?Chapter 489:


    Francesca couldn’t hold back augh as she whispered with a hint of mystery, “I’ve discovered something.”


    Caught off guard, Devonte hesitated before asking, “What have you discovered?”


    With a hushed tone, Francesca murmured, “I’ve figured out who Lena really is.” The heat of her breath against Devonte’s ear sent a blush spreading across his neck and face. Rooted to the spot, he was momentarily speechless. Francesca gave him a gentle elbow nudge. “Why are you zoning out?”


    Jolted back to the moment, Devonte recoiled slightly, stuttering, “It’s… It’s nothing…”


    Francesca assumed he feared she might spill the beans. With a reassuring smile, she said, “Your secret’s safe with me. We’ll keep it between us, okay?” She stretched out her pinky finger and linked it with Devonte’s. “Pinky promise.” This childish gesture eased the pounding in Devonte’s heart.


    Reluctantly, Devonte responded, “Alright, but act as if you don’t know anything.”


    Francesca nodded and said, “I understand.”


    yfully tousling her hair, Devonte murmured, “And what exactly do you think you understand?”


    Later, Devonte dropped Francesca off as Elena and Louis made their way back to Hillside Manor.


    Driving, Louis asionally stole nces at Elena. She was a woman of many secrets. He resolved not to pry, trusting she’d share when ready.


    The car drove up to the Harper family’s vi.


    The night had already fallen, the sky dark and foreboding, with the air thick and still, offering no hint of a breeze. A storm was on the way, the rain ready to pour.


    Vince’s house, however, was brightly lit.


    Elyse cried uncontrobly as she said to Samira and Bertha, “Grandma, Samira, Elena is unbearable. She wants to see me dead. She won’t rest until she pushes me to the edge.”


    A sh of malice crossed Elyse’s downcast eyes. Knowing Louis wouldn’t let her off the hook easily, she was determined to take matters into her own hands by striking first.


    Elyse sobbed, “Grandma, you’re my main support. If you can’t help, I’m left with no one…”


    gα?ησν????s???оm, your fiction hub


    Bertha’s worry deepened. “Elyse, what are you talking about? You have a family—uncles, aunts, cousins—who all care deeply about you. Let’s talk it over calmly. There’s no need for tears.”


    As Bertha observed Elyse, whose features mirrored those of her deceased daughter, emotion choked her voice.


    Elyse was Bertha’s sole remaining link to herte daughter, and she hadvished love and care on Elyse consistently.


    Despite an incident where Elyse identally caused her harm, Bertha couldn’t bring herself to reprimand her.


    Recently, Elyse had shown signs of maturity, which had pleased Bertha, making her believe Elyse had turned a new leaf.


    This morning, Elyse had bubbled with excitement about her audition. But she came back in a state of upheaval, tears streaming down her face.


    “What has happened to distress you so terribly?” Bertha’s anxiety surged, nearly overwhelming her.


    Samira rushed to assist, guiding Bertha to a seat. “Easy now, Bertha. Your health is just beginning to recover.”


    .


    .


    .