Chapter 148


    The next day


    At the crack of dawn, around 6 30 AM, Tarquin’s phone erupted into a cacophony of chimes, dragging


    him from the depths of sleep.


    Groggily, Tarquin grabbed his phone from the nightstand, assuming it was some work–rted


    emergency But when he nced at the screen, he was stunned to find it was Elysia calling.


    Instantly, his grogginess vanished


    Sitting up, ne leaned against the headboard, eyeing the phone with suspicion.


    His brain kicked into high gear, wondering if she was sleepwalking or had dialed by mistake.


    As he pondered, the ringing ceased only to start up again.


    Back 16 back calls meant it was neither a mistake nor sleepwalking.


    With a slight frown, Tarquin answered the call. He didn’t speak first, but Elysia did, “Could youe


    down here?”


    “Huh?”


    “I said,e down. I’m outside your ce.”


    “What are you doing down there?”


    “Just get down here, and don’t let Elijah catch on.”


    Tarquin threw off his covers, got out of bed, and peered out the window.


    He had a clear view of the scene below.


    Elysia, swaddled in a puffy winter coat, stamped her feet in the snow, asionally ncing up at the


    building, her face red from the cold.


    Tarquin didn’t know what she was up to, but after a few seconds of hesitation, he still left his apartment.


    As he stepped outside the building, Elysia hurried over to him, noticing his sleepwear, she couldn’t help


    butment, “You’re out in this freezing weather dressed like that? Aren’t you cold?”


    Her unexpected concern caused Tarquin a moment of difort, and he asked with a dark


    expression, “What do you want?”


    Elysia took out a thermos from within her coat. “Take this to Elijah.”


    Tarquin looked puzzled, “What is it?”


    “I made breakfast for Elijah. Give it to him, but don’t tell him I made it. If you do, he probably won’t eat


    it.”


    Tarquin looked confused.


    She exined, “After I left yesterday, I thought things over. Elijah’s reaction was intense, probably


    because my appearance was so abrupt that it scared him. He’s got this mood disorder, makes him


    extra sensitive. Plus, I’m a woman. The deeper his obsession with his mother, the more he rejects


    other women. My sudden appearance probably made him overthink. He might even assume you’re


    trying to find him a stepmom, so I can’t just show up unannounced again. If I appear today, his reaction


    will likely be even more intense than yesterday. So, it’s better if you give him the food. Just see if he


    likes it, okay?”


    Tarquin “Why the sudden kindness?”


    “Yeah, just trying to make a good impression.”


    Tarquin’s expression shifted, and Elysia quickly added, “Don’t get the wrong idea, I mean a good


    impression, not seduction! And it’s not directed at you, it’s for Elijah. This meal is for him!”


    “Yesterday you were so reluctant, why are you suddenly seeking him out today?”


    Elysia’s lips moved slightly as she admitted the truth, “I feel sorry for him.”


    Tarquin “He has nothing to do with you, so why do you feel sorry for him? Are you some kind of saint


    who feels sorry for every child?”


    “It’s not like that… Look, don’t ask anymore. Basically, I just really want to help him, I’ve got no ulterior


    motives. If you don’t trust me, there’s nothing I can do. If you think I have other intentions, then just


    throw the food away. Anyway, I need to tell you, your son’s condition is already pretty serious. If you


    don’t find a way to treat him soon, it’s going to lead to trouble!”


    With a stem look, Elysia faced him for a moment, then turned and walked away.


    Watching her slender figure disappear into the distance, Tarquin’s expression was a mix of emotions.


    Only when she was out of sight did he look down at the thermos in his hands. After a moment of


    silence, he carried it back inside the building