Chapter 233


    When Tarquin came looking for Elysia, she had just hung up the phone with Callum.


    After worrying about Elijah, her concerns had shifted to Winona.


    Communicating with Callum about Winona was her only option. First, Callum’s family was well–off and


    had the means to dig up more information. Second, Winona was his high school sweetheart, and her


    well–being was of utmost importance to him.


    She hadn’t yet shared the news about Winona’s situation with Blossom. Knowing Blossom would only


    fret alongside Elysia, unable to offer any real help.


    Zane was also in the dark. Elysia had a nagging suspicion about him and feared that mentioning


    anything might tip him off.


    The doorbell rang, and Elysia, d in casual loungewear, emerged from her bedroom. “Who’s there?”


    Silence greeted her question.


    Outside, Tarquin stood with a scowl, ring at Lowell, “Speak up!”


    Lowell was puzzled. Why was he expected to talk when it was Tarquin who wanted to see Elysia?


    Outmatched, Lowell cleared his throat and replied cheerfully, “Ms. Thorne, it’s me, Lowell.”


    Elysia had a good impression of Lowell and dropped her guard, opening the door, “Lowell, what brings


    you here?”


    Her expression soured instantly upon spotting Tarin behind Lowell. Her brows knitted together, and her


    demeanor turned frosty. “What are you doing here?”


    The stark contrast between her warm greeting for Lowell and her icy reception for Tarquin didn’t sit well


    with Tarquin. His lips thinned, barely containing his irritation.


    It had been a while since anyone dared to give him such attitude!


    Quick to smooth things over, Lowell intervened, “We just wanted to thank you for the meal you


    prepared for Elijah today and talk a bit about him.”


    Knowing they wereing, Lowell had made a detour to the mansion to pick up a few gifts.


    He brought a prized skan king crab and a rare Brittany lobster, both freshly airlifted in luxurious gift


    packages.


    With gifts in hand, implying a wish to be weed inside, and considering Elijah was involved, Elysia


    reluctantly let them in.


    No sooner had they entered, Lowell’s phone rang. “Ms. Thorne, I’ll leave you with Tarin for a moment.


    Need to take this call downstairs.”


    Left alone with Tarquin, Elysia poured him a ss of water with such vigor it seemed more like she


    intended to ssh it in his face than offer a drink.


    “I’m not thirsty!” Tarquin dered, on guard..


    Elysia mmed the half–poured ss on the table and said, “Whatever.”


    Tarquin remained silent.


    10:56


    Sitting opposite him, Elysia’s simple yet conservative loungewear, adorned with dainty


    chrysanthemums and whitece,plemented her demure charm. She appeared gentle and docile, a


    picture–perfect


    belle.


    Yet, the moment she spoke, she transformed from a belle into a fiery dame, her gentle demeanor


    reced by a fierce resolve.


    “Spit it out! What do you want?”


    Tarquin, struggling to keep his cool, managed, “Thanks for looking out for Elijah.”


    “No thanks needed. My concern for Elijah has nothing to do with you!”


    Her care was purely out of empathy for Elijah’s resemnce to Elliot and Evan, and nothing more.


    Tarquin insisted, “I’m his father!”


    Elysia shot back, “That’s irrelevant to me! In my eyes, Elijah is his own person. My concern is for Elijah


    alone. If that’s all you came for, you can leave. You’re not welc