?Chapter 557:


    “Mom, why are you here?” Jeffry asked.


    Jolie brought out a thermos. “You’ve been so caught up with work that we barely see each other, so I decided to visit. Try this soup. It’s great for your health.”


    The soup glistened, rich with medicinal herbs.


    Jeffry had a bowl of it.


    “Been caught up in anything interestingtely?” Jolie asked, a hint of concern in her voice. “You missed our family dinner again.”


    Jeffry ced the bowl down calmly. “Wended a big project at work, so it’s been all hands on deck.”


    His workload was indeed monumental. Earle’s scheming with the workforce had causedplications in the Harper Group’s international projects, slowing progress more than expected.


    However, his absence from family dinners was also because he was seeing someone else.


    Jolie understood the father-son duo’smitment, recognizing their deep dedication. Nevertheless, she still wished for Jeffry to settle down soon. “Despite your workload, don’t overlook your personal life. What do you think of Evelyn?” Jolie asked.


    Jolie knew that Evelyn and Jeffry had recently shared a meal, just the two of them. Evelyn had grown fond of Jeffry, and the Morgan family was pleased with the Harper family.


    Jeffry’s demeanor remained cool, not even lifting his eyes. “She’s fine.”


    Jolie couldn’t help but smile at his lukewarm response. Jeffry’s use of “fine” sparked a glimmer of hope in her.


    Elena, caught off guard, turned to look at Jeffry. What did he mean by “fine”? Wasn’t he with Lydia?


    Jeffry closed the thermos and stood up. “I need to catch a meeting soon. Maybe you should head home.”


    Jolie respected his busy schedule and didn’t press further.


    Elena decided against apanying Jolie home, choosing instead to visit Jeffry’s apartment.


    Lydia’s face lit up at the sight of Elena. “Why did youe by today? Shouldn’t you be treating Gerald?”


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    Elena gave a slight shake of her head. “He’s almost better. Skipping one day will be fine.”


    Opening her arms wide, Lydia embraced Elena warmly, resting her head against Elena’s shoulder and holding her close. “Let’s just hold onto this moment,” Lydia whispered.


    Elena, unustomed to such intimacy but recognizing Lydia’s need, allowed the embrace to continue.


    After a moment, Lydia blushed slightly. “Why are you so tender today, not pulling away from my hug?”


    Normally, Elena would gently pull away from Lydia’s embrace.


    Elena pretended to pull away. “Maybe it’s time to let go?”


    But Lydia clung tighter. “Oh no, hugs from you are too precious to end quickly!” Lydia’s hair, previously cropped short, now flowed just past her shoulders, giving her a softer appearance. Her cheeks, rounder than before, added to her newfound gentleness.


    Cutting straight to the heart of the matter, Elena asked, “What’s the situation between you and Jeffry right now?”


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