The Phantom Heiress Rising From The Shadows novel Chapter 217

Chapter 217 Conscience

Greta gently shook Lilith’s arm. “Could you just do me this favor?”

Lilith understood the situation. She could see that Ethan was warm toward Brenna, but his gaze toward everyone was cool and distant. He didn’t seem like someone who was easy to approach. And Greta just didn’t want to risk being turned down.

Lilith wasn’t about to take the risk for Greta,

She said, “Sorry, I really can’t help you with this.”

Greta said nothing, but displeasure was evident on her face. She had spent a long time trying to build up her nerve. But even after the cake was passed around, she still couldn’t bring herself to approach Ethan to ask for his number. She understood that pushing too hard would only backfire and make him dislike her. It was better to wait and see.

Still, watching Ethan and Brenna move through the crowd together, smiling and laughing, looking like a perfect match, stirred something unpleasant in her chest.

Brenna stayed busy until well past eleven before the last of the guests finally left. Many people had packed up some food before they left. The people from Brenna’s studio, especially, had helped themselves without a second thought. None of them felt guilty about taking food from their boss.

The next day, Brenna slept in until after ten, only to be woken up by Julia.

Standing beside the bed, Julia hesitantly said, “Miss Harper, the Barrett family is here again. They want to see

you.”

Brenna sat up, surprised. “They still have the nerve to show

up here?”

Julia gave a strange smile. “They do. And honestly, they look a bit pitiful. Would you like to come down and take a look?”

With a groan, Brenna got out of bed, quickly freshened up, and made her way to the living room.

Downstairs, the Harper family was nowhere to be seen. The servants stayed in the corners, clearly amused by the situation. Some were even snickering behind their hands. No one had bothered to offer the Barretts a drink or the slightest gesture of hospitality.

The entire Barrett family was present; Alec, Ruby, Mack, and Isabella were all here.

Brenna couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight of them. Alec and Mack looked like they’d been through a strea brawl. Both had bruised faces, and their suits were ripped in several places, revealing rumpled, sweat–stain shirts underneath.

Their clothes were filthy, streaked with some unknown liquid that had dried and crusted. Their lips were cracked and peeling at the edges like they hadn’t had a sip of water in days.

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Chapter 217 Conscience

Alec seemed to have aged ten years. He had more grey hair now, and deep lines had carved themselves into his

face.

Ruby and Isabella didn’t look any better. Though they weren’t truised, dirt smudged their cheeks, me that hair was matted and greasy,

The four of them, aware of how awful they looked, didn’t even attempt to sit. They stood stiffly in the center of the living room. Ruby and Isabella had red, swollen eyes, the kind that caffe from crying

“What exactly happened to you?” Brenna settled comfortably onto the sofa. The laughter she tried to hold back still slipped through.

Alec’s and Mack’s faces darkened with anger. Brenna’s amusement only added fuel to the fire burning in their

chests.

“The Barrett Group is bankrupt!” Alec finally choked out. His voice shook, and tears ran down his face.