?Chapter 189:


    Fifteen minutester, she pulled up beneath an ancient tree, shut off the engine, and stepped into the courtyard.


    She was already home, seated in the living room beside Lydia.


    Lydia shot Elena a look before ncing at She—a silent message passed between them. She had refused to leave, insisting on staying here. With no other choice, Lydia had brought her back.


    Elena had originally nned to take She to the, far from the Reed family’s reach. But She was firm—this was the only ce she wanted to be.


    Elena acknowledged Lydia with a nod before approaching She. “I’m back.”


    At the sight of Elena, She’s face lit up. She gestured toward a seat. “You’re home! Sit down, dear. I’ll make some egg sd for you.” To She, nothing beat good egg sd. She always made sure Elena had some whenever she visited.


    Elena gently stopped She before she could head to the kitchen, crouching down with a serious expression. “I came to take you with me. Let’s go to the together.”


    She stroked Elena’s hair affectionately. “I’m too old for such long trips, my dear.”


    But Elena knew age wasn’t what held She back—it was the memories tied to this ce. She had already anticipated this answer but had to ask onest time.


    Since She didn’t want to leave, Elena wouldn’t force her.


    Elena helped She settle back into her seat. “Take care of yourself. I’lle by as often as I can.”


    Elena had intended to leave immediately, but She insisted they stay for lunch. So, Elena and Lydia remained for the meal before heading back to the.


    As they stepped outside, Lydia spoke up. “Are you really leaving She here? The Reed family won’t just sit back and do nothing.”


    Elena tossed a helmet to Lydia before securing her own. “I’ve already arranged for someone to guard the ce on my way here. If the Reed family dares to make a move again, they’ll regret it.”


    With that, Elena swung onto the motorcycle. Dressed in ck, her striking features were entuated by the sharp lines of her outfit.


    Lydia smirked. “Oh? You finally remembered your bike, huh? I heard there’s a racingpetition at Redcliff Mountain next month. Thinking of joining?”


    Elena’s response was cool and nonchnt. “Maybe. Now, get on.”


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    Lydia swallowed hard. “Elena, you need to stop being this ridiculously cool. Keep this up, and I might just fall for you.”


    With that, Lydia wrapped her arms around Elena’s waist. If anyone knew who she was clinging to right now, they’d be green with envy. As they rode back, Lydia called out, “Why not stay longer with She?”


    Elena didn’t ease off the throttle, her words carried away by the rushing wind. “There’s news about the cinnabar. I need to see the Johnsons.”


    After parting from Lydia, Elena hurried back home to change into more suitable attire for her visit to the Johnson family’s residence.


    Although the Johnsons owned a sprawling vi at Hillside Manor, Elena knew their true home was nestled within the exclusive enve of Jeweled Cove.


    As she pulled into Jeweled Cove, Elena had barely stepped out of her car when a young girl suddenly rushed into her, almost causing them both to fall.


    Elena caught the girl gently but firmly, looking into her eyes with concern and surprise. “Are you alright, dear?” she asked softly.


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