Hearing thoseforting words, Elysia immediately made her stance clear, "Don''t worry, I won''t start any trouble unless theye for me first. It''s not like I''m out looking for a fight. I just want them to understand that Elijah has a mom now! They can''t mock or bully our Elijah anymore!"


    Elijah looked at Elysia, his eyes brimming with tears. He finally had a mom! After longing for what felt like an eternity, his dream of having a mom hade true. And not just any mom, but Elysia, the best mom in the world!


    He had never been so happy in his life, nor had he ever looked forward to the holiday dinner as much as he did this year. He couldn''t wait to show everyone: look, this is Elijah Bradford''s mom! His real mom!


    Tarquin watched Elysia with a thoughtful gaze for a few seconds. In his eyes, Elysia might not be Elijah''s biological mother, but he was grateful and moved by her words nheless.


    Elysia affectionately stroked Elijah''s cheek, sending him off to y with Elliot, Evan, and Emmett. She then reminded Tarquin, "And when you go, don''t just focus on the food. Don''t forget to ask them to cover the medical bills! It must have cost a fortune today, at least a few thousand, right? Make sure they pay up every penny."


    Tarquin was speechless. Was he only going to the old mansion for the feast? And mentioning thousands like it was pocket change seemed a bit exaggerated to him. After all, Benjamin''s was the best private clinic in Jindale City, where aprehensive check-up could cost upwards of tens of thousands!


    Without further rification, Tarquin simply nodded in agreement. Outside the car window, the festive lights shone brightly, and the spirit of the season was in full swing. The kids, pressed against the window, marveled at the sight.


    Elliot, Evan, and Emmett, who had lived in the countryside, were not ustomed to the festivity, and Elijah had never been fond of celebrating. But this year felt different; it was a joyous reunion, and the kids were thrilled.


    Evan turned to Elysia, buzzing with excitement, "Mom, mom, I heard there''s a New Year''s Eve event tonight. How about we go to Mar River after dinner instead of watching the holiday specials at home? Can we, can we please?"


    The other three kids looked at Elysia with hopeful eyes. She smiled and nodded, "Of course, of course."


    The children were over the moon, turning back to the window, chattering excitedly like little birds.


    Elysia then turned to Tarquin, "It''s the holidays, let''s make the kids'' wishese true. If you''re busy tonight, I can take Elijah and the others out for some fun. You do your thing."


    "I''m free," Tarquin responded.


    Elysia was taken aback, "Oh, you are? Really?"


    He looked at her, "You wish I wasn''t?"


    Elysia chuckled awkwardly, her words not matching her thoughts, "No, no, of course not."


    Truth be told, she''d rather go out with the kids alone. With him around, she felt somewhat restrained, always worried about exposing the children, feeling uneasy.


    "You''re overthinking it. I''m not doing this to apany you; I''m here for Elijah," Tarquin rified.


    Elysia snapped back to reality, wide-eyed and curious, "Why would you think that? I never assumed you wereing for me."


    Tarquin just looked at her, speechless.


    Suddenly, Elysia remembered something important, "Oh, almost forgot, Lowell, before we head to the old mansion, let''s stop by Sunshine Community first. I just remembered we haven''t put up the holiday decorations there. It''ll be toote after dinner, and I want to take the kids out for some fun." Lowell nced at Tarquin through the rearview mirror, slightly taken aback by the sudden change of ns.