?Chapter 701:


    Elena decided to drop the subject. She could see that Jeffry had feelings for Lydia, alright. But the mess they were in? That was all on Jeffry. Elena shared a few drinks with Lydia, and as the clock chimed midnight, Lydia quietly ced her ss on the table.


    “Alright, I’m taking off now. Take care while I’m gone,” Lydia said, her tone subdued.


    Lydia shrugged on a ck jacket, zipped it up to her chin, and vanished into the darkness.


    Lydia’s covert work for the intelligence agency demandedplete secrecy—even Elena had no clue where Lydia was headed or what kind of dangerous mission she was undertaking.


    That night, Elena sat alone at home for hours, sleep eluding her.


    Jeffry finally stumbled home after days of being holed up at work, surprised to find Elena still awake. “Why are you still awake?” he asked, his voice even and calm.


    Elena slowly lifted her gaze, her light brown eyes holding a calm, distant look. “Just couldn’t sleep,” she murmured.


    Jeffry shrugged off his suit jacket and sat beside her. “Still worried about those photos? I told you I’d handle it. Don’t stress.”


    He looked like he’d been dragged through a hedge backward, his voice thick with exhaustion, yet he still tried to reassure her with a patient tone. He really was a decent brother, despite everything.


    But Elena had some things she needed to get off her chest. “Jeffry,” she began, her voice uncharacteristically serious, “Lydia’s gone. Were you even aware?”


    The mention of Lydia’s name made Jeffry stiffen, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. His lips tightened into a thin line before he finally asked, “Where did she go?”


    He had been giving Lydia space, thinking a little distance would help her get over it. He had figured she’d eventuallye around. His marriage to Evelyn was just a business arrangement—it wasn’t supposed to change a goddamn thing. As long as Lydia stuck around, he had no intention of letting her go. Not a chance.


    Jeffry hadn’t anticipated that Lydia would take it the wrong way—or even worse, leave him to make a point.


    Jeffry’s face hardened, his voice losing all warmth. “She’s free to go wherever she pleases. It’s her decision.”


    A deep frown creased Elena’s forehead, disappointment flickering in her eyes like a dying me. Jeffry clearly didn’t grasp the meaning of truly cherishing someone. Not everyone waits indefinitely. Some people walk away and never look back.


    I@?e$t ￠н@???я$ ?η ???и?vε??.c?m


    Abruptly, Elena rose to her feet, her voice sharp. “Jeffry, do you even have feelings for Evelyn?”


    Jeffry remained silent for a moment, rubbing his temples as if battling a headache. “That’s not something you need to concern yourself with. I’ll take care of it.”


    He didn’t want Elena dragged into thepany’s messy affairs. He wanted her to have a peaceful life, free from that kind of burden.


    Elena pressed her lips into a firm line, her disapproval evident. “Jeffry, I’m not a child. If you’re only marrying Evelyn to save thepany, don’t. I can handle whateveres our way.”


    Jeffry dismissed her concerns, ruffling her hair with a patronizing smile. “Go get some rest. Staying up sote isn’t good for you.” With that, he stood up, grabbed his jacket, and headed upstairs.


    Staring at his retreating figure, Elena exhaled and said, “Jeffry, I hope you won’te to regret this in the future.”


    Jeffry’s footsteps faltered for a brief moment at the top of the staircase — but then he continued on. He had always been a man who lived without dwelling on regrets.


    The following morning, Javier burst into Elena’s home, a whirlwind of excitement.


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