?Chapter 396:


    Ethan said to Viper directly, “You should consider what I’ve suggested. Remember, you have a shipment stuck at customs. And I’m aware that its origins are not exactly above board.”


    Viper stood his ground. “You needn’t worry about my affairs. Better to concentrate on your own shipment instead.”


    Sabine’s temper red as she yelled at Brenna, “Are you ying games with me? Aren’t you afraid I’ll go straight to Ernst and tell him everything?”


    Brenna dismissed her concerns without fuss, saying, “First off, you’re not yet part of the Harper family. Our family issues don’t concern you. Secondly, how can you be so certain Ernst will marry you? Ernst is remarkable, and plenty of women are drawn to him, even those whoe from backgrounds that match his perfectly.”


    She raised an eyebrow and walked to the window to look at the courtyard below.


    Sabine rushed to join her and was shocked by the sight. A stunningly beautiful woman was being introduced to Ernst by Giselle.


    Ernst greeted the girl with a polite smile, and they exchanged contact information.


    Sabine faintly recognized the woman, knowing her name was Lilith Richardson. She understood now that her future mother-inw disliked her; despite knowing about her rtionship with Ernst, she was still introducing him to other women.


    Brenna said, her voice cold, “Do you really think you measure up to Lilith? Her parents hold powerful positions, and she’s enrolled at one of the top universities. Her social status is far higher than yours. You could work your entire life and still fall short of her level. And to top it off, she’s just as beautiful as you, if not even more. She is also younger than you.”


    Sabine’s fists tightened, her brow furrowed deeply, and even her eyes showed signs of strain. She stared at Ernst as he continuously smiled at the young woman, indicating he might have taken a liking to her.


    Brenna said, “Ernst heard everything you said just now. Look at how he’sughing and talking with Lilith. Perhaps he has seen your true colors and decided to break up with you.”


    Sabine responded defiantly, “That’s not possible! We’ve already moved in together. He promised he would never betray me. I will exin everything to him right now.”


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    She hurried out of the house and quickly made her way to the courtyard below.


    Ernst was asking Lilith about her preferences between barbecue and fruit tters with a smile, his demeanor filled with warmth.


    Sabine walked over to him and quickly said, “Ernst, please listen. I didn’t mean what I said earlier. I didn’t want to drive your sister away. I just thought she was overstepping by pushing you out of the Harper Group. I wanted her to apologize, not to try and take all the Harper Group’s resources.”


    Sabine had no idea that Ernst hadn’t heard a single word of what she had said to Brenna.


    She mistakenly assumed he was upset and was deliberately mingling with another woman to make her angry. What she failed to realize was that Lilith and Greta had known Ernst since childhood. Though they had never been particrly close, they talked from time to time.


    Lilith had indeed exchanged contact information with Ernst, but to him, she was still the little girl who used to cling to his sleeve, seeking protection.


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