Chapter 96: Soren found Daphne’s involvement

"I’ve already sent him the photographs," Tahlia revealed. "I told him about the rumors circulating in Aurevia. But I doubt he will take any action against her."

She pretended to be hesitant before adding, "I don’t know what kind of magical potion she has fed him, but Soren has grown close to Elowen these days. I think he has started developing feelings for her."

Valora turned her glare at Tahlia. She wanted to snap at her and tell her that it was not true. But she couldn’t.

She had witnessed the change in Soren’s attitude toward Elowen. The way he refused to divorce her made it painfully obvious that he had certainly started liking her after all these years.

But Valora would never accept it, not after seeing these photographs.

"Enough is enough," she grumbled. "I won’t allow that woman to continue dragging the Vale family’s name through the mud. She must divorce Soren immediately."

Tahlia’s eyes lit up. The mask of pretended concern almost slipped from her face.

"I don’t care what Soren thinks," Valora added fiercely. "I won’t let this marriage continue. If he refuses to deal with her, I’ll deal with her myself."

A faint smile tugged at Tahlia’s lips. But she quickly lowered her head to hide it.

She had come here to plant a seed of doubt. And her plan was a success. She had successfully turned Valora completely against Elowen. She believed Valora would force Elowen out of Soren’s life.

And Soren wouldn’t be able to do much this time.

The photographs had only spread through the internal portal of Aurevia so far. But they could easily find their way onto social media. And if that happened, the scandal would become much bigger.

Soren might trust Elowen, but would he be willing to let the entire world tarnish his family’s reputation?

Never

Tahlia believed Soren wouldn’t choose Elowen over his family.

A strange satisfaction spread through her. For the first time in days, she felt that things were finally moving in her favor.

Soon, Elowen would have nowhere left to turn. And when that happened, Tahlia would make sure she was there to take the place Elowen had never deserved.

At Soren’s office...

By the time evening arrived, Soren was still in his office. The documents spread across the desk remained largely unchecked. His attention kept running to the photographs on his phone.

He trusted Elowen. He knew Theron had taken her to the hospital. Yet the thought that people were discussing his wife, questioning her character, and spreading malicious rumors about her made his blood boil.

Kael entered, interrupting his thoughts.

"Mr. Vale. I found out who had posted the photographs and who started spreading the rumors."

Soren immediately looked up. "Who?"

"Daphne."

"Daphne?" Soren repeated, his voice dangerously low.

"I’ve looked into her background." Kael placed a file on the desk. "She used to be the chief designer. However, when Mr. Knox took over the company, he removed her from that position and gave everyone an equal opportunity to compete for the post."

Soren didn’t open the file. Instead, he leaned forward, his eyes on Kael. "Go on."

"Daphne was desperate to retain her position. Instead of working hard to prove her abilities, she resorted to plagiarism. She was caught stealing Madam Elowen’s blueprint."

A cold glint appeared in Soren’s eyes. "She stole Elowen’s work?"

Kael nodded. "Once her plagiarism was exposed, she was dismissed from the design department and demoted to a clerical position."

He pointed at the file. "All the details are there in the folder."

Soren pulled the folder toward him and opened it finally.

Kael continued, "Since then, she had held a grudge against Madam Elowen. She blamed her for everything that happened to her, even though she brought it upon herself. I heard that she was openly jealous of Madam and often looked for opportunities to trouble her."

Soren’s fingers tightened around the edge of the folder. "So she decided to take revenge on Elowen by attacking her reputation." His expression grew colder.

"Exactly. She took those photographs and posted them on the portal. Then she started spreading rumors that Madam is having an extra-marital affair."

The last words seemed like a blow to his head. "An extramarital affair? She has a death wish."

Soren clenched his jaw so tight that he felt as though his teeth would shatter.

Daphne had already caused Elowen enough trouble. She had stolen her work and repeatedly made her workplace unbearable. And now, she had crossed the boundary.

Soren would make her pay. He wouldn’t allow a toxic person to stay around Elowen.

"Dig out all the secrets about her. Her past, her family, her relationship. I want everything."

Kael gave a firm nod. "Consider it done."

Soren leaned back. "Since she likes spreading rumors about others, I’d like to see how she handles it when rumors about her start circulating."

Kael straightened. "I’ll dig out her history."

"And Kael."

"Yes, Mr. Vale."

"Make sure those photographs are removed from Auravia’s portal. I don’t want Elowen’s name dragged into another round of gossip."

"I’ll take care of it," Kael replied. He turned to leave, but Soren’s voice stopped him.

"One more thing."

Kael looked back at him.

"Don’t let her know we are investigating her," Soren said grimly. "Let her enjoy her little victory now."

"Understood, sir. I’ll update you once I gather the information."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

By the time Soren returned to the villa, it was already late. As he entered the living room, his eyes immediately settled on Elowen. She was sitting on the sofa, waiting for him.

It had always been this way.

Back then, she would wait for him just like that, often staying awake late into the night to see him return. It had become such a familiar sight that he had stopped paying attention to it.

He had taken her presence for granted and walked past her without a second glance, barely acknowledging her efforts.

And now, seeing her sitting there, waiting for him, his heart gave a painful tug.

She used to wait for him with love and hope in her heart, while he had never bothered to stay with her and ask how she was.

A wave of guilt washed over him.

He had never realized how much those small moments had meant to her or how deeply his indifference might have hurt her.

The thought that she might someday stop waiting for him frightened him more than he wanted to admit.

"You are late today," she remarked, getting up. "Was there too much work?"