?Chapter 1034:


    Somewhere along the drive, Jeffry’s eyes flicked open. He caught Elvin’s gaze in the mirror, his look sharp and icy.


    That was all it took for a shiver to run down Elvin’s spine. Quickly, he focused back on the road, hands tightening on the wheel as they pulled up to Lydia’s building.


    After they reached their destination, Jeffry told Elvin he was done for the evening and could leave.


    Jeffry stepped out of the car, rested his shoulder against the door, and lit a cigarette, letting the smoke curl intozy circles that drifted into the dark. His eyes…


    never left the window on the fifth floor, the one that belonged to Lydia. He stayed there until morning, motionless, with a nket of cigarette butts scattered at his feet.


    Jolie stepped into the house and lit up when she spotted her daughter inside. “Elena, why not stick around another day? There’s a big party tomorrow night. You shoulde out and enjoy yourself.”


    Worried Elena might refuse, Jolie added without hesitation, “Your dad and I have missed you so much. Could you stay a bit longer, just for us?”


    A sh of longing crossed Jolie’s face, and Elena hesitated, caught off guard by the softness in Jolie’s tone. After a beat, she offered a quiet nod.


    Beaming, Jolie couldn’t contain her excitement. She called for the staff and told them to whip up Elena’s favorite dishes. In no time, she pulled out a dazzling array of jewelry, dresses, and shoes she’d brought for Elena.


    Elena was taken aback by the sight of the closet filled with new items. “Mom, when did you buy all this?”


    “While you were off at the Azure Dragon Unit Base,” Jolie replied, ncing at the carefully arranged items. “I didn’t buy everything in one trip. Every time I saw something that seemed just right for you, I grabbed it. I guess I went a little overboard.”


    Being the mother of such a sweet and radiant daughter made it impossible for Jolie to resist those little purchases. Somehow, the collection kept growing without her noticing.


    Jolie let out a lightugh. “It’s really not that much. Try them if you want, or just leave them hanging. No pressure.”


    L?t??τ cнαρτ?rs ιn g??l??ov?l?.??????


    A gentle rush of gratitude filled Elena. She slipped her arms around her mother’s shoulders and hugged her tightly. “Thanks, Mom.”


    Stunned, Jolie froze in ce. Never before had Elena hugged her like this of her own ord.


    Awareness crept in, and Jolie’s smile softened as she patted Elena’s back. “You don’t have to thank me, darling. That’s what moms do.”


    After the meal, Elena lingered downstairs to talk with Jolie a while longer before heading up to her room. Barely had she set foot inside when her phone chimed with a video call. Wesley’s name shed across the screen.


    She answered, and his face appeared—damp hair falling over his brow, his white shirt unbuttoned low enough for water to glint on his chest.


    He studied her through the screen, a warm look in his eyes. His tone was soft as a whisper as he said, “Did you have dinner already?”


    With a slight arch of her brow, Elena replied, “Yeah, I did.”


    Wesley shifted his phone, the camera catching the sharp lines of his corbone and the toned muscle beneath his shirt.


    Catching the subtle movement, Elena nearly let a smile slip, but she kept her face carefully nk.


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