?Chapter 1099:


    He had never devoted much thought to his appearance. However, after meeting Elena, who seemed to cherish his looks, he had begun to worry. Now age had be another source of anxiety he couldn’t dismiss.


    Elena gazed up at him, genuinely surprised. Had that been what motivated his ruthless intensity moments before? To prove he hadn’t lost his vigor? She remained quiet briefly before responding. “Who said you’re old?”


    Wesley’s expression darkened, his voice carrying sharp irritation. “You ventured out for midnight food with some young university students. Doesn’t that suggest you find me too old?”


    He needed to prove to her—without any uncertainty—that age hadn’t diminished him.


    Elena exhaled slowly. “Javied’s university hosted a special showcase today. I attended to watch, and we sharedte-night food afterward.”


    Silence stretched between them like a taut wire. Following an extended pause, Wesley wordlessly ignited the engine and steered toward Hillside Manor.


    With Christmas drawing near, the research facility entered holiday break, and Ellis journeyed home for the celebration. This time, Ellis appeared more withdrawn than ever. Though he had always been reserved, the Harper family couldn’t ignore that something felt wrong.


    Jolie found her moment to voice her doubt. “Ellis, didn’t you mention during our phone call that you wanted to marry? Who captured your heart? Why didn’t you invite her home for dinner?”


    Ellis lowered his gaze. “I’ve chosen to postpone marriage indefinitely.”


    “Why?” Jolie pressed on, worry creasing her features. “Did you two have some disagreement?” She had already purchased him a mansion close to Hillside Manor.


    Ellis’s brow creased slightly. “No.”


    Charlette hadn’t engaged in any argument with him. She had simply begun treating him as if he didn’t exist. He hadn’t encountered her in a long time.


    Following the termination of the partnership between the research institute and Edgewing, Charlette disappearedpletely. Ellis hadn’t seen her at the Azure Dragon Unit Base since then. He had attempted to reach her by phone, but her device remained perpetually unavable. She seemed to have evaporated without a trace.


    Jolie prepared to probe further, but Ellis interrupted her. “I have business to handle. I’m leaving now.”


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    Ellis obviously wanted to avoid this conversation, and Jolie found herself with no alternative but to respect his wishes.


    Days melted away until Christmas Eve morning finally dawned.


    Elena rose early to join Jolie on a shopping expedition to the mall. Jolie umted an impressive collection of purchases—festive decorations, clothing, and premium ingredients.


    Observing Jolie fill two entire shopping carts, Elena feltpelled to ask, “Are we certain we need this much?”


    Jolie’s face radiated warmth as she responded, “I’ve spent years dreaming of preparing Christmas supplies alongside my daughter. Before your return, I delegated everything to the butler. Now that you’re home, I can finally make this cherished dream a reality.”


    This marked Elena’s inaugural Christmas celebration at home, and Jolie wanted to shower her with everything, as though she could transport the entire shopping center back with them.


    Elena grasped her hand gently and said, “We’ve reached our carrying capacity.” Only then did Jolie restrain her purchasing fervor.


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