target Ann directly?
This time, Alex didn't intervene. "Do whatever you want," he said with casual indifference. He was curious to see whether Paul would allow the Reed family to destroy Ann.
Alex knew his cousin Elara too well—she was ruthless and calculating, and this entire incident reeked of her manipulation.
It wouldn't be the first time she had orchestrated such a scheme. Throughout their childhood, she had perfected the art of eliminating any woman who threatened her interests.
Over the years, Paul's life had remained conspicuously free of romantic entanglements, and Elara's interference was largely to blame.
There had been a model who once confessed her feelings to Paul, only to disappear from the industry days later with a mysteriously disfigured face, never to be seen again.
Now Elara had set her sights on Ann, and given Ann's gentle nature, she would be completely outmatched.
Elara had the backing of both the Reed family and the Adams family, while Ann was constrained by her concern for S.M Corporation. Even knowing who was truly responsible, Ann would have no choice but to suffer in silence.
Alex found the whole situation grimly amusing. The drama was becoming more entertaining by the day.
If only Raymond were here to witness it.
He sighed deeply and pulled out a cigarette, lighting it with practiced ease.
At the hospital, Elara had undergone multiple examinations. The doctors repeatedly warned that the poison was extremely potent and could have caused kidney failure if not treated immediately.
Tears glistened in Elara's eyes as she reached out weakly to grasp Paul's arm. "Paul, how is Ann's mother? Was it really her doing?"
The security footage had already revealed the truth—Connie was undeniably the one who had poisoned the drinks.
But the crucial question remained: Connie was adamantly insisting that Ann had been involved in planning the attack.
Paul found himself uncertain of his own feelings as he felt the gentle pressure of Elara's hand on his arm.
"Paul, if Ann really was behind this, I suppose I can understand why," Elara's voice was barely above a whisper, fragile and forgiving. "I heard you two had a history, so maybe when she found out about our engagement, it was just too much for her."
She lowered her eyes with apparent exhaustion and coughed delicately. "I've already spoken to my parents and asked them not to pursue this any further. As for Ann's mother, well, justice will take its course. Paul, I'm so sorry that my return has caused you so much trouble. You must be feeling conflicted about all this. Your feelings for her... are they...?"
Before she could finish, Paul cut her off decisively. "We were never together. Ann and I—it's impossible."
A flash of triumph flickered in Elara's eyes, and her lips curved into a satisfied smile, her voice becoming even softer and more vulnerable. "I see. But perhaps she thought of you as her boyfriend? I can't really blame her for that. I heard she was with her ex for seven years before he hurt her badly. Maybe she just hasn't had time to adjust emotionally."
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