?Chapter 548:


    Wesley abruptly stood up, and Gerald, lost in his own words, failed to notice Wesley leave.


    Elena gently intervened, “Gerald, you should rest. Wesley has already left.”


    Gerald was taken aback. “That young rascal…”


    Momentster, Elena headed to the restroom and bumped into Wesley on her way back. He leaned against the wall in the corridor, a cigarette in hand.


    Elena hesitated briefly and then decided to walk on.


    “Elena.” His voice cracked slightly.


    Elena stopped abruptly in her tracks.


    Smoke curled up from Wesley’s fingers, framing his stern, handsome face as his brows furrowed. His eyes met hers.


    Elena was puzzled by why Wesley had called out to her.


    As Wesley snuffed out his cigarette, his deep-set eyes seemed to carry a heavy question, yet he chose silence over words. He had intended to confront her about blocking him, but the words slipped away.


    The situation left Elena baffled.


    At some point, Karen had made her way into the Spencer family’s vi. As Elena and Wesley appeared one after the other, Karen’s expression shifted from frowns to pouts, holding back her questions.


    Elena had saved Gerald, and Karen wasn’t in the mood for confrontation today. After a moment’s pause, Karen looked at Elena and awkwardly asked, “Um… maybe you should stay for dinner?”


    Elena was taken aback. Dinner, offered by Karen? Could this really be the same Karen?


    Typically, Karen was as nervous as a frightened cat around Elena, always wary of any possible trouble.


    With Elena not responding, Karen quickly added, “I’m not asking you to stay because I want you to. You treated my grandpa… If you don’t want to stay for dinner, just forget I even brought it up!”


    Elena lifted an eyebrow, her tone casual. “I never said no.”


    Karen smirked, trying to sound nonchnt. “Lucky you. I made a cake today, so you get to try it.”


    Lɑτ??τ cнαρτ?rs ??n g??l??ov?l??.??o??


    Gerald, who knew his granddaughter inside out, chuckled. “You haven’t baked in ages. Looks to me like you made this just for Elena. Admit it, Karen—you like Elena.”


    Karen’s face turned red in an instant. She was exposed. “Grandpa, stop! I don’t like her!”


    Karen would rather eat dirt than admit she liked Elena. She just hated feeling indebted to Elena—especially after Elena had saved her grandpa’s life.


    Originally in a sour mood because of Wesley, Gerald’s spirits were lifted by this whole exchange. He remarked casually, “It’s been way too long since I had your cake. I’ve missed it.”


    Karen gestured with her hand to indicate a small portion. “Just a tiny piece. You’re still recovering, so no overdoing it. I’ll make more when you’re fully better.”


    Elena’s lips curled into an amused smile. No wonder Gerald doted on Karen—she had that lively personality he admired. And underneath all that attitude, Karen genuinely cared about his well-being.


    Karen sliced the cake, handing the first piece to Gerald. Then, without hesitation, she gave the biggest slice to Elena.


    .


    .


    .