?Chapter 264:


    A subtle sense of relief washed over her. She must have been mistaken.


    After Elena signed the photo, Karen eagerly produced several more. “Olivia, can you autograph these as well?”


    Elena nced at the images. Karen had an eye for good shots—all of them captured her in the middle of a sharp turn, her silver vehicle slicing through the track like a meteor soaring into the sky. One even showed a partial glimpse of her face.


    Once she finished signing, Elena retreated to her lounge to change.


    At the back exit, Lydia was waiting impatiently. As soon as Elena slid into the car, Lydia groaned. “I thought I’d finally get a glimpse of Xavier’s face! Why didn’t you make him take off that mask? That figure, those legs—he’s got to be gorgeous!”


    Elena remained silent. He was, in fact, striking. But it was best if Lydia never discovered who he really was. If she ever found out, she’d probably never want to see him again.


    On the way back, Elena took an unexpected route with Lydia before heading to Hillside Manor. As she reached the vi entrance, she crossed paths with Elyse, who had just arrived home.


    For reasons unknown, Elyse stopped her. “Elena, where did you go after the race?”


    Elena folded her arms, her voice sharp. “That’s not your concern.”


    Elyse hesitated for a moment. Truthfully, it had nothing to do with her. Her history with Elena had always been tense, so it was only natural that Elena wouldn’t confide in her. Still, without a definite answer, an uneasy feeling lingered in Elyse’s mind.


    Pressing forward despite the tension, she asked, “Did you leave immediately after the race?”


    Elena clicked her tongue, her gaze turning cial. Was she being too lenient? Or was Elyse simply incapable of taking a hint?


    Elena pivoted, locking eyes with Elyse. Her expression was void of emotion, as if her stare alone could turn someone to stone.


    Elyse’s posture stiffened, shifting awkwardly as difort settled in. Her face flushed. “W-what are you trying to do?”


    Elena took a slow step forward, moving out of the shadows. Now that she was in full view, Elyse could see the ridicule written all over her face. It was humiliating—like a p to the face.


    L?τ??τ ch?ρτ?rs ιn g??l??ov?ls.????


    Elena hadn’t even said anything, yet Elyse instinctively faltered. That realization ignited frustration within her. How dare Elena exude such dominance!


    A smirk yed on Elena’s lips. “Creatures naturally gravitate toward safety and avoid danger. Because of the Harper family, I’ve overlooked your past behavior, but that doesn’t mean I have limitless patience.” She leaned in slightly, her tone unwavering. “Elyse, don’t forget this feeling. Think carefully before you act recklessly again—because next time, I won’t be so forgiving.”


    Elyse’s face lost all color. A gust of wind stirred the trees, producing an eerie rustling sound that sent a chill down her spine. She shivered, and by the time she snapped out of her daze, Elena had already vanished.


    Kiera had been undergoing herbal treatments for a while now. That morning, after breakfast, Elena made her way to the Johnson estate. The distance between their residences wasn’t small. Jolie had arranged for a car, but Elena chose to decline. The weather was pleasant, with the sun not too harsh, making it a perfect day for a stroll. Her endurance was impressive—she could cover ten kilometers without breaking a sweat.


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