?Chapter 868:


    Elena tensed for a moment. What was it, really? Maybe it was because Lizzie reminded her too much of her younger self, stirring up memories she wished would stay buried.


    Her lips parted, and she spoke in a low voice. “When I was a child, I struggled alongside She. If not for my mentor, there might have been no difference between me and the children here…”


    Her voice trailed off. How many children here would ever get the chance to leave the ind? Most had never known life beyond its shores or set foot in a ssroom.


    Wesley shifted toward her, his steady gaze resting on her face. Elena, eyes still closed, missed the sh of sorrow that crossed his features. “We’re going to find your mentor,” Wesley spoke with steady conviction. The weight behind his words made it clear—he meant it. A soft smile touched Elena’s lips. “We will, I’m sure of it.” She had already made up her mind.


    Still resting beneath the warmth of the sun, Elena drifted into sleep without even realizing it.


    By the time she woke, the sun had shifted, casting different shadows. The ss-walled space was empty. Wesley was gone.


    Feeling refreshed after her nap, Elena inhaled deeply and made her way downstairs. From the first floor, the sounds of activity in the kitchen caught her attention, drawing her in.


    Wesley stood with his back to her, skillfully handling a lobster almost as thick as his forearm. Themanding air he carried in the business world had faded, leaving behind the image of a man who was grounded and quietly attentive.


    Without turning around, he spoke, sensing her nearby. “Sleeping beauty, you must be starving after skipping lunch. It’ll be ready soon—go wait at the table.”


    Right on cue, Elena’s stomach let out a loud, undeniable growl. She was absolutely starving.


    Without thinking twice, she headed straight for the dining table to wait. The ind’s bounty was plentiful—fresh seafood caught just that morning now crackled and steamed under Wesley’s careful touch.


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    When he finally brought the dishes out, Elena’s appetite surged. Wesley carefully picked out the most tender pieces of lobster and set them on Elena’s te. “Give this a try.”


    Elena took a bite. The meat was firm, sulent, and rich with the natural sweetness of fresh seafood—perfect without any extra seasoning.


    She gave an approving nod. “It’s really delicious.” A wider smile tugged at Wesley’s lips.


    It was already past three in the afternoon by the time they finished eating.


    Just as they were cleaning up, a group of children appeared at the vi’s entrance.


    With the staff and butler off for the day, the vi remained quiet, leaving only Wesley and Elena to notice the curious little faces peeking inside.


    Elena spotted Lizzie among them and beckoned her over.


    Beaming, Lizzie dashed toward her.


    Elena tilted her head toward the doorway, nodding slightly at the others. “What brings all of you here?”


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